Challenging Behaviour
Seeking independence and freedom
Possible Ways to Help
o Encourage independence
o Trust until proven not trustworthy
o Be observant of activities & friends
o Consider compromise
o Set up win-win situations
o Offer an attractive alternative
Challenging Behaviour
Disobey/conflict with adults
Possible Ways to Help
o State rules clearly
o Involve in developing rules
o Write down rules/post them
Challenging Behaviour
Acting younger
Possible Ways to Help
o Adjust expectations
o Ask his help in solving problems
o Teach desired behaviour
o Impose consequence if necessary
Challenging Behaviour
Are impulsive
Possible Ways to Help
o Anticipate problems
o Avoid tempting teenager
o Consider medication
Challenging Behaviour
Difficulty paying attention/don't seem to listen
Possible Ways to Help
o Make eye contact/use touch
o Keep instructions brief and simple
o Avoid preaching
o Write instructions down
o Accept their listening style
Challenging Behaviour
Forgetful/doesn't do chores
Possible Ways to Help
o Make a written list
o Use "post-it" notes
o Help get started/show how to do
o Ask how you can help
Challenging Behaviour
Disorganised/lose things/have messy rooms
Possible Ways to Help
o Put name on possessions
o Purchase less expensive things
o Assist in being organized
o Serve as a coach
o List steps for clean room
o Help clean room/garage
o Close door to messy room
Challenging Behaviour
Lack awareness of time/they're late
Possible Ways to Help
o Use wrist watch alarm - Check out Watchminder on our Books & Resources pages
o Rent or buy a beeper
o Teach awareness of time
Challenging Behaviour
Difficulty planning ahead
Possible Ways to Help
o Teach planning
o Teach time management
An ADD/ADHD Coach or friend my be able to help here
Challenging Behaviour
Difficult to discipline
Possible Ways to Help
o Use positive reinforcement
o Use logical consequences
o Reward or punish immediately
o Be consistent
o Create new consequences/rewards
o Use behavioural charts
o Use rewards/may include money
o Avoid power struggles
o Redirect interests
o Give second chance
o Be humane
Challenging Behaviour
Low frustration tolerance/irritable/emotional
Possible Ways to Help
o Listen/be supportive
o Use active listening
o Teach problems solving skills
o Teach anger control
Challenging Behaviour
Argues/talk back
Possible Ways to Help
o Ignore minor infractions
o Walk away from conflict
o Give space and time to cool off
o Impose a consequence
o Adjust medication
Challenging Behaviour
Don't accept responsibility for actions
Possible Ways to Help
o Deal with problem behaviour
o Let them know that whatever they have done you still love them it is the behaviour you don't like
Challenging Behaviour
Dishonest
Possible Ways to Help
o If you know answer, don't ask
o Eliminate some punishment
o Develop plan to deal with problem
o Impose a consequence
Challenging Behaviour
Difficulty with extended family events
Possible Ways to Help
o Keep outings simple/reduce demands
o Keep outings brief
o Look for creative solutions
o Allow to drop in for brief visit and leave
o Medication may help
Challenging Behaviour
Difficulty participating in sports
Possible Ways to Help
o Play large muscle sports
o Play an active position
o Consider medication
Challenging Behaviour
Restless/easily bored
Possible Ways to Help
o Get involved in activities and sports
o Plan interesting family outings
o Encourage hobbies & interests
o Make special plans for Holidays
Challenging Behaviour
Seek material possessions
Possible Ways to Help
o Allow to earn money
o Plan for Holidays or birthdays
o Purchase fewer, less expensive gifts
o Teach to express gratitude
Challenging Behaviour
Self-centred
Possible Ways to Help
o Remind of special occasions
o Invite to shop with you
o Encourage to do things for others
Challenging Behaviour
Break things or have accidents
Possible Ways to Help
o Handle accidents philosophically
o Treat as would an adult
o Discuss physical strength
o Put expensive possessions away
Challenging Behaviour
Daring/have accidents/ break bones/climb the unclimbable/do harrowing stunts/
Possible Ways to Help
o Encourage safe, stimulating activities
o Monitor level of danger
o Provide supervision
o Negotiate compromise
o Ask others for help
Challenging Behaviour
Sleep disturbances/can't fall asleep
Possible Ways to Help
o Establish reasonable bedtime
o Prompt to get ready for bed
o Establish bedtime routine
o Don't start projects after set time
o Consider compromise during crisis
o Encourage exercise
o Consider medication/confer with Dr.
Challenging Behaviour
Can't wake up
Possible Ways to Help
o Buy alarm clock and place out of arms reach so they have to get out of bed to turn it off
o Connect lights and TV to timer
o Try positive incentives
o Consider medication as last resort
o Look for other causes
Challenging Behaviour
Difficult morning routine
Possible Ways to Help
o Allow enough time
o Ask help in problem solving
o Use logical consequences; walk to school; leave on time/dress in car; give 10 minute warning
o Get things ready night before
o Give meds immediately upon waking
Challenging Behaviour
Difficult morning routine
Possible Ways to Help
o Allow enough time
o Ask help in problem solving
o Use logical consequences; walk to school; leave on time/dress in car; give 10 minute warning
o Get things ready night before
o Make them phone school to say why they are going to be late
o Give meds immediately upon waking
Challenging Behaviour
Birds of a feather, flock together
Possible Ways to Help
o Refer friends for treatment
o Approach other parents with tact
o Tell of treatment benefits
o Encourage other friendships
Behaviours Unique to Teenagers with ADD Without Hyperactivity:
Challenging Behaviour
Low energy
Possible Ways to Help
o Encourage physical activity
o Consult doctor
o Get physical exam
o Check for depression/meds if needed
Challenging Behaviour
Absent-minded/spacey
Possible Ways to Help
o See suggestions re: organisation
o Anticipate problems/make adjustments
o Medication may help
Challenging Behaviour
Slow processing
Possible Ways to Help
o Make adaptations at home and school
o Speak to school and see if they can help with some suggestions for maintaining focus in school also share any ideas which have already been successful at home
Behaviours Unique to Teenagers with AD/HD With Hyperactivity:
Challenging Behaviour
Attention seekers
Possible Ways to Help
o Give opportunities to be centre stage
o Participate in activities allowing recognition
o Discuss inappropriate attention
o Ignore some behaviour
Challenging Behaviour
Intrusive
Possible Ways to Help
o Set boundaries
o Identify parent's & sibling's space
o Impose consequences
o Try to explain and teach the arms length rule for how far to stand away from a person when speaking to them
o Teach to wait
Challenging Behaviour
Difficulty relating to others
Possible Ways to Help
o Invite their friends on outings
o Invite their friends to house and organise things to do which you can oversee or take part in so that you can encourage them to participate with others
o Provide tips on relating to friends
o Wait for teachable moment
o Coach his team
o Medication may help
o For boys, encourage having friends in addition to girlfriends
Try to enjoy your teenager and allow them to try to express themselves to you without getting annoyed with them. Remember to let them know that you love them but it is often the behaviours you don't like!