Careers Suited for Individuals with ADHD: A Guide Emphasizing Strengths
Every teen should be equipped with a set of essential daily living skills to navigate adulthood with confidence and independence. Here's a breakdown of these skills, categorised into six core areas: Communication, Executive Functioning, Primary Needs, Secondary Needs, Advanced Needs, and Advanced Plus+.
Communication Skills
- Effective phone calls: Making appointments, such as doctors' or taxis, is a crucial communication skill.
- Proper email use: Mastering email etiquette, including recalling emails or enabling undo send, is essential.
- Good manners and social skills: Polite greetings, conflict resolution, and demonstrating a positive work ethic are all part of effective communication.
- Active listening and clear verbal communication: Understanding and practicing these skills are vital for both personal and work life.
Executive Functioning Skills
- Task planning and prioritisation: Mapping out steps to complete projects or chores is an essential skill for success.
- Budgeting and money management: Including grocery shopping on a budget and saving is a key aspect of financial independence.
- Organisation and scheduling: Balancing school, work, and leisure activities requires effective time management.
- Problem-solving and adaptability: Handling unexpected situations like emergencies or changes in plans is a valuable skill.
- Efficient time management: Balancing school, work, and leisure is essential for a well-rounded life.
Primary Needs (Basic Self-Care and Survival)
- Cooking simple meals: Preparing healthy meals, including meal prepping, is a fundamental life skill.
- Basic home maintenance: Cleaning, laundry, safe food reheating, and small repairs are all part of maintaining a home.
- Safe travel: Navigating public transportation safely, planning routes, and schedules for independent travel is crucial.
- First aid and emergency responses: Knowing basic first aid skills, including the use of a fire extinguisher, is essential for safety.
- Personal hygiene and health maintenance: Maintaining good hygiene and knowing when and how to seek medical attention is vital.
Secondary Needs (Building Independence)
- Vehicle maintenance: Changing a car tire or jumpstarting a car is practical knowledge for emergencies.
- Safe technology use: Setting up email or online accounts securely and using technology effectively is important for safety.
- Smart grocery shopping: Knowing how to shop smartly, including understanding seasonal produce, is a valuable skill.
- Regular exercise: Developing habits for long-term physical fitness is crucial for health.
- Engaging in hobbies: Balancing life and building social connections through hobbies, sports, or volunteering is essential for overall well-being.
Advanced Needs (Higher-Level Life Management)
- Job applications and interviews: Building a resume, preparing for interviews, and understanding workplace ethics are all part of career development.
- Complex budgeting and financial decisions: Paying bills, saving, and understanding needs vs wants are important financial skills.
- Informed decision-making about nutrition and lifestyle: Understanding the concept of "food as medicine" and avoiding unhealthy foods is crucial for long-term health.
- Self-advocacy and healthcare navigation: Including appointments, insurance, and support networks are all part of maintaining one's health.
Advanced Plus+ Needs (Skills for Full Adult Independence)
- Driving and vehicle maintenance: Managing insurance, registration, and schedules is part of adult responsibility.
- Stress management: Learning to manage stress through mindfulness training, breathing exercises, focused attention, and app-based meditation tools is essential for mental health.
In an emergency, your teen should know who to call and for what reason. They should also know basic mindfulness and meditation techniques to help with stress management. Encourage activities that involve physical movement for recreation, such as walking to the bus stop or biking to work.
Resources are available for teaching these skills to diverse learners, including those with ADHD and autism. The article provides resources for tracking a teen's progress and for improving their daily living skills in each area. Don't forget the importance of setting aside time for leisure, recreation, and wellness activities, and encouraging a hobby outside of school and work. A Life Skills Coach can also provide valuable assistance in teaching these skills to your teen.
- Understanding and practicing mindfulness techniques are vital for managing stress, which is an essential skill for mental health and overall well-being.
- In addition to physical exercise, incorporating hobbies or activities that foster mental wellness, like meditation or yoga, is crucial for a balanced life.
- Achieving financial independence requires skills like budgeting, saving, and making informed decisions about nutrition and lifestyle, which contribute to long-term health and wellness.
- Engaging in quality time for leisure, recreation, and wellness activities, such as playing a musical instrument or painting, can help reduce stress and promote creative expression.
- Consider seeking help from a Life Skills Coach to ensure your teen develops essential life skills like time management, communication, and stress management, which will aid in navigating adulthood with confidence and independence.
