Previously it was thought that children with ADHD would outgrow it.The hyperactive part of ADHD is often better at this time, so many thought that the other areas of problem would also be better. We know now that this isn't true. Many teenagers may be less "hyper" but they still continue to fidget and be impatient. Also many of the other symptoms continue to make their lives difficult. For some children the symptoms of ADHD may not even show up until they become teenagers. If they are quite smart, they could probably have made it through elementary with little trouble with their homework and projects which were not long or intense. As they go into junior high or high school home work increases and one is asked to work on harder, longer and more independent projects. At this time they may start finding it hard to stay on task long enough to produce products that are acceptable at their current grade level.

If left untreated, ADHD can lead to serious problems in a teenager.

• Teenagers with ADHD (Impulsive Type) have 400% more traffic accidents and traffic tickets related to speeding, than teens without ADHD
• Twice as many teens with ADHD will run away from home that teens without ADHD.
• As many as 50% of all teenagers in juvenile facilities have ADHD but were untreated for ADHD.
• Arson is often associated with Attention Deficit Disorder, as teens with untreated ADHD are three times more likely to be arrested for arson than those without ADHD
• Teenagers untreated for ADHD are ten times more likely to get pregnant or cause a pregnancy than those without ADHD.
• Teenagers untreated for ADHD are 400% more likely to contract a sexually transmitted disease than teens without ADHD.

While the impulsive ADHD kids will often get into trouble, the inattentive ADHD kids tend to be non-compliant due to not being motivated enough to remember the things that he was asked to do. Impulsive-hyperactive ADHD teenagers are the mort likely to get into trouble than are the inattentive ADHD teens as they tend to crave the stimulation of anti-social behaviors, and impulsively "act-out". Because they are impulsive, they don't plan their crimes well, and are usually easily caught.

ADHD can cause problems in the life of a teenager, but with proper treatment, either medication, behavior modification, or preferably both, teens can do great things with their life. The ADHD child and teenager are full of energy, they can be very entertaining and creative.

There are two main groups of adults with adhd:

• those who were diagnosed as children and still have symptoms, and
• those who were never diagnosed. The second group may be more likely to include females. As a child a highly organized home life can mask the expression of ADHD symptoms.. Pronounced difficulties may only emerge during higher education, or even in the work world, when environmental demands become more complex

A treatment which is multifacited is best for adults just as it is with children. Stimulants or antidepressants are often given to adults with ADHD. They may help adults to concentrate, pay attention, and curb impulsive behavior. Psycosocial treatment may include psychotherapy which addresses how ADHD has and continues to affect the person's life. It may also include education about the disorder itself. Along with medication and psychosocial treatment, structured external supports like day planners, computers and coaching are helpful to adults with ADHD.

The better one understands ADHD and how it affects your life, the better you can use it to your advantage. Certain jobs benefit from creativity and high energy - both "symptoms" that many adults with ADHD exhibit.

My name is Alice. I am a mother of 4 children and I have been a teacher for the past 30 years. I have taught in the elementary classroom(K-3) during that time. I have worked with numerous children who have been diagnosed with adhd and saw improvement in their behavior and work after steps were taken to treat their symptoms and accommodate their needs. For more information please log on to my website [http://www.adhd-resources.net]

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