ADHD and Teen Pressures: What Parents Need to Know

Teenagers with ADHD are often expected to meet the same academic, social, and extracurricular demands as their peers - despite having a brain that works in a fundamentally different way. Many appear to be coping on the surface, while quietly working much harder just to keep up.

In this session, we’ll explore how achievement pressure affects teens with ADHD, what signs may suggest they’re becoming overwhelmed, and how adults can offer meaningful support without unintentionally increasing stress. We’ll also look at practical adjustments that genuinely help teens manage school demands, especially those who are keen not to stand out or feel “different".

Discussion Points:

- How ADHD affects attention, motivation, organisation, and emotional regulation

- The hidden impact of academic and social pressure on teens with ADHD

- Signs that a teen may be masking or becoming overwhelmed

- Encouraging effort and growth without reinforcing comparison or pressure

- Practical school and home adjustments that actually help

- Supporting teens who resist accommodations or don’t want to feel different

- Building confidence, resilience, and a healthier sense of self

Takeaways for Parents and Educators:

✅ Greater understanding of how pressure affects teens with ADHD

✅ Tools to spot overwhelm before it leads to burnout

✅ Practical strategies to reduce stress while supporting progress

✅ Ways to help teens recognise their strengths and feel more confident in who they are