Teenager not listening to doctor/therapist

[lovetotravel1108]

Hello!

My 16 year old's psychiatrist suggested that we get him an ADHD coach and said that therapists don't really help. That is fine, but it seems like my teenager is not even complying to psychiatrist's recommendations. I hired a coach who online chats w/ him (cuz it's more affordable) and he sometimes doesn't even go into the chats. I also hired a tutor for him and he sometimes forgets and always makes the tutor wait.

My fear is if he doesn't even comply why spend more money and get myself more frustrated....? Anyone have any advice?

[LisethHIS]

Hi, Lovetotravel1108,

Thank you for contacting CHADD National Resource Center on ADHD. Is the coach a life coach? does he work with ADHD individuals? Sometimes that can make a difference. Here is a link to our directory chadd.org/professional-dire... and ACO adhdcoaches.org/ and perhaps a teenager ADHD group can help as well. Here is the link to two free CHADD support groups for teenagers. adhdkc.org/ and chaddofsfv.org/

If there is anything else you need, please let me know.

Thank you,

Liseth

Health Information Specialist

CHADD’s National Resource Center on ADHD chadd.org

[Peerandparent]

Your psychiatrist is right; psychotherapy isn't shown to have benefit for kids with ADHD. Even as an adult I don't find therapy terribly helpful, because the problem isn't knowing the "right way" to do things; it's knowing the "right way" and being unable to do it.

ADHD is a point of performance problem. That's why evidence shows that training for the parents is far more effective, since that will teach you how to beat help him at that point of performance.

He probably knows all the skills, so what he needs most are workarounds and accomodations. That means that the support he needs can't be given in advance; it has to be provided in the moment when he's struggling, or right beforehand.