How can I help my DS who has ADHD, year12

[ponyboysgolden]

DS has just started his A levels, he's capable academically but is already finding it hard to do the private study that he needs to do. He finds it really hard to focus on homework and will give up quickly if he experiences any technical difficulties. He doesn't seem to find it any easier to do the work in college unfortunately.

I am wondering if there is anyway I can help. I need to understand more about ADHD, can anyone recommend a good book that I can read? I don't want to just buy the first book I find. Also, we need to buy him a laptop so that he can do his work. At the moment he uses the family laptop, which isn't ideal as I often need it. I've decided he needs his own, is there anything specific that could make things easier for him? I'm not sure how to help him to be honest, but can see him failing if he can't do the private study that he needs to. I am wondering about medication, obviously I need to discuss this with him. His ADHD causes a lot of difficulties for him, at the moment it is the lack of focus that I am concerned about.

If DS is open to medication, definitely try that.

Helping DS set up an organisational system for his notes will able things easier. If DS will, making revision notes as he goes along will also be useful.

Depending on DS’s difficulties some assistive technology might help. Things like speech to text software, text to speech software, mindmapping software, Brain in Hand.

Has DS received any support with his executive function?

@EndlessLight thank you for taking the time to reply, I really appreciate it.

I will look into assistive technology and speak to him, see if that could help, I think it might.

He has had no support with his executive function. We received his diagnosis about 2 years ago, the school made some initial adjustments for him which made things easier for him in school and that has been it. No further contact with anyone, I'm not sure how I would get that kind of support for him.

Speak to the SENCO.

In some areas, ADHD coaching is available on the NHS. That might help.

Medication was a game changer for DD, she describes it as clearing away the fog so she can concentrate. Side effects take a bit of getting used to though.

Russel Barkeley has written several books:
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You can find a lot of information here: https://www.additudemag.com/

Medication has helped my DD15 a lot. It's Elvanse so she only takes it on school days. I think it's important for them to understand the difference in themselves between how they feel medicated and not.