Publisher's Synopsis
This unique and compelling book addresses the challenges faced by teens with ADHD as they transition from high school into their young adult lives. Scientific evidence indicates that ADHD can result in up to a three-to-five-year delay in brain maturation and executive functioning skills, which means that many young people with ADHD are not developmentally ready to meet the demands of this critical juncture. Without continued support, young people can become overwhelmed and risk failure. Written by ADHD experts and parents of adult sons who are now successfully established in their careers, Launching into Young Adulthood with ADHD offers parents advice and strategies to help their teens develop the key life skills necessary for the adult world and identify potential vocational interests and career paths before graduation. An important theme is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to life planning for young people with ADHD. The authors therefore caution against automatically assuming that attending a four-year college right after high school -- or at all -- is the best path to a successful, fulfilling adulthood. Instead, they advocate nurturing natural talents, exploring careers that work with ADHD (sales, business owner, chef), using available services (transition planning, vocational testing and counselling), trying out work experiences (volunteer work, internships, summer jobs), and perhaps taking a gap year before getting additional education (college, community college, technical training). Because mood disorders and low self-esteem are common among young people with ADHD, the book offers plentiful advice for parents on building a strong, positive relationship with their children and recognizing and addressing anxiety and depression. The books hopeful and personable tone is exemplified by the authors Lessons Learned -- insights they share about their sons struggles and their own reactions -- and statements from parent survey respondents who share candid tips about avoiding common missteps and mitigating the impacts of ADHD. In addition, The Gallery of Hope presents the photos of several young adults whose challenges and successes inspired the book. Dont miss this top-notch guide to helping young people define and prep for the future with very specific ADHD considerations and its empathetic and collaborative approach to launching teens into their lifes journey.
