What does ADHD support look like?

[JoyousExpectation]

My daughter is 14 and was diagnosed years ago with ADHD. She has a 504 plan and is using it at school.

I am thinking about trying medication again. We tried unsuccessfully in her younger years.

So she has 504 plan

I will investigate medication with her primary care doctor.

I am looking for a therapist or coach who specializes in ADHD.

What else can I do to support my daughter as she starts high school?

[executivefunksean]

Here are some things that come to mind: encourage her to take breaks throughout the day, help her set up an organizational system, create a calm and structured environment at home, encourage exercise and healthy habits, and foster open communication with regular check-ins. It's important to stay flexible and adjust your approach as needed.

[artistmomMe]

hi! I would strongly consider hiring an EF coach. The woman who coaches our daughter once a week has played a huge role in her 504 plan, daily planning, organization, and life skills. We also have a therapist that she sees once every 2 weeks. High school is hardcore and we definitely need as much support as possible.

[HoldingonLou]

WOW! If you can get your child a coach she will gladly work with that is awesome. ADHD support can be so many different things. It's really based on what your specific child needs. Where I live we have a center called Focus. The dr specializes in adhd and training skills. Success comes with organizational skills and structure.

Personally I couldn't afford Focus so my child had an IEP at school. Everything our schools did was online so I checked daily to see what the assignments were and checking to see if the assignments were submitted. Alot of communicating with teachers in order to better assist my child to be successful and pushing him from home.

[STEM_Dad]

The best thing that I think you can do is give your daughter validation. She should know that you're in her corner, that she has inherent worth (her worth is not defined by her capabilities, nor diminished by her struggles).

Teach her the skills that she will need, in order to find accomodations in life...how to address issues, how to speak to an authority figure and represent herself well. She's going to need to do so throughout her life.

So, empower her to ask for help when she needs it. Coach her how to bring up issues for discussion, like you would do for her. When you have meetings about get support, let her do some of the talking (help her find good ways to phrase what she needs, before the appointment).

* I have no specific advice about finding coaching, besides checking the directories at CHADD.org or ADDitudemag.com .

Also, check with employer benefits. I've had employers that provided an "Employee Assistance Plan" (EAP), which included a wide range of services, such as counseling or therapy, and "life skills" coaching ...which might include ADHD coaching.

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What medications did your daughter's doctor try for her before? Only stimulant medications, or non-stimulants as well?

What presentation of ADHD does she have? (Predominantly Inattentive, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive, or Combined?)

[STEM_Dad in reply to STEM_Dad]

JoyousExpectation I just saw a post of yours from a few years ago, asking about dysgraphia. Did you ever find out if your daughter has dysgraphia? It's a common enough comorbidity with ADHD.

I think that in some cases, there's a direct correlation between ADHD, dyslexia and dysgraphia.

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JoyousExpectation I am an adult with Inattentive ADHD. Until I started on meds, just a couple of years ago, my struggles seemed to include mild dyslexia and dysgraphia. At first, I was prescribed Adderall XR, and it only partially treated my ADHD symptoms, but it did improve my dyslexia and dysgraphia struggles slightly. I've been on a non-stimulant, atomoxetine (generic Strattera), and it's improved my Inattentive traits and dyslexia twice as much as Adderall did. So, I've realized that my dyslexia & dysgraphia struggles we directly related to my attention issues. (Note: I've never been diagnosed with dyslexia or dysgraphia, but my slow reading speed and sloppy handwriting have been known issues since I was a kid.)