In a few months, many teens with ADHD will be graduating from high school. For many, this has been a difficult and laborious journey and it is looked forward to with great relief. For others, this upcoming moment may bring waves of fear. No matter how difficult it was to make it through high school, the thought of having to manage on their own without the support of teachers and the structure of the school day, they don't know how they will make it. High school graduation signals entering the adult world, where they must be responsible and depend upon themselves.

Going Off to College

The decision of whether or not to go off to college may have already been made. For these students, finding support systems at college is essential. Many colleges have programs in place to help students with ADHD and other learning disabilities. There may be resources centers, support groups or coaches available to help them learn to deal with the challenges of college. Parents can help teens by looking into these resources and finding out what their teen will need to do to take advantage of services. For teens that had IEP (Individualized Educational Program) in high school, talk with the high school guidance counselor about having the IEP transferred to the college and set up an appointment with the student services office or the office for student with disabilities to discuss accommodations or modifications for classes.

In addition, before heading off to college, it is important to learn life skills. Teens can begin long before by determining whether they work best with a structured routine. Each person tends to work best at a certain time of the day. Understanding whether you function best in the morning or afternoon can help when scheduling classes, making sure those that you anticipate will be the most difficult are scheduled at the time of the day you are most alert. Additionally life skills include doing the laundry, budgeting and time management. It is important to practice these skills before going off to college. Having to maneuver a new life at college is overwhelming by itself. Not knowing life skills can make it more overwhelming. Parents, make sure you use the time now to help your teen gain these skills, if they do not already have them.

Delaying College

For some students, making it through high school took an immense effort and they need some time off before entering another academic setting. Some teens are just not mature enough or ready to head off to college and continue their education. Although it is often thought that if they don't go to college right away, the chances of going to college greatly diminish, it is better to delay college than to head off without being ready and returning home feeling as if they have failed. Additionally, college is a large expense and it is sometimes better to delay than to begin and then drop out several months later.

For some, taking one or two years off and working will help them gain the maturity needed to be away from home and make it on their own in college.