Teen DS and ADHD

[GoldGold]

Hope this is in the right place, not sure if SEN topic would be better.

So I have 14 year old DS, in Yr 9.
We felt he showed ADHD symptoms especially inattentive behaviours for some time and he finally got a diagnosis in July. Right now he is not on medication but may start in a couple of months, we are waiting for the appointment.
He has really struggled to make a good start to year 9 in school but I am in contact with the Senco and hopefully we can find ways to support him.
However at home the teenage hormones are really kicking in. So grumpy most of the time, angry outbursts over minor things, tears when he doesn’t get his way.

What did other parents find helped their ADHD son at this age? He seems very restless and always bored whenever he isn’t on the phone or playing video games. Any recommendations for activities to keep him busy would be appreciated?

Anything that taps into the dopamine system should be a hit. Also know that anticipation is a cause of dopamine release (so when he's doomscrolling it's because he's getting a dopamine release from the anticipation that the next video might be good whether it is actually good or not).

If you haven't already checked out "Dr Russell Barkely's 30 top tips for parents" on yourube then this might give useful background info/advice on ADHD

@User0ne Thanks, I didn’t know that about the anticipation and dopamine. I will check out that YouTube video too.

Have you read or listened to the audio book by Sarah Templeton, How Not To Murder Your ADHD Child? Definitely worth it