ADHD Skills Series: Attitude and Approach

Here is article one from our new series on the ABC’s of “Things that Pills for ADHD Cannot Do for You.” Pills used in the treatment of ADHD can be helpful, and we have seen hundreds of lives changed by using stimulant medications such as Ritalin, or alternative treatments such as Attend. But in these articles we will be discussing skills that need to be learned “on purpose” in addition to pills, in order to be successful at school, at home, or in life.

For example:
A – Attitude and Approach
B – Breathing and relaxation
C – Character and Confidence Read more of the article...

Results mirror findings in boys, potential protective effect needs further investigation.

October 06, 2008: Massachusetts General Hospital Press Release

Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researchers have found that treatment with stimulant drugs does not increase and appears to significantly decrease the risk that girls with ADHD will begin smoking cigarettes or using alcohol or drugs. Their report in the October Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine parallels the findings of several earlier studies in boys, which needed to be confirmed in girls. Read more of the article...

It is important to remember that many, or most, children with ADHD will never really “out-grow” the problems that ADHD brings. We have discussed this in detail in our reporting on ADHD and Depression in females, and in other articles through the years.

This week another reminder of this was published in a national survey of 1,007 adults with ADHD. The survey looked at how adults with ADHD cope at home, at work, and in relationships with others. The survey was published just in time for the 2008 Chadd Conference, and the 2008 ADHD National Awareness Day.

What the survey found was that, of those adults with ADHD: Read more of the article...

>>Medical News Today<<
17 Sep 2008

Two thirds of primary school teachers struggle to understand and manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) behaviour because of a lack of training, new research shows. The study, presented at the annual conference of Royal College of Psychiatrists' Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, surveyed teachers from six primary schools in Plymouth.

The research showed that most teachers had very little understanding of the genetic origins of ADHD, with only about 7% agreeing that it was a genetic disorder. The majority of teachers were also found to have limited understanding about the use of stimulant medication to treat ADHD, and about whether or not ADHD is being over-diagnosed. Read more of the article...

Non-compliance is the family therapist's big word for your child not obeying you when you have asked him or her to do something. The child may be rebellious, scream "no" to your face, and slam the door. Or the child may say "yes, I'd be glad to help," smile, and go play the X-box. But either way the child does not do what you asked him to do. The word is helpful because it is descriptive, and because it may also motivate us as parents to move our kids from being non-compliant to being compliant.

Here's how we are going to define the term "non-compliance" in children: Read more of the article...

1. The child fails to begin doing what he was clearly asked to do within a reasonable amount of time, which would easily be 15 seconds.
2. The child fails to keep doing what he was asked to do until the job is finished.
3. The child fails to follow previously taught rules of conduct in a specific situation, such as at church, at school, at the store, or with friends.

By Erin N. King, Ed.S, Nationally Certified School Psychologist

Choosing a 504 Plan vs. an IEP

When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, parents often wonder what they need to do to ensure their child gets the most support from the school. Terms such as 504 Plan, IEP, and OHI are suddenly thrown into the mix. It can be confusing for a parent to know which route to pursue. Before anything, it would be important for parents to understand what a 504 Plan and an IEP are. In a broad sense, they are both detailed plans, created by the school and parents to outline how a student with a disability will learn. A 504 Plan and an IEP are both intended to protect a student with a disability to ensure that they are learning in the least restrictive environment. Read more of the article...

This interview appeared in the Multinational Monitor about a month ago, and I thought it was one of the most interesting interviews I had ever read. It is an interview with journalist Melody Petersen of the New York Times, who has just written a book about pharmaceutical companies. It is an interesting read, and is reprinted here with the permission of the editor. --DC Read more of the article...

Hayes Evaluates Test and Treatment Options For Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Press Release: 19 August 2008
More clinical research needed to recommend most ADHD treatments Stimulant drugs and atomoxetine show promise in relieving symptoms in children

Hayes Inc., an industry leader in providing independent, unbiased analyses of healthcare technologies, today announced that it has completed an exhaustive study of a wide range of medications to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study was undertaken in response to significant customer interest in gaining a better understanding of those treatments that really work to relieve symptoms in ADHD sufferers. Read more of the article...

Michael Phelps and his mother have been open about his ADHD for quite some time, and have been an encouragement to many children and teenagers. Now that he has won a record eight gold medals in swimming in the 2008 Olympics, Michael is a true inspiration.

What are the lessons that this incredible athletic achievement teaches, not just those with ADHD, but all of us?

1. That focus, determination, and hard work do pay off.
2. That ADHD is a problem, yes, but it does not have to be a disaster. ADHD can be over-come, worked around, used as a strength.
3. Individual sports may be better for an athlete with ADHD than team sports.
4. That a supportive family and supportive coaches are priceless. Read more of the article...

Top Qualities for Your ADHD Child’s Classroom Teacher?

What would be the “ideal” qualities that you would want for your child’s next classroom teacher? As we are preparing for this next school year many parents are making their “lists” and checking them twice, hoping that the Principal will deliver the “perfect” teacher for their child with ADHD.

David, a parent from New York City, wrote us with this question, “Do you know of a good "finding the right teacher" type of checklist? We would like to give my son's (first grade) school some direction on the type of teaching style that may work best for him, and in this way assist their placement process. Thank you very much.” Read more of the article...

We received the following comments to Erin King's article on Special Education that we wanted to pass on to you, our readers. The author of these comments is an attorney, which means that by training he anticipates things going wrong, and only gets involved when bad things have happened. Though we see his words as too harsh, his advice is good: Put things in writing!

William A. Rossbach, Esq. sent a message using the contact form at
http://newideas.net/contact.

re: advice to parent of ADHD afflicted chile by: Erin N. King, Ed.S Read more of the article...

My 5-year-old son has no interest in helping with jobs around the house, either inside or outside. Often, he will drop to the floor, whining/screaming for something such as being asked to help set the table.

Recently I asked him to drive his ride-on dump truck around my garden and collect the weeds in exchange for some bubble gum. "No thanks" was his answer. He is not interested in pleasing me. We are doing a m&m's reward program for "flush and wash without being told" (this has been going on for 6-8 months). Should I be requiring him to assist with chores? I don't want him to be totally self-centered. . what can help this process? Read more of the article...

Dear Dr. Cowan,

It seams to me that my son has many reason to have some anger issues - that we have not dealt with - some kids seems to move in life easily, however, he still remembers how his grade 2 teacher was very unfair to him when he is the one who was hurt by some else and even gave him a whole week suspension. I find that once you have the label you might as well work with it and make the best of it. Read more of the article...

How do I find out if my Child with ADHD qualifies for Special Education?

By: Erin N. King, Ed.S
Nationally Certified School Psychologist

Children with ADHD or ADD often have unique difficulties in school, academically and/or behaviorally. It may be more difficult for these children to focus and they may miss valuable information in academic lessons or instructions for assignments. They may struggle with organization to the point that they forgot what the homework assignment was, or they lose completed work before it is turned in. Children with ADHD may have difficulty sitting still during instruction or act out due to impulsivity. Read more of the article...