Living With ADHD - Learn to Utilize ADHD's Natural Strengths

Most ADHD discussions pertain to ADHD's potential challenges such as trouble paying attention, impulsivity, or stimulation seeking. ADHD's potential strengths are largely overlooked. In fact, many people are not even aware of them. Even adults with ADHD can focus so much on the challenges that they do not see the potential benefits. Identifying our strengths and learning to highlight them is critical to living with ADHD.

Adults with ADHD tend to be very creative. When I first read that people with ADHD were creative, I found it hard to believe. I only painted a picture in high school are class. I was in high school band but enjoyed only marginal success. Then I realized that creativity comes in many forms. My creativity shows itself during problem solving. I thoroughly enjoying tackling problems that others have difficulty with. For me, it is like giving a hungry dog a thick steak. Often, I will come up with solutions that others did not see. For adults with ADHD it is important to take an objective look at how you use your creativity.

Adults with ADHD are very intuitive. As technology has grown, our society became increasingly scientific. In general, society wants everything proven. They want to be able to touch, see, feel, taste, or hear something. Sometimes, by the time you have hard proof, it is too late to avoid danger. ADHD provides us with "gut feelings". These gut feelings are meant to help us avoid danger. If we learn to listen to these feelings then we can avoid many potentially harmful situations. In business, this intuition can help us spot trends or avoid bad partnerships.

People with ADHD are often very intelligence. Several studies identified a large percentage of people with ADHD also possess above average IQs. This intelligence is not always evident in formal learning environments. Standardized tests are used to test intelligence and learning. People with ADHD tend to have trouble with standardized tests because we read the question, choose, our answer, and go on. We find checking our answers to be tedious. However, when we learn about a subject, especially one we are very interested in, then we show the ability to learn very quickly.

ADHD gives us the ability to hyper focus. ADHD is associated with an inability to pay attention. However, reality is not always the same as perception. It is true that adults living with ADHD are always scanning our environment. This is actually an ancient protection mechanism. But, when we get interested in a topic, task, or job then we can hyper focus. We will actually "tune out" everything else around us but the task at hand. We can learn to harness this trait by pursuing careers we are passionate about or finding ways to make everyday tasks more interesting. For example, I harness my hyper focusing ability by timing mundane tasks. I then will try to beat my best time.

Knowing that ADHD does bring potential benefits is the first step. At first, it may be hard for you to realize they even exist. Society and our doctors tend to focus on the challenges. Realizing that ADHD can make us very creative, intuitive, intelligent, and give us the ability to hyper focus allows us to look for ways to harness these traits. A good first step is to sit down with someone you trust and take stock of these advantages. Look for ways that you currently use these advantages and ways that you can use them more. These advantages can make living with ADHD much easier.

Bruce Carl is the publisher of http://MyADHDSite.com. My ADHD Site offers assistance and resources on both child and adult ADHD.

Understanding Aspects of ADHD Therapy

ADHD, also known as Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is present in about 5% of the world's population. The condition is mainly observed in children, though symptoms can continue on into adulthood. It is considered by many prominent authorities to be a chronic condition and one that requires treatment early on, if children are ever to learn coping mechanisms when they reach adulthood.

One common misconception is that ADHD medication should be prescribed in order to cure ADHD. Not only is there no cure for ADHD-medication should never be prescribed to merely control the symptoms of the disorder. Instead, medication, if necessary, should be combined with ADHD therapy, as well as significant lifestyle changes, behavior modifications, dieting changes and family or professional counseling. Medication is not the treatment-rather, it can help stimulate a person to respond to other forms of treatment. Hence, you will be administering several forms of ADHD treatment during this process.

What results has ADHD therapy seen? Results differ widely. One study, reported on in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, stated that family therapy on its own had no significant improvement in altering a child's ADHD symptoms. Other studies have suggested that psychosocial ADHD therapy has proven helpful for co morbid disorders. ADHD therapy for parents has actually proven to be quite helpful, as this special treatment ensures that parents understand the condition and how to institute new lifestyle and or dieting changes for the child's benefit.

The Benefit of ADHD Therapy

ADHD therapy may also be known as psychotherapy. This is a form of counseling that is much stronger and more professional than just family ADHD therapy. A professional will have a specific goal or set of goals in mind when dealing with a young patient. He or she will attempt to help the child like to accept himself despite the disorder. Professional ADHD therapy is not supposed to confront the child about symptoms or underlying causes; rather, it is with the intent to explore upsetting thoughts and feelings and address self-defeating patterns of behavior. A therapist wants to teach the child alternative ways to handle the negative emotions, perhaps even help the child finds ways of coping that he can carry with him to adulthood.

What are some examples of exercises that might help with ADHD therapy? It may involve instituting better organization in family tasks or schoolwork. It might also involve teaching a child new ways to approach emotionally charged events. Obviously, a child relies on a strong support system with praise or rewards for acting in a desired way. Not only would the therapist aim to monitor the child's progress; he or she may even encourage the child to self-monitor his decisions.

Of course, social skills are a very important factor in ADHD. Therefore, if a child were lacking in social skills, a therapist would concentrate on helping him to learn new behaviors. The therapist may focus on teaching very basic core beliefs involved in creating and maintaining relationships, such as waiting for one's turn, sharing things, asking for help, responding to teasing and so on. The child is given a chance to practice these social responses. The child might also be taught to read other people's facial expressions and take note of their tone of voice.

This is the major difference between family counseling and ADHD therapy. Since family counseling is presided over by non-skilled family members, communication may center on diagnosis of the problem or the symptoms, rather than on practical, textbook solutions. If parents are deeply concerned about enhancing familial communication or if they cannot afford professional therapy, they may try attending parenting skills training classes so that they can better understand progressive treatment for ADHD.

Is There an ADHD Alternative Therapy?

Yes, there is, - there are many actually, and an alternative ADHD medication should actually be the first choice when considering ADHD medications, as it is effective in reducing and healing the symptoms, and are free from unwanted side effects.

For more information visit http://www.curing-adhd-naturally.com

My name is Einar Eskeland. I am a norwegian medical doctor and homoeopath. I promote several high quality sources of knowledge and products for self improvement, evolution, health and growth as a part of my practice as a doctor, and as a help for my patients in their struggle to regain health and balance.

http://www.curing-adhd-naturally.com/

Uncovering the Causes of ADHD in Children

When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, the biggest shock comes to the parents. Majority of them want to know how children get ADHD. The most common questions which pop up in the mind are - "Did we do something to create it?" or "Are we responsible?"

Well, there is no need for a parent to blame themselves, because though it is a behavioural problem parenting cannot be the reason why children get ADHD. Yes, bad parenting can aggravate the situation but not be the cause of it. Parents constantly blaming themselves will prove as a hindrance and hence it is important to explain how children get ADHD.

Most studies have linked ADHD with genetics. Parents should update themselves with their family history. If any relative has had ADHD, the chances of the child being affected with ADHD are much more. If a close family member has ADHD does the risk increase? Well yes. First degree relatives such as if any parent has ADHD makes the child 5 more times susceptible to ADHD. If a sibling has ADHD, then the chances just increase. Research is currently going on to identify the exact gene which is responsible for ADHD.

So do children get ADHD only from relatives? Well, not necessarily. Sometimes the brain forms an important source of ADHD. The brain has neurotransmitters which send messages from one area to another, telling the body how to act and react. These neurotransmitters are in the form of chemicals. The right amount of chemicals helps a child perform functions normally while excess or less can lead to problems. Dopamine and Norrephinephrine are the two chemicals which contribute to children getting ADHD. Excess of Norrephinephrine leads to agitation and irritation. While it may also make children fidgety. More of Dopamine leads to hyperactivity in children another symptom of ADHD. So it would be right to say that the functioning of the brain is responsible to a certain extent in getting ADHD.

Everyone knows would be mothers are not supposed to have cigarettes, alcohol or drugs as they are harmful for the offspring. Did you know it could also lead the offspring to having ADHD? It is advisable for pregnant women to stay of these toxic substances. Even excess of caffeine can be a cause in the child resulting to be hyperactive. Children can get ADHD as early as when in the mother's womb. Hence extra care should be taken so that the child does not become a receptor of ADHD.

These are the three main ways of children getting ADHD and once you know about them and feel any of them apply to the child it is important to get them checked by a doctor and treat it at the earliest stage.

Puneet writes a blog about ADHD and helps ADHD sufferers to find new treatments in naturopathy and alternative medicine. If you are looking for a well-researched herbal remedy for ADHD, you may read more.

Study of Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) And ADHD Predominantly Inattentive (ADHD-PI)

A recent Michigan State study published in Child Neuropsychology has looked at almost 600 kids with Predominantly Inattentive ADHD (ADHD-PI) and has subdivided those kids into two types. They studied the type they describe as ADD, kids that have fewer than two of the hyperactive symptoms and compare them to the type they describe as ADHD-PI that is predominantly inattentive but has less than six of the hyperactive symptoms.

The DSM-IV (the manual that psychiatrist use to diagnose ADHD) describes individuals with ADHD-PI as having many inattentive symptoms but fewer than 6 hyperactive symptoms. Essentially the DSM-IV describes the ADHD-PI type of ADHD as individuals who are inattentive but that are normally active.

People and kids who are inattentive and inactive have been described as having Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT). The DSM III recognized this subtype of ADHD but it was done away with in the DSM-IV because of lack of research indicating that this type was significantly different from the 'garden variety' sub-type of ADHD-PI. In this recent study, people with SCT are referred to as individuals with ADD (This is an unfortunate acronym to use as that term has been used to describe people with ADHD-PI.)

The Michigan State researchers found, after careful analysis, that the group that they call ADD had slower processing speed than the individuals that they describe as ADHD-PI. The researchers conclude that this ADD subgroup is a distinct entity which is characterized by slow cognitive processing and no hyperactivity. It seems that this study has teased out the Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) group from the entire group of kids with ADHD-PI.

Most ADHD studies tend to lump all individuals with ADHD-PI together. There are significant differences between individuals with ADHD-PI with SCT symptoms and ADHD-PI individuals without SCT symptoms. We cannot treat all of individuals with ADHD-PI appropriately unless we recognize that individuals with ADHD-PI are not a homogenous group.

Studies such as this Michigan State study are essential because ADHD-PI at the moment is pretty poorly understood. Some psychiatrist and psychologist seem to see all individuals with ADHD-PI as having symptoms of SCT and others insist that the symptoms of ADHD-PI are essentially the same as the symptoms of the Combined type of ADHD (ADHD-C).

My guess is that before the publication of the DSM-V in 2013 more studies, such as this one, will be performed to tease out the differences in ADHD subtypes.

For more information on Primarily Inattentive ADHD please visit Tess Messer at http://www.primarilyinattentiveadd.com/2010/02/why-blog.html. There you will find information on ADHD symptoms, ADHD treatment, alternatives to medications, Information on ADHD vitamins and supplements and much more. Looking forward to meeting you there!!

Understanding ADHD - Busting the Myths

Don't you hate it when people start saying that your child is misbehaving and that he is uncontrollable? Other people believe that ADHD is not a real disorder and that it is just an excuse for parents who can not control their own child. This is not true and the need for understanding ADHD has become greater. Attention deficit hyperactive disorder is a real disorder that is recognized around the world. There are a lot of misconceptions regarding ADHD and these misconceptions must be corrected. In this article, you will find all the fundamental things you need to help you in understanding ADHD.

A child with ADHD can not control his actions and his inattentiveness. ADHD is a neuro-pyschological disorder that is characterized by impulsiveness, easy distractibility, hyperactivity and poor attention. Imagine speeding down a street at night when all the lights are flashing. You know how all the lights turn into a blur and you just can not help wanting to look at everything at once? That is one way to describe having ADHD. It is a disorder that is not caused by bad parenting or any other environmental factors.

A common misconception regarding ADHD is that it only affects children. Understanding ADHD means that you have to remember that ADHD is a lifelong disorder. Although most children with ADHD grow up mature and well-behaved, there are others who suffer the symptoms of ADHD all throughout their adult life. These adults find a way to cope up with their condition and live with it. Adult ADHD may lead to complications and other problems such as depression, anxiety and increased stress levels. This also causes problems in keeping relationships and work issues.

ADHD is not a curable condition but there are drugs and other therapeutic techniques that can help those people who live with it. Stimulants, specifically Ritalin, are the drugs of choice in treating ADHD. These medications help control the symptoms of ADHD. Schedules and a predictable environment also help in the treatment. Support and encouragement is needed from the relatives and friends of the person with ADHD. Caring for a child with ADHD may often be frustrating but with the right attitude and perspective, it can be easier for you and it would give you more hope.

Understanding ADHD is the first step in treating ADHD or living with ADHD because when you are armed with the information that you need, you will know what to do in various situations. There are a lot of places you can go to and seek help for ADHD and there are even organizations that help the relatives of a patient with ADHD cope up with their loved one's condition.

Now that you have a clear understanding of ADHD, you would think twice before calling a child a problem child.

Puneet writes a blog about ADHD and helps ADHD sufferers to find new treatments in naturopathy and alternative medicine. If you are looking for a well-researched herbal remedy for ADHD, you may read more.

AD-HD - Vinyl Car Decal Sticker #1691 | Vinyl Color: White

This is a high quality vinyl decal that can be applied on your car, notebook, computer or just about any smooth surface. Includes Detailed application instructions.

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Driven To Distraction : Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood Through Adulthood

This clear and valuable book dispels a variety of myths about attention deficit disorder (ADD). Since both authors have ADD themselves, and both are successful medical professionals, perhaps there's no surprise that the two myths they attack most persistently are: (a) that ADD is an issue only for children; and (b) that ADD corresponds simply to limited intelligence or limited self-discipline. "The word disorder puts the syndrome entirely in the domain of pathology, where it should not entirely be. Although ADD can generate a host of problems, there are also advantages to having it, advantages that this book will stress, such as high energy, intuitiveness, creativity, and enthusiasm, and they are completely overlooked by the 'disorder' model." The authors go on to cite Mozart and Einstein as examples of probable ADD sufferers. (The problem as they see it is not so much attention deficit but attention inconsistency: "Most of us with ADD can in fact hyperfocus at times.") Although they warn against overdiagnosis, they also do a convincing job of answering the criticism that "everybody, and therefore nobody" has ADD. Using numerous case studies and a discussion of the way ADD intersects with other conditions (e.g., depression, substance abuse, and obsessive-compulsive disorder), they paint a concrete picture of the syndrome's realities. Especially helpful are the lists of tips for dealing with ADD in a child, a partner, or a family member. --Richard Farr

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Is It You, Me, or Adult A.D.D.? Stopping the Roller Coaster When Someone You Love Has Attention Deficit Disorder

Winner of four national book awards, including Foreword Magazine's Psychology Book of the Year!
The science has been clear since 1994, when Adult AD/HD was declared a medical diagnosis. Still, the public harbors misconceptions, and that means millions suffer needlessly. And that includes millions of couples who can't understand why their lives together are so hard -- sometimes despite many attempts at couples therapy.

Everyone knows someone with adult AD/HD. Yet we misattribute the symptoms to anxiety, depression, or even laziness, selfishness, or moodiness. Moreover, we assume AD/HD means "little boys with ants in their pants." In fact, childhood hyperactivity goes "underground" as the person matures, resulting in a mentally restless state. (By the way, the former, and still better-known, official term is ADD, plus or minus Hyperactivity. The new term, AD/HD, uses a slash mark to indicate that hyperactivity is not central to the diagnosis.)

Meticulously researched by award-winning journalist Gina Pera, Is It You, Me, or Adult A.D.D.? is a comprehensive guide to recognizing the behaviors where you least expect them (on the road and in the bedroom, for example) and developing compassion for couples wrestling with unrecognized ADHD symptoms. It also offers the latest information from top experts, plenty of real-life details, and easy-to-understand guidelines for finding the best treatment options and practical solutions. The revolutionary message is one of hope for millions of people--and a joyous opportunity for a better life.

Insightful, helpful, witty, and very practical. This book can change your life.
--Daniel G. Amen, M.D., author of Change Your Brain, Change Your Life

... contains information that is just not available anywhere else. This book is sure to become the authoritative guide for couples dealing with ADD.
--Patricia O. Quinn, M.D., Director, The National Center for Girls and Women with ADHD

...We expect this book will be the bible for all of us dealing with adult ADD.
-- Elizabeth Weathers and Diane Hartson, moderators, ADD Spouse support group

... I can safely predict it will become as much an 'industry standard' as Driven to Distraction.
--David Edelberg, M.D., Medical Director, WholeHealth Chicago

... The book is well researched, reader friendly, and includes insights and perspectives from a Who's Who of professionals. For couples struggling with ADHD, it's the season's new must-have book and bound to become a classic.
--Michele Novotni, Ph.D. Psychologist, Coach

Confirmatory brain neuroscience answers this speculation about Adult ADHD: It s a real problem with real and painful challenges, not a belief system.
-- Charles Parker, DO, Medical Director, CorePsych, author of Deep Recovery

... Gina Pera has combined a real feel for the disorder with sound reporting skills and the spice of those who tell the story best: the couples themselves.
-- Margaret D. Weiss, M.D., Ph.D., Head, Provincial ADHD Program, British Columbia, Canada

... Gina Pera has been there and has authored a guide that offers understanding for the confused, practical strategies for the frustrated, and hope for the despondent. This book will be a lifesaver for both partners.
-- Ari Tuckman, Psy.D., M.B.A., author of Integrative Treatment for Adult ADHD

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Isokinetics Balance Ball Chair - with Choice of 52cm Ball and a Pump

Isokinetics Ball Chairs are the same chairs sold by others, only at a manufacturer direct price. No middleman means no need to pay more! And, we provide all of our chairs with a 1 year guarantee. As an additional bonus, we provide an exclusive exercise ball measuring tape that takes the guesswork out of inflating your ball. Sitting on an exercise ball while at home or work promotes flexibility, coordination, motor skills, core strengthening, and balance. Your body, when positioned on top of an exercise ball, is constantly making small adjustments, often imperceptible, to remain balanced and thus is constantly exercising a large group of muscles in doing so. By strengthening your body's core muscle group you help improve your posture, have better balance and guard against back injuries. It may take time before your body becomes accustom to sitting on an exercise ball, since your core muscles may not have gotten much exercise previously. Start by using it 10 to 15 minutes a day and gradually work your way up. If you have had back problems or injuries, make sure to consult your physician or therapist first. Note: We provide a small, starter pump for free for you to have a way to inflate your ball. However, exercise balls require a lot of air and it will take a lot of pumping with the free pump. So, you may want to consider purchasing at this time a high volume air pump, especially if you use exercise balls a lot or have other things you often inflate, like pool toys or air mattresses.

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FOCUS

Focus is essentially a fun behavior modification program in a box for children with ADD/ADHD or anyone who needs help focusing better. It is great for families, therapists, and teachers. It is structured to encompass the essential elements of behavior modification, and designed to have the greatest positive impact on attention. This game provides two ways for players to win tokens. Task cards describe tasks that the players have to complete in order to earn their tokens. Each task requires concentration and continuing attention and include: 1. Categories: Players have to list things that belong in a specific category, such as listing five fruits that have alarge pit in the middle. 2. Forward and Back: Players have to recite things forward and/or backwards, such as reciting the alphabet forwards and backwards from A to F. 3. Problem Solving: The game comes with various cut out shapes and cut out words. Using shapes, the players have to create a specific design, like a triangle similar to the pattern on the card, using the shapes provided. Using words the players have to create a sentence with specific words.
A player can elect to perform the task without distraction and win one token or with distraction and win two tokens. The distractions are provided by one of the other players, who picks a Distraction card. This card may ask the distracting player to hum Happy Birthday or tap fingers on the table while the other player is trying to accomplish the task. Distractions are the most common reason people lose focus on the task at hand. This game gives players much needed practice that improves their ability to stay focused on tasks, even with distractions. There are both competitive and cooperative versions for grades 1-12. There are three decks of Task cards with varied levels of difficulty: easier, regular, and challenge. The key is for the players to be able to complete the task most of the time if they concentrate and are not distracted. For 2-5 players.

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Foam Tummy Scooter (Red)

Made of high density foam, the Foam Tummy Scooter is soft, comfortable, and very durable.  Safe for gliding indoors and outdoors, this scooter is so comfortable that kids play longer and build their confidence in a variety of positions and activities. Use in sitting, kneeling or prone positions for vestibular and motor planning activities.  Strengthens the upper and lower extremities and improves balance, posture, and coordination.  Non-marring rubber casters swivel 360°.  Supports up to 160 pounds  Ages 3 and up. 17"x14"x2.5" Red. 

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ADHD T-shirt, AD HD T-shirt, ADD T-shirt

These hilarious t-shirts are made of a 100% fully machine washable cotton/poly blend for a cool and comfortable fit every time. They feature insanely funny phrases and pictures. Shocking and bold, stand out at the bar, school or just lounge around the house.

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Delivered from Distraction: Getting the Most out of Life with Attention Deficit Disorder

Medication? Maybe. Marry the right person and find the right job? A must if you are an adult suffering from ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). So say psychiatrists Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey, authors of the influential Driven to Distraction, published in 1994. In their new book, Delivered from Distraction, Hallowell and Ratey survey the current medical landscape concerning ADD, combining their own clinical observations with the latest research to paint a much more complex and, in many ways, positive picture of the condition than has generally been presented.

Hallowell and Ratey embrace the idea that success in life comes more from playing to your strengths than overcoming your weaknesses. In the case of a person with ADD (child or adult), these strengths often include unusually high levels of creativity, charisma, intelligence, and energy. The authors insist that, while medication and other treatments can sometimes work wonders in reducing limitations, surrounding yourself with people who promote these positive traits, be they in your personal or professional life, is the single most important element to living well with ADD. As both Hallowell and Ratey are not only experts in the field, but "ADDers" themselves, the tips and stories they share for how to do so are fresh, funny, and far more helpful than tired arguments over drugs verse no drugs or whether there?s even such a thing as ADD at all.--Patrick Jennings

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Classroom Interventions for ADHD (Individual Version)

Featuring renowned ADHD expert Dr. Russell Barkley, this video is a valuable resource for teachers, school counselors, and all mental health practitioners treating children for ADHD.

Todd, a 3rd grade student, has been diagnosed with ADHD by a treatment team at his school. As Todd s teacher follows through on a treatment plan to address Todd s difficulties in the classroom, leading ADHD expert Dr. Russell Barkley provides advice on creating successful interventions, and George J. DuPaul and Gary Stoner walk us through each step of the treatment approach. Watch as his teacher implements several simple changes in the classroom, leading to Todd getting along better with his classmates, scoring higher on quizzes and maintaining better focus throughout the day.

Comprehensive, informative and easy to follow, this video demonstrates a practical approach to treating ADHD within the schools.

From watching this video, you will:

• Learn several simple classroom techniques to address a child s problems with focus and concentration resulting from ADHD.
• Get real and practical information about ADHD, the keys to successful treatment, and the pros and cons of different approaches.
• See how to effectively collaborate with a treatment team, which may include family, teachers, school administrators, and mental health practitioners.

This video is licensed for individual private viewing only. For teaching, group, and institutional use, please purchase the Institutional/Instructor's version. A companion video, Assessing ADHD in the Schools, is also available.

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ADHD What Can We Do? Russell A. Barkley

Develop peak-performance mental states with the electronic music of J. S. Epperson and designer mixes of Hemi-Sync concentration frequencies for super-learning and creative flow. The whole-brain states made possible by Indigo are perfect for any mental task requiring focus and concentration and may also be helpful for ADD/ADHD, dyslexia and other learning challenges. Zero in on the task at hand with this extraordinary composition whenever you desire to enhance your mental performance and creative flow (71 min.)

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Adhd T-shirt (Mens Black)

AD HD T-shirt (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Do you have ADHD? Probably not but since people think you do, you may as well wear this AD HD shirt. Exclusively from Bewild, this new ADHD T-shirt features a hard-core saying that says it all. From "Lick Here For Full View" to "Skanky white-trailer trash". How about a t-shirt that says "Dip me in Chocolate and throw me to the lesbians?" Our short sleeve "AD/HD" t-shirts are made from a 100% fully machine washable preshrunk cotton for a cool and comfortable fit every time

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Adult ADHD: Regaining Focus (Home Use)

It is not diagnosed by any blood test or x-ray and it has even been dismissed as nothing more than laziness or a lack of focus. But for millions of adults, Attention Deficit, Hyperactivity Disorder, (ADHD) is a real, life altering condition. Once thought to be just a childhood issue, ADHD is now found in many stages of life, and effects men and women equally. In Adult ADHD: Regaining Focus patients describe how ADHD has altered their lives, and share how they have worked to overcome its effects. Leading medical experts in the field explain how the human brain misfires in people with ADHD and what new treatment options are helping adults finally gain control over this condition.

This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.

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Credit Chart for Girls 7yrs+

Chart size: 420mm x 297mm, includes supportive information sheet, dry-erase marker and sticky fixings.

Earn the credits, get the rewards, suitable from 7 years+. A chance for girls to prove to grown-ups just how well they can do those every day things, like keeping their bedroom tidy, doing their homework and eating their vegetables - all of which earns them points to do their favourite thing.

Credit categories include: getting myself dressed, washing and brushing teeth, eating my breakfast, eating fruit, eating vegetables, keeping my bedroom tidy, putting things away, doing my homework, helping around the house, doing what I've been asked to do, being polite, and space for two others.

Reward categories include: earning pocket money, time doing my favourite thing, going to my favourite place, watching my most favourite thing on television, and doing my most favourite thing of all.

A quality product that brings great results. Instructions included.
Children feel good about progress and want to repeat their actions.
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These products have been independently evaluated by child psychologist (available upon request).
Charts include our Kiddlies range of characters.
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Dealing with ADHD: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder [VHS]

Learn about attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and learn what factors are thought to contribute to the development of this disorder. Other disorders that commonly co-exist with ADHD will be identified. The impulsivity and risk-taking behaviors of ADHD teens will be focused upon and tips that ADHD students can use to succeed academically will be provided. Laws that require schools to make special accommodations for ADHD students will be reviewed, and viewers will learn how to contact organizations that exist to help people who are dealing with ADHD.

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Disconnected Kids: The Groundbreaking Brain Balance Program for Children with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Neurological Disorders

The proven, drug-free program to treat the cause-not just the symptoms-of autism spectrum disorders and related conditions.

Each year, an estimated 1.5 million children-one out of every six-are diagnosed with autism, Asperger's syndrome, ADHD, dyslexia, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Dr. Robert Melillo brings a fundamentally new understanding to the cause of these conditions with his revolutionary Brain Balance Program(tm). It has achieved real, fully documented results that have dramatically improved the quality of life for children and their families in every aspect: behavioral, emotional, academic, and social. Disconnected Kids shows parents how to use this drug-free approach at home, including:

?Fully customizable exercises that target physical, sensory, and academic performance

?A behavior modification plan

?Advice for identifying food sensitivities that play a hidden role

?A follow-up program that helps to ensure lasting results

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Indigo for Quantum Focus

Develop peak-performance mental states with the electronic music of J. S. Epperson and designer mixes of Hemi-Sync concentration frequencies for super-learning and creative flow. The whole-brain states made possible by Indigo are perfect for any mental task requiring focus and concentration and may also be helpful for ADD/ADHD, dyslexia and other learning challenges. Zero in on the task at hand with this extraordinary composition whenever you desire to enhance your mental performance and creative flow (71 min.)

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ADHD is a fad again?! Shame and Guilt are back!

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I just read another article about ‘the myth of ADHD’ by someone who raised my eyebrows. Mr. Herr, an assistant professor in the Department of Educational Studies, Leadership and Counseling at Murray State University, wrote a recent article titled - ADHD: Has this diagnostic fad run its course?

According to Mr. Herr, ADHD is a diagnostic fad! His article perfectly underscores my recent blog post about how a report in the media can be skewed by the headline (in this case the entire article). I am not going into detail about how accurate a report authored by an assistant professor of economics about ADHD children and misdiagnosis of ADHD at an early age might be (Youngest in class get ADHD label - another headline to go with my previous collection). However, people are paying attention to it and when someone who is an assistant professor in the department of educational studies for a university openly writes that ADHD is a fad of its time, well, there you go. Would you want to be a student with ADHD at his school? Just asking…

I read Mr. Herr’s article this morning and started to feel the shame and guilt of living with ADHD all over again. His article has far more power than he might think and I am not sure if he realizes how many people he may be putting in jeopardy and confusion.

Mr. Herr writes:

“Probably one of the best ways to make sense of children and the rise of ADHD is for adults to focus on some basic questions. Don’t most adults become distracted when they are tired? Don’t most adults become fidgety when they are bored? Don’t most adults lose interest in their work when they don’t see any significance in what they are doing? And when adults wrestle with concerns relating to stress, sleeplessness, frustration, and depression, aren’t the responses often “get some rest,” “exercise” “start eating better,” and “try finding something you’re interested in”?” Quoted from Mr. Herr’s article in The Christian Science Monitor

First, how do you make sense of children by comparing them to adults? Anyway, let’s skip that obvious question. Yes, to all of the assertions above. All of them are true, but those are not the things which in of themselves can be determined as ADHD. They are determined to be ADHD when they cause life problems, are constant and have been present since early childhood.  As an example, if Mr. Herr would read my book “One Boy’s Struggle: A Memoir –Surviving life with Undiagnosed ADD” – he would discover that I would daydream daily through my entire day at school, not just when I was tired, or when I was bored or fidgety or stressed or whatever guess, other than ADD. Daydreaming was a constant daily struggle. Not paying attention to the teacher, or being able to read books, or assignments and understand them in time for a quiz was a constant struggle. Actually, assertions similiar to Mr. Herr’s may have been part of the reason I was punished and chastised so much for my behavior.

My mother cooked everyday an excellent, healthy meal for the family. I typically slept at least 9 hours a night. I wasn’t tired from lack of sleep. However, I was bored that is true, bored to the bone and very few things could keep my attention and when I did find something that kept my attention it was usually not for very long. Also, if Mr. Herr would read my book he will find that I often switched things I became interested in. Therefore, to assert that we can just switch someone to their interest isn’t always all that helpful, because if they have ADHD they are highly likely to change their interest out of their control quite quickly and without notice. It’s frustrating and depressing. 

Perhaps it was just depression in my case? Again, if he reads my book he will find that my behavior and the punishment I received because of it by educators, my father and many others was the main culprit for my depression and later PTSD, but my typical ADD behavior came first. Not that I deserved punishment because my ADD came first, but rather it was misunderstood and therefore I needed understanding and a proper professional evaluation of my behavior.

When you have enough people getting on you because you’re doing things out of your control, but in their opinon “on purpose” – let me tell you, it gets to you after a while. I started to believe I was doing it ‘on purpose’ too and punished myself for it because nothing else worked (read my book Mr. Herr). Punishing myself along with other people’s punishment didn’t help for very long, it made things worse. Punishment led to far, far worse. You know what did help? You guessed it, proper professional treatment for Depression, PTSD and ADD! Not any one’s opinion that my condition doesn’t exist or that it is a fad. Mr. Herr’s article really just shows the mentality of a large portion of society which just can’t accept that certain behaviors are out of one’s control. It’s a bully-ish attitude and often keeps people from seeking the help they need, because the stigma and shame can be so overwhelming.

Sorry, if I seem a bit upset here by these assertions, but I would be very careful making broad assumptions about anyone’s condition as not truly existing unless you are indeed their doctor, are treating them and have a very familiar understanding of their issues. However, if you have a predetermined view of conditions like ADHD as just fads, you would not be my doctor.

With all this said, I can understand where Mr. Herr is coming from, as I mentioned it is an all too common belief in our society and, unfortunately, it is these types of beliefs those of us with ADHD and our families must live with daily. Mr. Herr’s article may help reinforced the stigma of ADHD and what’s more he is an educator. Let’s hope the ‘left hander’s’ are not the next target of such an article (is there a blood test for truly being left handed?). I guess such beliefs are part of the reason behind laws to protect those with disabilities, which does include mental disabilities such as ADD / ADHD by the way. It’s also important to note that ADHD is a part of the The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV TR) - it is my opinion that “Fads” are not included in this manual published by the American Psychiatric Association, used by clinicians and psychiatrists to diagnose psychiatric illnesses. *

- If you would like to read an article that at the least accepts ADHD as a condition, but thinks TV is partly to blame: Let’s blame ADHD on too much TV - at least this author is looking for a legitimate reason! The problem with his theory is someone like me. When I was growing up we were allowed only very limited TV viewing and I certainly didn’t have a TV in my room as a young kid. Therefore, this theory doesn’t work for why I have Attention Defecit Disorder.

*This article has been about my concern for Mr. Herr’s opinion about ADHD being a fad in the article he wrote here. My concern is for how damaging such an open opinion article by an educator can be to those of us living with the mental disability ADHD, and our families – not to mention students struggling with this disorder. Mr. Herr has the right to his opinion and to write about it. I have the right to discuss his openly written opinion and share mine about it.

What’s your opinion?

~Bryan

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I meant sure did keep it a huge secret.

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Headlines say: ADHD is Bogus?!

Lately, more and more headlines are reporting that ADHD is, to a degree, misdiagnosed because kids are put into a school environment too early and they must stay still for too long of periods, which is not natural to human nature. What’s worse is that with our hectic lifestyles and need for both parents to work to maintain a household it is becoming ever more essential for children to start school earlier. The reason is simple: many parents can’t afford daycare or a babysitter; therefore, school is the next best alternative. This isn’t really new, but it is becoming a more common problem. The reports are saying that kids put into school to early are sometimes being misdiagnosed with ADHD, when the real culprit is immaturity.

I happen to agree that ADHD can be misdiagnosed due to requirements of the modern world and certain circumstances children are put in, adults too for that matter. However, we have to remember when reading such reports that ADHD is indeed real and these reports are indicating a certain segment clearly described as being placed into the school system too early. The problem we are getting here is that the “ADHD is a myth” rises once again from headlines and not the actual report.

Too many already believe that ADHD is an “on purpose” disorder. In other words people who demonstrate ADHD behavior are acting the way they act on purpose and are therefore considered lazy, stupid and/or just plain bad. With current headlines this could once again become a major issue. The reason is that too many people only read headlines or skip the actual ‘articles’ of such reports and simply take away from it that ADHD is bogus. Also, newspapers are in the business of creating headlines that get attention. When they do this, they must realize that a great majority are simply going to take from the headlines and never read the article. For people with ADHD, this is very bad news and could be the return of defending ourselves over our diagnosis.

For example here is a recent headline of the LA Times: New research fuels skepticism (and questions) about those ADHD diagnoses and, here’s the headline in the Sydney Morning Herald: ADHD diagnosed by mistake in young. Now, c’mon how many not reading the full article would simply think that ADHD is a mistake diagnosis in (all) the young or, as the first headlines put it ‘about those ADHD diagnosis’ (those meaning all?). Of course, the articles clarify the research, but by then it might be too late, especially if too many readers take the headline for granted and do not read the article. Hey, how about this one:  Immaturity in Kids Leading to Misdiagnosis of ADHD. So really, according to this headline and not reading the article (all) kids diagnosed with ADHD are really just immature? That may not be the intention, but how many are going to take it that way?

What do you think of the headlines above? Each of these headlines are discussing the current report from North Carolina State University about kids who start school too early. Do a Google search and you will find more such headlines of late.

As I said, I do believe that to a degree modern life has created situations and circumstances that could lead to misdiagnosis of ADHD. However, once again, thanks to certain ways of broadcasting a message, headlines are rebuilding the stigma too many of us have lived with. So we may have more parents chastising other parents for their children’s faults due to “bogus ADHD” and we may have more bullies claiming certain kids with ADHD diagnosis are simply immature or lazy or worse. By the way, immature can be a 4 letter word for kids in school.

I agree we need accurate accounting of misdiagnosis and proper diagnosis, but when such reports are released and broadcast, wouldn’t it be a bit wise to consider the repercussions of how such broadcasts are worded and used to leverage attention? Most people are not going to read the articles anyway, especially since the headlines seem to say it all already!

Or, am I just being too harsh on these headlines or sensitive to the issue?

What do you think?

Bryan

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JP (Judy) Fleming

Bryan – Thanks for being such a good advocate!

For me, being informed is one of the keys to coping and I appreciate your staying on top and communicating these items to us – for 2 reasons. First – your words seem like a safety net, reassuring and supportive when most needed. Second – by informing us in such a timely manner, you arm us before we may be hit with a question by someone who heard about a headline and has been itching to tell you, catching you off guard.

I’d like some ideas about how best to respond to comments from friends/foes when such research findings are in the news. The research findings may or may not be skewed or misleading. The findings aren’t necessarily the culprit – it’s the headlines that do the damage and that won’t change anytime soon.

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Recent Book Reviews: ADD ADHD Life Memoir

It is not a trivial thing to review a book you have enjoyed. It does my heart well and I continue to be touched deeply by what readers are taking from my first book. As time continues to move forward, as I write and publish more books, in true ADDer fashion I tend to worry more and more about the inexperienced writing of the first book I wrote. However, readers continue to validate that which I have shared with the world. It does my heart and soul good to know that my story continues to be of meaning to so many. Special thanks to my readers everywhere. You’ve done more for me than I could ever do for you.

Recent reviews of One Boy’s Struggle: A Memoir – Surviving Life with Undiagnosed ADD:

IT’S NOT MERELY HOPEFUL, IT’S AN ASSURANCE

As an ADDer myself, I have read several books about this disorder to learn more about it. But I found that Bryan’s memoir is unique in its kind. While other books of similar theme usually told the life of an ADDer from a professional point of view with short, partial stories of several patients, Bryan’s memoir presents a complete, unabridged, and exclusive insight into an ADDer’s life and mind. And this is the kind of book that I need. As I read it page by page, I was stunned to learn the striking similarities between us. It ranges all the way from how we daydream (spontaneous, vivid, almost like watching a movie), how we, when finally get something we long for, get confused about what to do with it, how we learn things, inconsistently achieving, the depression, the frustations, the many talents, down to our unlikely sense of fashion. I couldn’t help thinking that we are actually twins, except that he was born five years earlier, of different origin, and that he had harsher life than mine. Fortunately for Bryan, he managed to slip to the other side, where everything is brighter and better.

There are two important messages that Bryan conveys in this book: first, that parents or educators should never give up on a child, at any cost; and second, which is I believe is addressed to those with ADD, is that no matter how wrecked your life is, you can always rebuild it again. The latter is particularly important for me, because, though my `physical’ life is relatively convenient, I struggle the same. His life experience had me realised that I, too, can be on the other side one day, where everything is brighter and better.

Another part of the book that deserve commend is the poem by Joan. It is beautifully composed, smartly capturing Bryan’s self as well as encouraging him to keep on. The poem ensures the reader that Bryan is happily moving on with his life, complete with his ADD intact. Such a sweet closing to the book.

Bryan’s endeavour to reveal his life is not in vain. Anyone dealing with ADD, directly or indirectly, MUST read it, so they can hold their thought before the discouraging words such as `stupid’ or `lazy’ leaped out from the mouth. It has helped me understand myself, it gives me assurance that I can achieve despite my ADD. He is my hero.

By Riri.

Excellent practical memoir.

As someone attempting to figure out what are ADD symptoms and what are something else, this was a fantastic book. Like the author, I understand things best when I read others’ stories. Particularly in the case of things like ADD, most of the technical literature doesn’t give you any sense of what ADD is and how to cope with it. The author has a solid sense of who he is and how his life was influenced by ADD and also, how it was influenced by other things. Also, being older, he has perspective on his life and has fully experienced the negativity of those who dislike that he thinks differently. All of this makes it a very useful book.

He does indeed have an optimistic take of sorts, but only towards the end as he’s past telling his life story and more into an overview of what has happened and what he’s taken from it and how he’s succeeded. Thus, the optimism is appropriate.

One caveat – the writing is not perfect. The sentence structure can be a little choppy and there are little errors here and there – it throws some people off and so I mention it.

By LPE

All adults with ADHD and every parent, teacher and health care provider should Read this book!

There are an incredible number of books available about ADHD, far more than could ever be read by any one person. I have read numerous. If you are going to read 1 book about ADHD, THIS IS IT! At first, I was confused by the writing style, because it was more like Bryan was talking to and with me, not at me or over me. After I finished reading, I sincerely felt as though I have known Bryan all of my life. Have you ever read a book that has given you such a feeling about the author? It’s rare and real.

Although Bryan’s book has moments of profound sorrow and some moments which took me back into my own past, overall, somehow Bryan manages to stay upbeat with a positive attitude that never loses momentum. It will carry you from beginning to end, for this reason and many others, I have read One Boy’s Struggle several times now and know I will read it again and again. Tears came to my eyes thinking about how I felt for Bryan through his ordeals. This book above any other, you will feel what you read, as other reviewers have already pointed out too. What’s more about this book is that Bryan doesn’t simply tell his story, he explains how he coped, what he learned and shares with us how we too can overcome and triumph and get better although the statistics say we can’t.

It took a lot of courage and compassion for Bryan to write his story. I hope every adult and teen with ADHD reads it, moreover this book should be standard issue for every parent, teacher and health care provider that in anyway deals with a child with ADHD. I requested this book for our local library and since it came in, it has never stayed on the shelf.

By Sally

I was moved to tears.

This is the story of a real mensch, a hero, a very special person with an incredible strength. The tenacity, the bravery, the courage, and the perseverance are absolutely stunning. I was moved to tears by his story. I come from family where there was abuse, I grew up undiagnosed myself. I strongly recommend anyone, who has any kind of challenge to read this book, whether you have ADHD, some other disorder, physical disability or a combination there of.

By Sarah Gogstetter

ONE SHRINK’S REAL FIND

As a therapist who treats many ADHD patients, I can tell you what a real find this book is. Simple, raw, inspiring. ADHD can be a blessing, not a curse. This books gives such hope for millions who have felt pain, humiliation, or just lost; it assures them they, too, can find a path for healing and joy in the celebration of living.

It’s one of those books every therapist will want to have in their library to refer to patients. Thank you, Bryan!

By Dr. Nancy B. Irwin

Now I understand,

This book was incredible. Bryan’s story was almost identical to mine and he answered questions I’ve had about myself and my life that I’ve struggled with for years. He explained the why’s of what somone with ADD does what they do and how they see, compensate and navigate through the world. This book was an extremely emotional read for me but left me with a very positive outlook and ideas on what steps to take to improve my life. A must read for anyone with or related to someone with ADD.

By TMF

~~ Thank you so much ~~ Bryan

~~
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ADHD Music Video

This is a great music video about ADD, by: Loomis and Lust.
It is done very well, quite creative and enjoyable.

Please enjoy this video and feel free to pass it along to anyone else!

Best,
Dr. Kenny

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ADHD Parenting: Flexibility

I was recently sitting in a team meeting with the members of our clinic team. We were having a discussion which was partially about patients, but also partially about parenting techniques which we use as parents ourselves.

It was a very interesting discussion…

You see, I was talking about the difficulty that a set of parents were having with their ADHD and ODD teen. He would push the parents to the limits of their comfort zone. He would take any issue to the extreme – and in so doing, push either mom or dad’s buttons to the extreme.

And then the parents would either argue with each other and cave in on their expectations, or just cave in on their expectations.

Let’s be clear – I’m going to refer to a ‘theoretical’ set of parents – and pull some general types of situations that I hear about from different families to illustrate the points for this article.

In my experience, most parents have a ‘bottom line’ that they don’t want crossed. They feel that if that line is crossed, that they have failed.

The issue is that sometimes, mom and dad have different bottom lines.

And even though parents don’t say out loud what their bottom lines are, their teens know them. And they push the buttons right to the ‘bottom line’ whenever they need to get something, and it doesn’t seem to be going their way.

Although I’m speaking about a theoretical example of a 2 parent family – teens can do this just as well with a single parent as well. They just push it to the extreme on the ‘touchiest’ issue that their parent has.

And it shouldn’t surprise you that your teen knows your biggest buttons. Let’s be realistic. Kids know them before they are 10 years old. Probably before they are 6 years old – or even 4 years old. Kids observe their parents well – and they try lots of behavior to see the responses their parents will give. And then they hone in on the areas that give the biggest responses. Bingo – they know your hot button. No PhD necessary…  Just time, practice, and daily wearing you down…

Back to our theoretical parents.

Let’s say that mom has a ‘bottom line’ that there can’t be any aggression in the home. And dad has a ‘bottom line’ that the parents need to provide a roof over their kid’s heads, or they have failed as parents.

So, let’s look at a theoretical situation where a teenage boy with ADHD and ODD wants to do something, and he feels that the parents are coming down too hard on him. Let’s say he wants to play ‘World of Warcraft’ and he doesn’t think it matters that he’s been on it for 11 hours today, he wants to keep playing. When mom and dad try to take the computer cord or to shut off the internet to get him to go outside, or to eat a meal – he starts to fight, and ‘goes for the throat’.

In my experience, most kids and teens with ADHD aren’t completely consciously aware of their parent’s buttons. But they certainly are unconsciously aware. And they go for it.

To make sure he will be able to get to play more time on the computer here’s a strategy he could use.

First – he gets angry, and ‘in dad’s face’. He starts yelling, and threatening. He pushes his chest out and takes a threatening posture. Dad’s anger and male ‘macho’ starts to kick in when he gets so angry about how he’s being disrespected. So, he raises his voice, and ‘puffs out’ his chest. All the while, mom is watching this and she starts to get very concerned that her son and husband are about to get into a physical fight.

Remember – mom considers the worst thing that can happen to be a physical fight in her home. So, she starts to freak out – and she jumps in to stop this ‘testosterone challenge’ from continuing.

Now, dad gets angry at mom for stepping in and undermining him. Mom feels that although this is a problem, it’s far better than letting her son and husband progress to the extent that it’s even remotely possible that they could get into a fight.

At this stage of the situation, the teenager has now split mom and dad, and he’s close to ‘winning’. He probably doesn’t feel that he’s close to winning, in fact he probably feels angry and charged up, because he was getting close to wanting to fight his dad.

Now that mom and dad are starting to fight, the teen now goes for the ‘final blow’. He has already pushed mom’s biggest button, so now he goes for dad.

He says something like: ‘I don’t have to deal with this bullsh**! If I leave and go to my Jim’s, his parents aren’t nearly as crazy as you two!’ Now this will push some of dad’s buttons.

But if he said: ‘ I’d rather live at the Salvation Army shelter than deal with this crap!’ This would really get dad going. Remember – dad considers it the ultimate failure if his kids aren’t being sheltered in his own home.

So even if mom thinks that her son could get a ‘dose of reality’ if he moved out for a while (like the shelter staff wouldn’t let him sit on a computer for 11 hours, and serve him food in his room), dad wouldn’t tolerate it.

Now, mom’s buttons are pushed, dad’s buttons are pushed, and now it is relatively easy for the teen to continue on with the behavior that he or she wanted to do in the first place.

The fallout of this – everyone is upset. The parents feel that they can’t do anything to stop their teen’s behavior. The teen is angry. Mom and dad and angry with one another, and they are arguing about what could have worked if the other parent hadn’t screwed it up. The parents feel that they need to call the doctor or the therapist because their child’s disorders (ADHD and ODD) are out of control and the medication needs adjusting…

Coming back to the meeting I was having with my treatment team at my clinic, I was talking about strategies to help these theoretical parents come onto the same page and strategies they could use to improve the situation.

The ‘solution’ to this type of situation really involves the parents doing a lot of personal and relationship work.

The parents need to change or eliminate their ‘buttons’ so that they can’t be pushed to the limit by their teen. The parents need to get on the same page, so that they can’t be ‘divided and conquered’. And the parents need to be more flexible.

Flexibility is the key.

Let’s summarize it this way: ‘she/he who is more flexible, wins’.

What I mean by this is – if your child or teen has more ways to upset you and push your buttons than you have to handle it, then he or she wins.

If you have more ways to handle the situation than they have to mess it up – then you win. And if they try to push a button – and you laugh, don’t fall for it -and go on to push their buttons, then you win.

And this is where the discussion was going with the other therapists in my team meeting. Through the course of the discussion, the team members who are also parents of teens shared some of the strategies they use.

A male therapist said that his teens have informed him that he needs to keep his shirt on when they are out in public because he’s ‘hideous’. So, when he’s out with his teens, and they are getting demanding and unreasonable – he informs them calmly that if they continue on with that issue, he will take off his shirt in 30 seconds. This new strategy has worked every time.

A female therapist explained that when her teen was having issues with getting home on time – she said that she would drive to the party and come in to get her daughter – and make sure to say hi to all of the teens and ask them about what they had been doing that night. Her daughter started coming home on time (rather than ‘die’ at how embarrassing her mother would be).

These examples are not meant to be examples of the best solutions to parenting your ADHD and/or ODD child. What they are examples of is parents who have decided that they are going to be flexible, creative, and do what it takes to show their kids that they are the parents, and they have the upper hand. When they do this successfully, they maintain some semblance of control.

When their teen pushes their buttons to the extreme, and the teen gains control, the parents have lost their ability to parent.

Think about flexibility. How can you be more flexible than your child or teen.

And if the example described above rings true to your experience, take some time to talk to your doctor or therapist about specific approaches you can take to increase your flexibility and increase your sense of control with your ADD/ADHD, ODD or just difficult child or teen.

Please share your thoughts or experiences below.

Best,

Dr. Kenny

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A Tale of Two Afterschool Programs, Part 2

As I recounted in Part I of this series, I came to the conclusion last fall that the after school program my son was attending was not suitable for him, and probably not for any child who was imperfect in any way. It certainly was not suitable for a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Lawrence was not happy there, and I was concerned about what the impact of the constant reprimands and punishments would be. I felt that if Lawrence was always seen as the bad kid he might eventually decide that it wasn't worth even trying to behave.

In addition, the lack of a clear disciplinary process and escalation of issues seemed very unprofessional. I felt that the people running the program were well-meaning, but ill-equipped to handle even minor conflicts. And with ADHD, even if the child is taking medication, you're always going to have a certain number of conflicts.

I turned to an afterschool program we had investigated the year before, the Jewish Community Center of Berkeley. I had read great reviews of the JCC on Berkeley Parents List (which boasts lots of good advice, even if you don't live in the area). We set up a visit immediately, and I was favorably impressed. Not only were there several rooms for the kids (unlike one small room at his current afterschool program) and a large outside area, but the children were able to take classes like cooking, theater, art, dance and even a circus arts class (held at an outside location). This was a definite plus, as children with ADHD need novelty and intellectual stimulation. We enrolled Lawrence at the JCC, and he settled in happily.

One afternoon when I came to pick Lawrence up, about six weeks after he started at JCC, the afterschool program director, Joey, asked to talk to me in his office. I had the ADHD parent's knee-jerk reaction, "What has he done now?" Joey assured me that no big problems had happened, but that he wanted my help in dealing with Lawrence's disruptiveness, especially when Joey was taking attendance, and during the Shabbat service.

I explained that Lawrence's ADHD made it very difficult for him to sit still and be quiet for longer than a couple of minutes. "I have ADHD, and I can assure you that he's not being intentionally disruptive or rude - he's just dealing with more ‘ants in the pants' than a lot of other kids, and it takes more control for him to stay quiet and still." I added that Lawrence really wanted to be helpful and liked Joey a lot.

I explained a little bit more about ADHD and what challenges Lawrence faced with it, such as impulsivity and social awkwardness. Joey listened intently, and when I was done said, "Okay, good. I understand better now what he's dealing with."

Joey brought Lawrence in, and both of us explained to him what we had been discussing. Joey impressed on Lawrence that he would be helping Joey a lot if he could keep the fidgeting and talking out under control while attendance was being taken. "I need you on my team, Lawrence," he said, "helping me to get things done." Joey came up with the idea of reminding Lawrence what he was supposed to be doing, in a way that wouldn't embarrass him. He would say, "Lawrence, you on my team?" if Lawrence was acting out.

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A Tale of Two Afterschool Programs, Part 1

When my son started elementary school a couple of years ago, I was delighted to find that there was day care on the school grounds. He was in morning kindergarten, so he went there after school at 11 AM. I wasn't crazy about how small the day care room was, but I was told that they used the playscape outside extensively. The big draw was that Lawrence was right there on school grounds, and would be picked up at the door to his classroom.

In retrospect, I realize that we weren't given any information about how discipline was handled, which I now know to be a red flag. About a month after school started, my husband, who was working at home, got a phone call - "Come pick Lawrence up." Apparently another boy had been throwing cupfuls of water under the stall at Lawrence when Lawrence was on the toilet. Responding with an ADHD child's impulsivity, Lawrence charged out of the stall, grabbed the kid and stuck his hand in the toilet. (I know I shouldn't find this funny, but I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing when I first heard about it.)

I explained that Lawrence has ADHD, and therefore tends to act before he thinks, but they seemed totally uninterested in hearing what I had to say. It became clear over the next few months that the response to most infractions was to ask us to pick Lawrence up. Once my husband started working across the bay in San Francisco, that was not at all feasible. And anyway, I was wondering what I was paying these people for, if they couldn't even handle disputes between children. In over two years at preschool, we had never been asked to pick Lawrence up. A preschool teacher would talk to us when we picked him up at the end of the day if anything had happened that they were concerned about, but all the teachers loved him, and there were very few problems.

I reached the end of my rope with the elementary school day care last fall, when Lawrence was in first grade. The day care supervisor called me in a dither and said Lawrence had been talking inappropriately. I was somewhat surprised, since he has never done that, and asked for details. Apparently he was telling other children that his penis hurt. Well, he had hurt himself badly enough the previous week by falling flat on his front on the playground that he had an ice pack on his crotch for half an hour at home after I picked him up, and it still was bothering him to some extent. Given that my husband and I were pretty matter-of-fact when we talked to him about it, he may not have realized that there was anything inappropriate in talking about it.

But the woman I talked to was very upset that he mentioned this in front of kindergartners (a whole year younger - gasp! What a pervert!) and girls. Many of his friends are girls. He doesn't think of them as girls, per se. They're just other kids.

I reiterated that he has ADHD and is sometimes a little tone-deaf when it comes to social skills, but said I'd explain to him that it was not something he should talk about in front of other kids. I understood that they had to be concerned about other parents' reactions. But the supervisor made him feel terrible about the whole thing, as though he had done something really shameful. That upset me, and what concerned me was that he might absorb that kind of attitude from them. He already was used to being considered the bad kid at day care, and I was beginning to get extremely worried about his emotional well being.

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If You Could "Return" Your Challenging ADHD Child, Would You?

Like many parents in the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) community, the adoption community (the two overlap more often than you might realize), and the general 24/7-news-consuming world, I've been following -- with mixed emotions -- the heartbreaking saga of the 7-year-old Russian boy, Artyem Saviliev, whose adoptive mother, Torry Hansen, sent him back to his country of origin all alone on a plane.

On the surface Hansen's actions seem heartless, thoughtless -- the way she shipped him back, almost as if he were an impulse buy, a foreign good that arrived damaged. Would-be adoptive mother Hansen has explained her actions by citing the Russian child's "severe psychopathic issues," violent behavior, and mental instability. Since then ABC news has reported that the Russian officials who examined the boy upon his return to the country question whether these mental health and behavioral issues exist.

Regardless of Hansen’s claims -- and whether they are truthful or not -- is a child's challenging behavior enough of a reason to do what she did? Would we have done the same thing in her shoes? Is it our place to judge her?

Although I can’t claim to understand this woman’s experience, as the adoptive mother of a 9-year-old Russian daughter who came to this country at age two and a half with then-undiagnosed ADD/ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing disorder, and prenatal exposure to alcohol, I do understand exhaustion. I understand desperation. I never for a moment entertained fantasies of sending Natalie back to Russia, but I certainly had moments when I believed that nothing short of an army of nannies and housekeepers could get me through another day. Each of these conditions have since presented many real parenting challenges (which I blog about).

Still, this woman's actions have left me just...speechless...floored...and overwhelmed by complex, unanswered questions. After days of rumination, these are the questions that linger in my mind:

On the Diane Rehm show last week, Thomas DiFilipo, president and C.E.O. of Joint Council on International Children's Services, said that Hansen had contacted an expert in attachment disorder, but had failed to recognize her responsibilities as a parent.

If she did seek assistance, I wonder what services were available and easily accessible in her area. One would hope, but couldn’t assume, that she had options to help with everything from expected adjustment and attachment problems (therapy) to middle-of-the-road, but still likely issues (outpatient evaluation by a mental health professional, medication, and therapy) to a “worst-case-scenario” (inpatient evaluation and treatment and residential treatment), and that an adoption professional was there to help her through the process.

It can be difficult to navigate the system. Even with 16 years of experience working in human services, it took me forever to find the right resources for our family. I remember more than once dropping my daughter Natalie off at pre-school in tears (mine, not hers!) and crying to her special ed consultant or teachers that I needed help, just to be told, again and again, that we didn’t qualify for any services. It was several years before Natalie’s occupational therapist said to me, “What do you mean? There is help. I think you’d qualify,” and told me about Iowa's Children’s Mental Health Waiver, which, as I've blogged about, has saved my sanity.

Danette Schott, an adoptive parent whose struggles to find diagnosis and treatment for her Russian child led her to write a series of guides to help parents in similar situations, confirmed that figuring out how to find help is a common problem for parents. "It’s tragic that this mother thought this was her best option. Although I do not condone her actions, I can understand her [apparent] feelings of being confused and overwhelmed. Outsiders looking in may wonder in this 'information age' how something like this can happen. But I found that although there is an abundance of available information, most parents do not know where to start. When I started searching for help for my child, I couldn't find any resource that stepped special needs parents (both adoptive and biological) through the problem-solving process."

Do any parents who adopt? Do any parents who give birth? As a mother to a biological son, and an adopted daughter, I can say that to some extent, adopting gives the illusion that the parent has a degree of choice about the characteristics of the child they are adopting. When we adopted Natalie, we specified that we wanted a three- to four-year-old girl with no special needs. Well, one (her gender) out of three ain’t bad! When Natalie was referred to us, she was identified as having a special need, but it was labeled a "medical issue" -- not a psychological or behavioral one. The referral information did describe developmental delays, but that was to be expected in an orphanage environment, we thought.

When we met Natalie for the first time, we realized that her problems were very serious, but we were still mistaken about what they were or would become. We judged her to be an intellectually disabled child who we feared would never learn to talk, read, or write. But, my husband Don and I agreed that we wanted this child, and already loved this child.

By this point we had already waited several months longer for our referral than was the norm at that time. Then, when we first set eyes on Natalie, wearing a silly purple dress, her eyes big and sad, with scratches on her face from a fight with another child, it really was a case of “love at first sight.” I literally watched Don fall in love with her when he held her for the first time, and felt that same love inside. Neither of us had a second thought about accepting this referral. When we did so, we believed it was with our eyes wide open.

It wasn’t until we left the orphanage with Natalie that her ADD/ADHD wild side started to emerge, along with her resilience, determination, and smarts. In other words, we had no idea what we were getting into! Had we known what Natalie’s challenges were -- we wouldn’t have changed our minds, our resolve to be her parents, but, it would have been helpful to know!

So, what about parents who don’t desire the lifestyle changes required to raise a child with special needs, or aren’t equipped -- emotionally, intellectually, financially -- to do so? (Like I am?) Does their desire to parent only "normal," "healthy" children make them bad people? Isn’t it a positive that they know their limitations? Or, is there such a thing as "typically American parents," who are by-products of a larger global consumer culture?

If so, what can be done to move the adoption culture from a consumer mentality (providing a satisfactory child to every potential parent) to a humanitarian one (finding the right family for every child)? Have the international adoption guidelines set forth by The Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-Country Adoption (put into practice in the United States in early 2008) started the ball of change rolling around the world? Will The Hague Convention requirement for potential parents to receive 10 hours of pre-adoption training make a difference? One would hope. Although I read every related book I could get my hands on, that requirement wasn’t in place when we adopted.

And that research didn't prevent me from experiencing what I would call the "hurt child vs. unsatisfactory product" mindset demonstrated by Hansen's story. During one of our post-adoption-placement visits with a social worker, in the first year or two after Natalie joined our family, I was sharing our family’s challenges. I was talking about my continuous exhaustion. Describing my daughter’s hyperactivity. Her frequent tantrums. The social worker stopped me, and said, “Well, you knew she had special needs when you adopted her, didn’t you?”

I was a little insulted. I hadn't been complaining. Well, maybe I had been, but not about Natalie. I wasn’t expressing dissatisfaction that I was assigned a difficult child. Couldn’t I admit that life with Natalie was terribly hard and still want her and love her? Wasn’t it appropriate for me to admit -- to our adoption social worker of all people -- that maybe I needed help? Couldn’t I tell the truth without being lumped in the camp of the dissatisfied consumer?

As I was listening to the Diane Rehm show cover this topic I was surprised to hear one of the guests, Jane Aronson, M.D., a pediatrician and well-known expert in international adoption medicine, say that she knows of many similar cases -- of parents returning “unsatisfactory” kids to their country of origin. This case, for some reason, just happened to make the news.

Dr. Aronson stressed that every child in an orphanage will have issues related to that experience, not to mention the potential for mental health problems due to other factors such as lack of prenatal care.

I don’t have answers to these questions, or any others. The world may never come to know the whole truth of this particular situation. But, hopefully, some good will come of it -- conversations, realizations, evolving attitudes, better information transfer between adoption agencies and prospective parents, easier access to mental health care -- a counterweight to all the bad.

My thoughts are with all of the families in the process of adopting, and I’m sure I speak for the whole ADDitude community when I say I hope you will soon be given the honor of bringing your children -- however “special”-- home. (And once you do, if your child turns out to be as “special” as ours, we’ll be here if you need us!)

ADDitude asked, "How have you been reacting to the news coverage of the adoptive mother who sent the Russian boy she adopted back to his country of origin alone on a plane -- citing 'behavioral' and psychiatric issues as her reason? As parents of ADD/ADHD children, or adults with ADD/ADHD, what do you make of this story and how people are covering it?"

Denise Moreau said, "I find this whole story incredibly sad, that poor child. If he did have problems before this, I can only imagine how traumatized he is now. I hope that he finds a family who is willing to love and care for him, whatever his needs may be."

Lisa Crandall said, "This is heartbreaking to me, having ADD/ADHD and [being] an adoptee. Thank God my adoptive parents had unconditional love and realistic [expectations] about what they were getting into."

Kris Ferro Manes said, "The story made [me] sad. Both my sons are adopted and I would not dream of sending them back for any reason. The day I adopted them they became mine. I think when you are a parent and you are having difficulties with your child you have to keep seeking help. There is someone who is going to be able to help your child."

Theresa Nagle said, "I adopted [two] daughters. The first was and is everything [and] more, even with her special needs, that any parent could wish and hope for. The second, we were told in writing, was quiet and sweet -- she wasn't and isn't. She has emotionally attacked my [two] younger children. The social worker who interviewed us before the [second] adoption also knew that we were in the midst of marital problems, but recommended us anyway. After [one and a half] years of trying with her, I knew she needed different parents and contacted many people and agencies, the adoption agency included. Looking for help, I was ostracized, demoralized, threatened, and received no help, whatsoever. I could have found her a good home in my own town, [but] no one would lift a finger. Now she is with my [now] ex-husband, who takes very poor care of her to the lowest acceptable level required by the county...I take care of all of the special needs and beyond of my [two] other children... There are several parts of the system that need to be addressed."

If you could somehow reverse your child's ADD/ADHD diagnosis, without medical consequences, would you?

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Intuniv: ADHD Medication for Kids

About Intuniv: Larry Silver, M.D., the author of Dr. Larry Silver's Advice to Parents on AD/HD explained that Intuniv is an "extended-release formulation of the high-blood pressure medication guanfacine (sold for hypertension under the brand name Tenex)." According to Dr. Silver, in the past Intuniv was prescribed "off-label" to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Read Dr. Silver's expert opinion on prescribing Intuniv to treat ADHD.

Patient Information: Intuniv may not be effective for children under the ages of 6, adults, or after nine weeks of use.

According to Intinuv's patient information sheet, you should notify your doctor if you:

• have heart problems or a low heart rate

• have fainted

• have low blood pressure

• have liver or kidney problems

• have any other medical conditions

• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

• are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.

How to Take Intuniv

• Intuniv should be taken 1 time a day.

• Intuniv should be swallowed whole with a small amount of water, milk, or other liquid.

• Do not take Intuniv with a high-fat meal.

Side Effects of Intuniv Include:

• low blood pressure

• low heart rate

• fainting

• sleepiness

• tiredness

• drowsiness

The most common side effects of Intuniv include: • sleepiness

• drowsiness

• low blood pressure

• headache

• nausea

• stomach pain

• dry mouth

• dizziness

• irritability

• constipation

• not hungry (decreased appetite)

You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Head to the ADDitude forums to read reviews of Intuniv and to discuss side effects.

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IVF Babies' Risk for ADHD: Eleven Times Higher Than in Traditional Births

One of the lingering questions that remains in modern infertility treatments is whether children conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) -- when a woman’s egg is fertilized with a man’s sperm in a laboratory setting outside of the womb -- grow up as healthy as those conceived the more traditional way.

A new study that set out to find the answer suggests that while IVF young adults participants were similar to, and sometimes doing better than their counterparts, when it came to risk factors for chronic diseases, they were up to 11 times more likely to be diagnosed with certain psychological disorders, such as clinical depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD).

“Overall, the study showed good health and good adjustment of the ‘young IVF adults'...and although ADD was higher, the young adults were productive, attained good levels of education/jobs, and performed above average physical exercise,” said Sergio Oehninger, M.D., Ph.D., the medical director of the Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, and one of the authors of the study.

The study, published in February 2010 issue of Fertility and Sterility, surveyed 173 young adults, ages 18 to 26, who are members of the oldest generation of IVF births in the U.S . All were delivered between 1981 and 1990 at the Eastern Virginia Medical School's Jones Institute of Reproductive Medicine, which was also where the first U.S. IVF baby was born in 1981.

Some Other Highlights of the Study:

Smoking was less prevalent in IVF young adults but IVF females reported more instances of binge drinking (five or more drinks in a two-hour period) and alcohol use.

However, over two-thirds of the IVF young adults reported being diagnosed with a physical or psychological problem, most often relating to psychiatric conditions, vision problems and asthma or allergies.

More than 33 percent of study participants reported being diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, which is higher than the estimated three to five percent known to affect the general population. The same was true of the rate of depression among IVF study participants, which came in around 16 percent, compared with the 13 percent of adolescents and young adults up to 25 who are typically affected.

What is the Link Between IVF and ADD/ADHD?

While the study was not able to identify the cause of the higher incidence in ADD/ADHD, depression and binge drinking, behavioral problems could stem from either a high level of stress from parents undergoing IVF or from parents who were “overprotective” of their children, said Hind A. Beydoun, Ph.D., one of the authors of the study.

Couples where one or more members have ADD/ADHD and believe that conceiving through IVF may increase their future child’s risk for getting ADD/ADHD should not be discouraged. According to researchers, this study did not examine parental characteristics so they could not make any conclusions on whether children were more at risk for getting ADD/ADHD if their parents were first diagnosed. “We do not know the real percentages of ADD in a larger sample size, it could just be that IVF parents simply take children to the doctor more frequently (more cases can be diagnosed that way), or this may truly reflect that IVF families are stressed (like we know for infertility and cancer in general),” Oehninger said.

Prior to this study, researchers were unsure what impact the differences IVF babies experience during the early stages of embryonic development -- which affect a person's risk of chronic health conditions such as cancer or heart disease -- would have later on in life. Another piece to the puzzle that spurred researchers to conduct this study was that IVF often leads to multiple births, which increases the likelihood of preterm delivery, low birthrate, and fetal growth restrictions, all of which can also negatively affect children’s long-term development.

Because in vitro fertilization is a relatively recent procedure, earlier studies have focused only on the short-term outcomes following IVF births into infancy, childhood and adolescence.

More studies need to be conducted, cautioned the researchers, because of several limitations in their study. For instance, while 560 young adults were eligible and conducted for the study, only 173 responded. Also, parents who undergo IVF are often more affluent than the general population and this could explain some of the higher rates in diagnosis, as they may be more likely to be able to afford to pay for diagnosing treating conditions like ADD/ADHD. There was also no actual control group tested. Instead, researchers compared respondents to a subsample of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 1,315 young adults surveyed between 1999 and 2004.

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