If Your Adolescent Has ADHD: An Essential Resource for Parents (Adolescent Mental Health Initiative)

by Thomas J. Power

The second step in developing an ABC plan is considering the antecedents—things preceding a behavior that influence how likely it is to occur. By manipulating antecedents, you can set your teen up for success. Antecedents vary depending on the individual and the target behavior in question. Here are a few typical examples: •Physiological antecedents. Hunger and lack of sleep may lead to a bad mood, and that, in turn, may lead to uncooperative behavior. To set the stage for a better attitude, establish a household routine with regular times for eating meals, shutting off electronic devices before bedtime, and going to bed. •Environmental antecedents. Frequent distractions, such as a TV that’s always blaring or a phone that’s constantly pinging, may make it harder to pay attention, stay on task, communicate effectively, and engage in healthy family routines, such as mealtimes. To set the stage for improved focus, you might want to establish some house rules for screen time and phone use in your home. For example, you might make a rule that electronic devices and cell phones aren’t allowed during meals and for a period of time afterward, which is reserved for reading and homework. You may also want to have a discussion with your teen about when it makes sense—and when it doesn’t—to use phones, tablets, and laptops in the bedroom.