ADHD Case Study: From Chaos to Clarity

Q: Can you give us a quick snapshot of this ADHD case study?

Absolutely. This client—let’s call him Jayden—was a 13-year-old middle schooler referred to our clinic for constant forgetfulness, homework battles, emotional outbursts, and what his teachers described as “untapped potential.” His parents were overwhelmed. He was frustrated and full of self-doubt. Classic ADHD-in-the-wild.

Q: What were the biggest challenges Jayden was facing?

Jayden had executive functioning deficits across the board:

• Couldn’t keep track of assignments

• Forgot to turn in work he actually completed

• Struggled with transitions and time blindness

• Meltdowns during homework time

• Zero confidence and lots of “I’m just stupid” self-talk

His parents were constantly nagging, and nobody was winning.

Q: What did the evaluation reveal?

Our comprehensive ADHD assessment showed he had:

• ADHD, Combined Presentation

• Average-to-superior IQ with specific working memory weaknesses

• Mild anxiety—likely due to years of struggle and internalized shame

The data was key in helping both Jayden and his parents understand his brain, not just his behavior.

Q: What happened after the diagnosis?

We built a 360° support plan:

• Parent coaching to shift from punishment to proactive support

• Executive functioning skills training with Jayden (planner use, chunking tasks, visual schedules)

• Therapy for self-esteem and anxiety

• Medication (low-dose stimulant) after consulting with his pediatrician

• School collaboration to create a 504 Plan with accommodations like extended time, check-ins, and a second set of books at home

Q: What was the turning point in Jayden’s progress?

Honestly? When he realized he wasn’t broken.

Once we reframed his “laziness” as lagging skills, and gave him tools instead of guilt, things started to click. One day he said, “I actually remembered to turn in my math homework—and my teacher smiled at me.” That little win changed everything.

Q: What strategies helped Jayden most?

Top 3 game-changers:

1. Timers and task lists with visual prompts

2. Homework routine with movement breaks and snack incentives

3. Daily planner check-ins with his mom that were supportive, not scolding

We also created a reward system around effort (not results) to reinforce motivation.

Q: Did the family dynamics change, too?

YES. Once his parents stopped viewing his behavior as defiance and started seeing it as a lagging skill set, their relationship got less combative and more collaborative. We coached them to:

• Use calm scripts

• Offer choices

• Praise progress

• Model self-regulation

Q: Where is Jayden now?

A year later, Jayden’s not “cured”—because ADHD isn’t something you cure—but he’s managing his life with tools, confidence, and a major vibe shift.

• He made honor roll last quarter

• He advocates for himself at school

• And he hasn’t melted down about math in months (progress!)

The Takeaway

This ADHD case study is a reminder that when we stop punishing the symptoms and start supporting the system, kids like Jayden can thrive.

Want your own chaos-to-clarity transformation? 💚

📞 Call or text: 614-470-4466

📧 Email: admin@achievepsychology.org

🌐 Visit: www.achievepsychology.org

Works Cited:

1. Barkley, R. A. (2020). Taking Charge of ADHD.

2. Dawson, P., & Guare, R. (2018). Executive Skills in Children and Adolescents.

3. CHADD. (2023). “ADHD and Executive Functioning.”

4. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). “ADHD: Clinical Practice Guidelines.”

5. Brown, T. E. (2013). A New Understanding of ADHD in Children and Adults.