EdieLovesMath: a blog dedicated to teens and young adults with ADHD and Autism (ASD).
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ADHD and Food: Friends or Enemies?
64% of diagnosed cases of ADHD are impacted by food. It can cause physical or behavioral symptoms. These chemicals accumulate to create “bad days.” Food allergies? Food sensitivity? They’re not the same. Classic allergies (IgE) cause serious symptoms like hives, swelling, and anaphylaxis. Food sensitivity (IgG) is not a true allergy and cannot be…
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Tired? Out cold? It might just be ADHD.
Sleep problems go hand-in-hand with ADHD symptoms. One-quarter to one-half of parents of teens with ADHD report that their children suffer from sleep problems. The situation aggravates behavior, negatively impacting how they think and function. Adults typically digress and become sluggish during daytime hours. Children tend to overcompensate and speed up. They are also more…
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ADHD in Adults: There are millions!
About 4% to 5% of adults have ADHD. That translates to 10 million. Some say that adults with ADHD can determine their diagnosis. Few are treated. ADHD is known as a childhood disorder. Some outgrow it, but more than 60% still show symptoms as adults. In contrast, if you have it as an adult you…
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Smartphones Make Smart ADHD Kids
Smartphones can be a great academic choice for students with ADHD. They are miniature, mobile-friendly devices. The portable computers are versatile with a variety of capabilities. The trick is learning how to use them effectively. Cell phones were previously used “in case of an emergency.” Now they’re everywhere, being used for all aspects of living.…
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Autism & ADHD: A match made in heaven?
50% of people with Autism also have ADHD. They are both a disorder of self-regulation and executive functioning. Social development is a stressor that interferes with both. Care must be taken to address both. Traveling on the WayBack Machine… “Hello Doug. My name is Miss Edie.” Nothing. “Hi. What’s your name?” Nothing. “What’s your favorite…
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ADHD Parents are Super Heroes
Meltdowns, fidgeting, interrupting others…bedlam. That’s ADHD. Parents are key to establishing the “saturation point,” both in school and at home. Parental involvement is especially critical to the identification and instruction of students with ADHD. This is particularly true in inclusion classes (general and special education students in the same class). Everyone has to let go…
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ADHD + Math…Yikes!
Math Anxiety. It’s a vicious cycle. Skills go up. Skills go down…all the way down. Traveling on the WayBack Machine… 2009 rocks. I have 2 sections of honors algebra. No IEPs to be seen. Really? 1st period comes, so does the shock. ADHD for sure. How do I know? Comes in screaming, slams down books,…
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ADHD Literacy: Talking about Talking
Let’s Talk! Wait, we want students with ADHD to stop talking. Here’s why they should. Let’s define 21st Century literacy. In the past, it was simply made up of reading and writing. Now it’s grown to include listening and speaking too. Oral literacy and speaking skills are important in order to convey personal needs and…
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How Teachers Teach Matters, Especially with ADHD
It goes without saying: Students with ADHD have challenges beyond paying attention. Teacher-directed, student-centered strategies create an environment for academic success. Increasing involvement and responsibility for learning is key. ADHD is a disability that impacts physical, mental, and emotional components of an affected person. ADHD in teens and young adults is further impacted in academics,…
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ADHD folks: Looking for flexibility? Try Universal Design for Learning.
UDL isn’t the same ol’ thing. Flexible environments accommodate individual learning differences. This scientifically valid framework is especially beneficial to students with ADHD. Universal design is an educational process based on cognitive neuroscience research. It is a blueprint for creating instructional goals, methods, materials, and assessments. Especially important for students with ADHD, UDL is designed…
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