Teenagers usually represent a challenge not only for the child in transition,but also for his parents. The ones affected by ADHD are much more difficult to handle,because of the increased difficulty they have regarding peer-pressure,the risk of failure in certain areas,a bad opinion on themselves. The things that are not allowed seem more and more tempting,such as alcohol,sex or drugs,and they are regardless of the consequences. A constant need to break the familiar rules takes over them,which drives to confusion from both them and their parents. The last ones have at first a feeling of relaxation,generated by the ending of early school years ,but new times bring new problems. Even if,until then,the child constantly got professional help and evaluation,the new period demands accurate re-examination..



Communication gains more importance now,because,at this point,rules are more easily understood and followed,Or,at least,they should be .The child should get from his parents the explanation for certain rules he cannot or will not understand. Charts posted in a familiar place,as the kitchen,containing certain principles or rules concerning domestic life,school and social aspects. It should also contain domestic tasks assessed to the child.

The violation of rules (which will most certainly take place),should be handled by the parent with calm and self-control;punishment becomes necessary,but even in the case of teen-agers,a break might be useful .ADHD brings often impulsive and rebellious behavior .But they only need a little space.

The frequent going-outs are frequent for teen-agers,and,at one point,they will be needing a car. The parent should listen to the demanding child,motivate their choice or establish conditions. Compromise,communication and availability are crucial for the relationship.

Teenagers and Their ?Need? For a Car

About the age of 15,most teenagers start talking about their need for a car. It is encountered more often in boys,but the girls also desire to drive. But statistics are enough to generate terror .Six years ago, 18 percent of people that died in car accidents were teenagers.16 is considered the most dangerous driving age. And,of course,the more exposed to this tragic events are young people with ADHD (about 4 times more).There are also these young people that mostly excess speed. Although many states allow driving-license at the age of 16,maximum caution is required.

In order to prevent the repetition of such tragedies,some countries adopted GDL,the graduation of a driving system,to get the license. This systems follows gradually different degrees of difficulty for new drivers and was developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. It is divided into three points: learner, intermediate and full licensed stages for drivers. The drivers have to prove themselves responsible in traffic at every level,before achieving the next one;as a precaution,beginners should constantly be accompanied in the car by an adult that has a license,giving them also the possibility to practice and improve their driving. By constant driving,the teenager's skills will be improved .In the end,the satisfaction of the ADHD young driver will be much greater than the effort.