Mindfulness for Adolescents with ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neuro-developmental disorder that can have a significant impact on adolescents, both in terms of their academic performance and their social interactions. Some of the effects of ADHD on adolescents may include:

• Academic difficulties: struggling with academic tasks, including homework, test-taking, and staying organised.
• Behavioural issues: having trouble following rules and may engage in risky or impulsive behaviours.
• Social difficulties: having difficulty making and keeping friends, and may struggle with social interactions.
• Emotional difficulties: experiencing emotional dysregulation, including irritability, anger, and mood swings.
• Substance abuse: being more prone to substance abuse, as they may be more likely to engage in risky behaviours and seek out stimulant medications.
• Sleep problems: having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, which can affect their overall health and well-being.
• Low self-esteem: struggling with low self-esteem, as they may feel like they are constantly failing or unable to meet expectations.

It's important to note that ADHD affects each adolescent differently, and some may have more severe symptoms than others. Treatment options for ADHD in adolescents may include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes, such as exercise and dietary changes. With proper support, adolescents with ADHD can learn to manage their symptoms and thrive. Mindfulness training is one such support that can be provided for adolescents with ADHD and it can be beneficial as it can help them with:

• Improved focus and attention: Mindfulness practices can help adolescents with ADHD improve their focus and attention by training them to be aware of their thoughts and feelings without being distracted by them.
• Better emotional regulation: Mindfulness practices can help adolescents with ADHD better regulate their emotions, reduce impulsivity, and manage their behaviour.
• Reduced stress and anxiety: Mindfulness practices can help adolescents with ADHD reduce stress and anxiety by teaching them how to manage their thoughts and emotions, and to be more present in the moment.
• Increased self-awareness: Mindfulness practices can help adolescents with ADHD develop greater self-awareness, helping them understand their own needs and triggers, and learn to manage them more effectively.
• Improved social skills: Mindfulness practices can help adolescents with ADHD improve their social skills by teaching them how to be present, listen actively, and communicate more effectively with others.

Our mindfulness program for adolescents with ADHD can be a helpful support for adolescents with ADHD to manage their symptoms and thrive. We encourage parents to use mindfulness practices in conjunction with other treatment options, such as medication or therapy, for the best outcomes.

Participants will receive:

• Mindfulness workbook
• MP3 files for practices

Session Dates (Saturdays):

• January 2024:  6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
• February 2024:  3rd, 17th, 24th
• March 2024: 2nd

Time: 1:00pm to 2:30pm

Venue to be confirmed.

About the Trainer Ms Cheryl Yeo:

Cheryl is a Certified Mindfulness Teacher and a Mindfulness Coach with the Centre of Mindfulness. As someone who has been practicing meditation for sometime on her own, her Mindfulness journey began in 2016 as she stumbled upon science and research on how Mindfulness could support children’s mental wellbeing especially with neurodivergent children.

With her working experience as an educational therapist and support specialist, Cheryl has been incorporating Mindfulness when working with children, young people and parents. Using Mindfulness, during her interaction with children and adults, has helped her to cultivate awareness of self and others, being present by connecting body and mind, and being kind towards self and others.

Cheryl believes that, with Mindfulness, when the head, heart and hands are aligned, children and adults can nourish and flourish in their daily lives.

Cheryl is certified to instruct young children (Certified Mindfulness Teacher with Mindfulness in School Project UK) and mindfulness programmes for adults.