"Shouldn't my teen have outgrown this by now?" If you’ve asked yourself this, you’re not alone. Many parents assume their children will outgrow ADHD by the time they hit their teenage years. Spoiler alert: they don’t. In fact, research shows most teens won’t outgrow it by adulthood either. Sorry, Mom and Dad! But the good news is that with the right tools and support, your teen can still thrive—and so can you.
ADHD in the Teenage Years: The Not-So-Fun Facts
The core symptoms of ADHD—inattention, impulsivity, and sometimes hyperactivity—still stick around like that one embarrassing baby photo. But in the teen years, they may look a little different. For instance, your teen may not be running around the house with boundless energy like when they were five (phew!), but they might struggle with organising their time or managing schoolwork. The demands of high school make these challenges more obvious, and suddenly, you’re left wondering if your teen ever listens when you say, "Do your homework."
Teens with ADHD also struggle with executive functioning. Translation? They may be great at making spontaneous decisions like whether to binge-watch Netflix, but planning long-term goals. Not so much. Combine that with a low tolerance for frustration, and you've got the perfect storm for eye rolls, slammed doors, and exclamations of,
Diagnosing ADHD in Teens: It’s Not Just for Little Kids
Maybe your teen wasn’t diagnosed as a kid, but now they’re struggling with school, chores, or life in general. It's not too late to seek help! However, diagnosing ADHD in teens can be tricky. Symptoms like excessive climbing or running (a classic sign in younger kids) aren’t quite as relevant when your teen’s biggest climb is up to their bedroom to avoid chores. Plus, getting feedback from their many different teachers can feel like gathering evidence for a Supreme Court case.
But don’t worry—if ADHD is the culprit, an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist can help navigate this tricky diagnostic territory. They’ll take a look at their development to date, academic performance, social behaviour, and reports from parents (you!), teachers, and maybe even your teen’s soccer coach.
Why is My Teen So… Moody?
Ah, the age-old question: Is it ADHD, or is it just teenage angst? Sometimes it’s both. Teens with ADHD are more likely to have mood disorders, anxiety, or disruptive behaviour disorders (hello, Oppositional Defiant Disorder). It’s a cocktail of emotions that can turn any household into a reality TV show. Thankfully, professional support can help you both navigate these challenges.
So, What Can You Do?
The best thing you can do for your teen—and your sanity—is to get help. If you think your teen has ADHD, or if they were diagnosed years ago and are struggling now more than ever, book an appointment with a psychologist. ADHD doesn’t go away with age, but neither do the ways you can help your teen manage it. With the right treatment plan, support, and maybe some extra patience, your teen can go from feeling frustrated to flourishing.
Download our Free Resource "ADHD Practical Strategies for Parents & Teens" for tips on how to help manage ADHD in everyday life.
Ready to get started? Book an appointment today, and let’s help your teen—and you—find some balance.
