Support for teen daughter with ADHD

[Ohgoonthenanotheronefortheroad]

My daughter was diagnosed last October with ADHD. She usually copes pretty well with school, good grades etc. However she does rely on a lot of support and encouragement from me to keep her right and to help her get motivated to do homework and study but once she gets going she is fine. She has a bit of an issue with writing too much during assessments and therefore not having time to complete all questions and is asking me to speak to school about extra time for exams. I am happy to do this but I think she also needs a bit of support to work on her technique etc as opposed to extra time. Now that she has moved into the senior year, parents don't get homework notifications and so I feel like she is being left now to organise herself which is fine but she is likely to struggle with time management.

This is the first year she is having formal exams and I was just wondering what, if any, support others have spoken to school about? Is there anything I'm not thinking of that has helped others? I feel quite out my depth and the school haven't been forthcoming about talking this through as I think because to them she copes well, they aren't seeing much of an issue so keen to hear other experiences.

Is DD on medication?

Speak to the school about exam access arrangements. Extra time isn’t guaranteed. Not all with ADHD will be eligible. Rest breaks are more likely to be granted. You can read JCQ’s guidance online (ETA: Actually JCQ might not apply since you say senior year.)

Exam technique is covered in schools. That includes knowing how long to allow for each question and when to move on even if not finished. Speak to the school about this and ask if there is anyone who can reinforce this.

Also ask the school if they have anyone who can support study skills and organisation.

Does DD use any assistive technology?

Has DD ever had ADHD coaching?

You could ask for a reasonable adjustment for homework notifications. Or you could support DD to find a system that works for her e.g. a diary, assistive tech, taking photos of homework, sharing homework notifications with you…

There are several challenges children face while being in school related to studies or time management so what better could be done for your daughter is that you ask her to try to manage her time. It is also possible to tell the school teachers about her ADHD and they could suggest some other suitable ways which would also be practical and follows equality in all students.

Thank you for replying.

She was on medication earlier this year but it wasn't agreeing with her and it was agreed with CAMHS that we would try no meds and see how things are. She hasn't had any coaching but I do think it would be really useful. I'm just not 100% what the options are or where to start looking. I did speak to her school guidance teacher at the end of last year but they weren't really forthcoming with any further discussions so I will need to get back in touch. She doesn't currently use any assistive technology but I think mainly as we probably aren't aware of options. She generally seems to be coping mostly but I do worry there's a lot more going on under the surface. Her emotional regulation is a real issue for her.

How many different medications did DD try and did she try non-stimulants?

Some schools can offer ADHD coaching. In some areas it is available via the NHS. Other people go private - some in person and some F2F, so it is worth thinking about what will work for DD first.

I would look at assistive tech, including something like Brain in Hand.

For DD’s emotional regulation, has she had OT and SALT assessments and does she have any ongoing input?