Mastering the Transition to College The Ultimate Guidebook for Parents of Teens With ADHD

Science-backed strategies and expert guidance for parents to help teens with ADHD thrive at college

Sending a teen off to college is a thrilling milestone, but for parents and caregivers of teens with ADHD, it can also bring unique challenges. Mastering the Transition to College is designed to ease those concerns by offering expert advice, practical strategies, and proven tools to help teens thrive both academically and emotionally during this transition.

Written with parents in mind, this step-by-step guide draws on the latest research, as well as the author's extensive experience as a therapist working with hundreds of high school and college students with ADHD and his perspective as a professor at a large university. Each chapter provides conversation starters for parents to initiate with their teen before--and during--college, as well as clear goals to accomplish, practical advice on how to approach key discussions, and easy-to-use tools to help guide parents through the topic.

Through this guidebook, parents and teens will learn evidence-based strategies that support organization, time management, and communication. Additionally, this book provides tips for addressing common mental health concerns that often come with ADHD, and explores how to maximize campus resources to ensure academic success and emotional well-being.

Mastering the Transition to College will help families confidently navigate this new chapter, ensuring the transition from high school to college is as smooth as possible.

Michael Meinzer, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Illinois Chicago. There, he directs the UIC SUCCEEDS ADHD Program that provides free comprehensive treatment for students with ADHD. His research delves into the co-occurrence of mental health challenges in children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD, with a focus on developing customized interventions that build on strengths and foster resilience. Dr. Meinzer's work is widely published and has garnered significant support from the National Institutes of Health and recognition from Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD). He has held leadership positions in prominent organizations, including the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies and The Society of Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology.

Part I: Introduction and Overview
Chapter 1: Structure of the Guide
Chapter 2: Communication Is Key
Chapter 3: ABCs of ADHD
Chapter 4: Goal Setting
Part II: Organizational Skills, Time Management, & Planning
Chapter 5: If It's Not on the Calendar, It Doesn't Exist
Chapter 6: Homework 101: Effective Task Completion
Chapter 7: How to Read, Study, and Take Notes Like a Pro
Part III: Preparing the Application and Selecting the Right School
Chapter 8: Selecting the Right School
Chapter 9: Submitting the Application
Part IV: Getting to Know Your Teen's Campus and Classes
Chapter 10: Accommodations, What are They Good For? A Lot!
Chapter 11: Hiding in Plain Sight: Campus Resources
Chapter 12: Piecing Together the Class Schedule
Part V: Mental Health
Chapter 13: Initiating or Maintaining Mental Health Care
Chapter 14: Dealing With Depression
Chapter 15: Addressing Anxiety
Chapter 16: The Importance of a Good Night's Sleep
Chapter 17: Alcohol
Part VI: Ongoing Discussions
Chapter 18: When and How to Revisit Content
References