Why Your ADHD Teen is Struggling right now (and how to help)

By late November, many ADHD teens are burned out. You may notice:

• School refusal

• Irritability or emotional outbursts

• Sleeping more (or not at all)

• Forgetfulness or missing assignments

It’s not laziness - it’s executive function exhaustion.

Why this happens:

ADHD brains work harder to regulate time, focus, emotions, and transitions. By the end of term, their resources are depleted. And without recovery time, the stress spills over into home life.

What parents can do:

• Name it: “You’re not broken. Your brain is just tired.”

• Reduce demands: Can anything wait until January?

• Prioritise rest: Gentle activities, early nights, no-pressure weekends

• Keep routines flexible: Predictability helps even if bedtime is late

This time of year often feels like a sprint to the finish. But slowing down might be the best support you can give.