If you have a teenager with ADHD, you might be familiar with a deeply frustrating phenomenon called ADHD paralysis — when your child doesn’t do something (maybe something important!) and their only explanation is that they simply … can’t. ADHD paralysis isn’t an actual form of paralysis, just a powerful feeling of being frozen or stuck. It can happen when a person is faced with completing a daunting task or simply making a decision.

This week at childmind.org, we have a new article for teens on ADHD paralysis, which happens when multiple challenges related to ADHD collide — including procrastination, trouble getting started, and difficulties with executive functioning and managing time. We also have resources on helping your kid with ADHD tackle their messy room and realistic advice for teens on how to get (and stay) organized. And because people tend to think kids with ADHD are completely unable to focus, we also discuss hyperfocus, the so-called “superpower” of ADHD, and how to harness it.

— Molly Hagan, Staff Writer | ✉