Teenage dd with ADHD ...

[Luanne]

She was diagnosed at the age of 5. She is 19 now and still very hyper. I would like to help her more, but we don't have medical insurance. She was on medication until she was 12 (due to various factors she was taken off medication then). Anyway ... what can I do to help her that wouldn't cost a lot of money since I don't have a lot.

She still hasn't graduated from high school so we are going to use ACE. I thought that way she could take the placement test and start where she is at so she won't be too frustrated. Also I figured she could do short lessons in each subject and take breaks when necessary. I work full-time so I am hoping she will be able to do this mostly on her own. Her one strength is that she is a very good reader and started at the age of 4.

[Laurie4b]

One must read book is Women with Attention Deficit Disorder: Embrace Your Differences and Transform Your Life by Sari Solden . It is a very encouraging book, and written specifically for the issues that face females with ADD.

I think your idea of short lessons and breaks is very good--although she should plan to make use of her hyperfocus as well. Things that can help concentration: breaks that involve heavy muscle-joint input (think heavy exercise, lifting, etc.) , outside time, chewing gum, working on a surface that allows some movement, such as an exercise ball, experiment with whether listening to music while working helps or hurts (it can help many), being well-hydrated, getting goodly amounts of protein across the day. Experiment with caffeine.