Page 1 of 1 1

active forum Post Reply

Thread : Inattentive ADD and son's first job  
2 May 2011 @ 2:18 PM
RS Join Date: Fri 4th Jan 2008
Threads: 0 Posts: 1
Inattentive ADD and son's first job

I really need the perspective of other parents in a similiar situation. I have a 17 year old with inattentive ADD. He's the sweetest, most compliant kid ever and just got his first job in a fast food restaurant. This certainly wasn't his first choice, but it's so hard for the teens to find work now. My son came home crying last night as the manager said he's not working hard enough and not following directions. He set him up by placing some objects in the restroom, then yelling at my son when he was assigned to clean it and didn't notice the items. (canned food? seriously.) R. loves his job and doesn't want to quit. He said he does get confused when several people are telling him what to do (clean tables, help a customer, etc.) and nobody realizes how hard he's working. We talked about having ADD does make you have to work harder and while he gets some accomadations in school, that doesn't apply in the world of work. I told him that he can choose to quit, or try to prove the manager wrong. I'm really worried that he's going to be fired as there are a million teens looking for jobs, and then his self esteem will really be destroyed. Thoughts from parents in a similiar situation please?

Quote

6 May 2011 @ 2:15 PM Reply # 1
RS Join Date: Fri 4th Jan 2008
Threads: 0 Posts: 1
Follow up

I'm having a proud parent moment that I have to share. As an educator and mom of two ADDer's, we've always been very open about the diagnosis, strengths and challenges we have as a family and individuals. My son went back into work the other day, asked to meet with the manager and told him essentially that he will try harder but that he has ADD and was struggling with multiple directions and unclear expectations. I realize this may not be helpful to my son, depending on the manager's response, but I was SO proud of him for feeling comfortable enough to share this information and realize his ADD impacts his job. The manager appeared to have a positive response however and has scheduled my son for several shifts this week. Cool huh?

Quote

30 Jun 2011 @ 12:24 PM Reply # 2
mskris Join Date: Thu 30th Jun 2011
Threads: Posts:
ADHD update

I'm so proud of your son! That' really took guts for him to admit he has difficulty. I hope the manager is understanding and they can work something out (eg, directions are given at the start of a shift or he's taken aside to a more quiet place when they're updated). I thought it was stupid for the manager to "set him up," and I might have complained about that, but I think your son's actions were wonderful and I wish him the best. I will be facing this next summer, when my own son with ADHD will be 17 and looking for work.

Quote

30 Jun 2011 @ 1:06 PM Reply # 3
RS Join Date: Fri 4th Jan 2008
Threads: 0 Posts: 1
Follow up from job

I'm happy to share, that over a month later, my son is working, getting lots of hours and most importantly, is so happy. He loves his job and I think he felt empowered that he was able to maturely explain his challenges.

Quote

Page 1 of 1 1

active forum Post Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Local Time : 19 Jun 2013 11:52 PM
(Thu, 20 Jun 2013 03:52:37 GMT)

Copyright © 1998 - 2013 New Hope Media LLC. All rights reserved. Your use of this site is governed by our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
ADDitude does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this web site is provided for educational purposes only. See additional information.
New Hope Media, 39 W. 37th Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10018