Although we strongly recommend that adolescents attend our group workshop, it is also possible to arrange an individual workshop that is tailored to specific problems, issues, circumstances, goals, strengths, interests and weaknesses. Beginning with providing a young person with a firm understanding of himself both as an individual and as an individual with ADHD, the ADHD coach will assist a young person to develop homework strategies, communication skills, self-advocacy skills, and real-world competence.
It is sometimes difficult to keep track of progress, grades and homework in several different classes and with several different teachers. Our case managers check in with teachers each week, evaluate performance and make suggestions, and meet with or send a detailed email to adolescents and their parents to review the week’s work. If other professionals are involved (e.g., private tutors or doctors), case managers work with them to develop a reporting system that “pulls together the pieces” so that parents and kids are not overwhelmed by many sources of information.
For adolescents in their first year of university, it is sometimes helpful to check in with a mentor or coach to help review the week, discuss issues as they come up, and get support during the difficult first year of living away from home. Through e-therapy, students can “meet” once a week with a counselor to talk about their classes, their social life, their problems and even their diet! Through Skype or ichat, students can access a little bit of extra support when they don’t want to burden Mom and Dad. .