This stretch between Thanksgiving break and winter vacation brings a perfect storm of overwhelm for families. Parents are stretched thin, teachers are juggling deadlines and finals, and our ADHD teens are navigating a whirlwind of emotional, academic, and social demands. And let’s be honest—this time of year taxes everyone’s executive functioning. It’s joyful—but also a lot. So when a teen with ADHD starts losing steam in December, their lack of motivation isn’t defiance.

The holiday season can bring so much joy—time together, traditions, cozy moments—and at the very same time, it can crank up stress at home. Schedules get thrown off. Sensory overload kicks in. Emotions run high. Teens are staring down finals. And our neurodivergent kiddos, especially those with ADHD or learning differences, often feel this extra intensely.

Have you ever watched your teen glide into a school break with huge relief, only to crash into a wall of overwhelm the night before returning? Thanksgiving break, as cozy and heart-filling as it can be, can also be a tricky stretch for neurodivergent learners.