ADHD & ME: Social (Success) Story

This Social Story, entitled My ADHD & ME: Strategies for Life! is something I created in order to not only educate, but to empower children and youth with ADHD, in order to better understand themselves, to advocate for themselves, and learn strategies to utilize their many strengths, in life.

Children and youth with ADHD need to be educated on what ADHD means, what it brings (both challenges and positive strengths) and how to best manage it, so that they may experience life to the fullest!

This 20 page social story is more of a Success Guide for Life, for children and youth with ADHD. It can be used independently, as well as alongside teachers and parents.

It includes the following:

• Description of ADHD, including explanations of Inattention, Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

• Analogy of ADHD as our brain and body being like a turbo-charged engine

• Discussion on how Revving so fast can affect our learning

• What feelings and emotions may come along with ADHD

• Validation and examples of different emotions and how this can look when it overwhelms us

• Analogy of learning how to apply the brakes to slow down, and be a happy driver and in control

• Discussion of several practical strategies to help with applying the brakes and regaining control, including space for child to list their own strategies

• Brief discussion on medication as a tool to help with staying on track

• Emphasis on the ADHD child’s strengths, with examples and space to list their own!

• Reminder that ADHD makes them extra special

• Page for child/youth to write or draw what it is like for them to live with ADHD.

This 20 page story is in PDF format (8.5x11 inches), and is easily printable. It is full of engaging visuals, and uses developmentally appropriate language. It is geared towards elementary to early junior/secondary students, as well as students in special education and life skills settings.

As always, please leave a review/feedback so I may continue to provide practical resources to my fellow educators. Thank you!