Teens who have been there, done that, offer their best tips for making a successful charge into adulthood.
by Chris Zeigler Dendy , Alex Zeigler
Accept help with application forms.
Although I hate to admit it, I had to ask for help with the paperwork for college. Finally, I gave my parents permission to fill out the forms. I signed them and then my parents mailed them for me.
-- Alex, a young adult, looking back on his teen years
Participate in your IEP.
I'm always very active in my IEP meetings and tell my teachers what I need. Because of the support provided through my IEP, I'm becoming more self-sufficient.
-- Erik, 18
Curb your spending.
Don't carry your credit card in your wallet. Leave it at home in a safe place so you can't buy anything impulsively.
-- Alex
Reward yourself.
For example, after I've finished my homework, I allow myself to go to a movie or talk on the phone.
-- Kati, 14
Don't ever start smoking.
. Especially don't let your friends talk you into it. If I could do it over again, I never would have started because it's so hard to quit.
-- Alex
Don't let AD/HD get you down.
At first I was really angry about having AD/HD. I hated having to take the medication, yet I knew I needed it to do well in school. My advice is, "Don't let ADD get you down. Believe in yourself!"
-- Amelia, 18
Quotes reprinted with permission from A Bird's-Eye View of Life with ADD and ADHD, by Chris Zeigler Dendy and Alex Zeigler (Cherish the Children).