Empowering Minds, Bridging Understanding, Celebrating Neurodiversity: Support for Individuals with ADHD/Autism, Their Families, and Professionals.
Is ADHD a Gift? Look for “Islands of Competence.” Is ADHD a gift? Some say yes. Some say no. Look beyond the black-and-white. There are strategies to find out what they are. Encourage students to see the pluses where they excel above others. Common Strengths Dynamic Personality: Watch for self-deprecating humor. Risk-Taker: Victories seem impossible,…
Ever wonder why medication is often the first choice in treating Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? Consider that they are only 20% to 30% effective. The trick is finding which, if any, will work. Parents face a dilemma when selecting stimulant medication for their child with ADHD. It is key to explore perspectives based on challenges. There…
Teachers and parents of teens and young adults with ADHD: I need topics for my blog. Give a shout out with your ideas.
ADHD is characterized by inappropriate levels of impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity. Add challenges like self-regulation and behavior, and they present a major challenge in the classroom. Teachers can provide solutions. The first step is to identify specific characteristics. Characteristics Struggling in relationships Less engaged Avoidance of working (alone, in groups) Battles with authority Intrinsic motivation…
Want to find new strategies for teens and young adults with ADHD? Try building coping skills. The goal isn’t that they have to think about things or details. Luckily it minimizes, frustrates and values time. People with ADHD often have challenges with executive functioning. This includes confusion with writing, reading, and organizing time. It is beneficial…
Families of adolescents with ADHD seek many resources for intervention. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is gaining popularity. The question? What is it? Put into a broader perspective, CBT is an evidence-based practice aimed at improving mental health. CBT can treat a wide range of mental illnesses but you can see it here if you want to…
Adverse symptoms of ADHD affects family members more drastically than many disorders. Challenges increase and become more prominent in different ages. ADHD often affects all aspects of a teen’s life. Indeed, not only the child. It adversely impacts parents and siblings, causing ongoing disturbances as well. It also increases healthcare costs, using it as a…
Should students be placed in classes based on similar abilities? Low-level math? On-grade-level biology? What are the odds that same student can be in AP Physics? Now try it again, only add students with ADHD. Not likely, but it does happen. Here’s how. Students with ADHD have a smaller chance of being successful in…
Bullying a problem? For sure! The U.S. Department of Education has placed it as one of its important issues for the decade. Research proceeds. It’s especially important for students with ADHD. As targets. As bullies too. The numbers don’t lie. Students with ADHD are 10 times as likely to be bullied. On the other hand,…
All learners have different skills and needs. This is especially true for teens and young adults with ADHD. Addressing them as individuals is the best way to bring about academic success. Differentiated instruction (DI) is a framework; a philosophy that provides each student with individualized avenues of learning. The innovation is that the processes address…