Assertiveness training. | ADHD Information

Jillette:  My DS has an appointment with a new therapist at the end of the month and I think I'll ask him about local support groups.  Also, I was thinking that I might tell my son about the board on this website for teens with ADHD; maybe it would be helpful.  He is not much of a reader, otherwise.

I feel bad for him, because he is very much down on himself and really gets frustrated with being what he perceives as different (ADHD, struggles academically).    

Thanks, again.  Have yourself a good evening!

Oh, BTW, regarding last post:  I checked the young adult message board and it didn't appear there were too many posts... < =text/>_popupControl(); My oldest son has been a follower from the first day of day care. I've tried steering him away from the over-bearing kids, giving him words to say when he wants to do something that "they" don't want to do, coached him to stand up for himself and think for himself. He's about 5 months from graduating high school now and none of it worked at the time, but I've seen that as he's grown, he's discovered his own personality and asserts himself much more now. Those kids who used to lead him around in 7th grade have softened with time, too. So now, with my youngest, I've decided to spare us both feelings of insecurity and inadequacy and just let him  be who he is.

What a great post!  Good for you and your eldest, and best wishes for your youngest, as well! 

What a journey of trial and error we have been through with our son described in posts above.  Even though I have learned from past experiences with our oldest child (female), it is still so different with our DS; obviously, he is the opposite sex, dx ADHD, and has had challenges that our DD has not.  However, she has worked her tail off in school over the years and claims it has not alway been easy for her either, and I wholeheartedly respect that. 

Thanks for sharing.  I always appreciate hearing what other parents have learned and experienced.  It helps.

Are there any support groups in your area he can attend?  I recently found near me where there are groups for adults and for parents through the University.  This way he can talk to other teens in the same boat or adults who can advise him.  Does he like to read maybe get him a self help book to read (if he does not get bored with it).  I wish he and you the best.

Thanks, Jillette.

My husband and I have discussed possible scenarios with him, off and on, over the years, as problems have cropped up.  As well, due to negative peer pressure and academic problems, my DS had received counseling in the past (after several months, the therapist thought it was no longer necessary to see him).  I'm sure it couldn't hurt to try either of those again, since he is now in high school with a new set of problems and more difficult challenges. 

However, since he is 16 year old, I'm shooting for for him to become more independent and involved in steps he can take/choices he can make to help his time in high school become more bearable; so, I thought that if he would attend an assertiveness training class or become involved in a support group, it might help him build confidence to speak up and be more assertive; he is really struggling now.

Thanks so much, again.

I would practice with him at home giving sceniarios, counseling can help, I would also go to a bookstore and look for books on the subject or library.  Good luck.

Does anyone have input on assertiveness training?  My teen continues to be readily influenced and controlled by peers, including friends and classmates, and really and truly hasn't been successful in dealing with it, even with support and suggestions from his guidance counselor, dad, and me.  TIA for information.