PARENTS
A message for Parents:
Google Images
Dear Parents of ADHD children,
We as educators feel that providing an enriching, enjoyable, safe, and successful learning environment for each and every child is of upmost importance for us as teacher. This being said we recognize the needs of your child and wish to help them with overcoming the obstacles that they face. Our teachers and administrators are professionally trained to seek out symptoms of disorders such as ADHD. Once diagnosed we then make it a goal to have effective communication with all the other teachers, the student, and of course the parents. After the diagnoses teachers begin to keep track of daily/weekly progress and relay this information back to you. We also meet with you to set clear goals for you child, making sure they are getting where they need to be. We also make sure that your child stays active both physically and mentally. As a school we strive to make your child's education as beneficial as possible because it is important to us too. However, the school can't be the only one working with your child. Children with ADHD require more attention than the typical child which is why your involvement as parents is every bit as important as that of the school. Below you will fine tips, reading lists, and videos especially geared towards parents of children with ADHD. Please take the time to look over this material. We're here for you and your child. Be there for you child.
Un Mensaje Para Los Padres:
Queridos Los padres de los los niños de ADHD,
Nosotros, como educadores creemos que proporcionando un, ambiente agradable, seguro y exitoso enriquecer el aprendizaje de cada niño es de suma importancia para nosotros como maestros. Dicho esto, reconocemos las necesidades de su hijo y queremos ayudarles con la superación de los obstáculos que enfrentan. Nuestros maestros y administradores están capacitados profesionalmente para buscar síntomas de trastornos como el TDAH. Una vez diagnosticada entonces hacemos el objetivo de tener una comunicación efectiva con el resto de los profesores, el estudiante, y por supuesto los padres. Después de que los diagnósticos de los maestros comienzan a realizar un seguimiento del progreso diario / semanal y transmiten esta información a usted. También nos reunimos con usted para establecer metas claras para su hijo, asegurándose de que están recibiendo en el que tienen que ser. También Nos aseguramos de que su hijo se queda activa tanto física y mentalmente. Como escuela nos esforzamos por hacer de la educación de su hijo lo más beneficiosa posible, ya que es importante para nosotros también. Sin embargo, la escuela no puede ser el único que trabaja con su hijo. Los niños con TDAH requieren más atención de la que el niño típico como el que es por las que su implicación como padres es cada pedacito tan importante como la de la escuela. A continuación punta fina, listas de lecturas y videos orientados especialmente hacia los padres de niños con TDAH. Por favor tómese el tiempo para revisar este material. Estamos aquí para usted y su niño. Estar allí para su hijo.
We as educators feel that providing an enriching, enjoyable, safe, and successful learning environment for each and every child is of upmost importance for us as teacher. This being said we recognize the needs of your child and wish to help them with overcoming the obstacles that they face. Our teachers and administrators are professionally trained to seek out symptoms of disorders such as ADHD. Once diagnosed we then make it a goal to have effective communication with all the other teachers, the student, and of course the parents. After the diagnoses teachers begin to keep track of daily/weekly progress and relay this information back to you. We also meet with you to set clear goals for you child, making sure they are getting where they need to be. We also make sure that your child stays active both physically and mentally. As a school we strive to make your child's education as beneficial as possible because it is important to us too. However, the school can't be the only one working with your child. Children with ADHD require more attention than the typical child which is why your involvement as parents is every bit as important as that of the school. Below you will fine tips, reading lists, and videos especially geared towards parents of children with ADHD. Please take the time to look over this material. We're here for you and your child. Be there for you child.
Un Mensaje Para Los Padres:
Queridos Los padres de los los niños de ADHD,
Nosotros, como educadores creemos que proporcionando un, ambiente agradable, seguro y exitoso enriquecer el aprendizaje de cada niño es de suma importancia para nosotros como maestros. Dicho esto, reconocemos las necesidades de su hijo y queremos ayudarles con la superación de los obstáculos que enfrentan. Nuestros maestros y administradores están capacitados profesionalmente para buscar síntomas de trastornos como el TDAH. Una vez diagnosticada entonces hacemos el objetivo de tener una comunicación efectiva con el resto de los profesores, el estudiante, y por supuesto los padres. Después de que los diagnósticos de los maestros comienzan a realizar un seguimiento del progreso diario / semanal y transmiten esta información a usted. También nos reunimos con usted para establecer metas claras para su hijo, asegurándose de que están recibiendo en el que tienen que ser. También Nos aseguramos de que su hijo se queda activa tanto física y mentalmente. Como escuela nos esforzamos por hacer de la educación de su hijo lo más beneficiosa posible, ya que es importante para nosotros también. Sin embargo, la escuela no puede ser el único que trabaja con su hijo. Los niños con TDAH requieren más atención de la que el niño típico como el que es por las que su implicación como padres es cada pedacito tan importante como la de la escuela. A continuación punta fina, listas de lecturas y videos orientados especialmente hacia los padres de niños con TDAH. Por favor tómese el tiempo para revisar este material. Estamos aquí para usted y su niño. Estar allí para su hijo.
How to Overcome ADHD with your Child
Google Images
The first time a child is diagnosed with ADHD usually occurs in the school setting. This can be a difficult time for parents because they feel as if they have hit a dead end and do not know how to turn around. They feel lost and unsure of how to support the needs of their child. Well parents, you are not alone. You are 1 in 4.4 million sets of parents whose child is diagnosed with ADHD. There are many resources around you and this site is one of them. This site will provide to you a step by step guidance on how to help you and your child with working around that dead end and achieving success for a better future.
Many parents may not know what ADHD in a child looks like. Others may think their child has ADHD just by how much energy they have. Symptoms and other basics can be found on The Basics page. Also a video titled "How to Parent a Child with ADHD" can be found below. Two clinical psychologist discuss the signs and symptoms of ADHD children and how to parent them. Look right below this paragraph for specific parenting tips.
ADHD Parenting Tips:
#1. Stay Positive and Healthy
According to Help Guide, "your best assets for helping your child meet the challenges of ADD/ADHD are your positive attitude and common sense. When you are calm and focused, you are more likely to be able to connect with your child, helping him or her to be calm and focused as well." With being positive it is important to keep things in perspective, don't sweat the small stuff and be willing to make compromises, and always always always believe in your child.
Your health not only benefits you, but your child as well. "If you are overtired or have simply run out of patience, you risk losing sight of the structure and support you have so carefully set up for your child with ADD/ADHD. "(Smith and Segal 2012) is important to take care of yourself so you can be there for your child.
#2: Establish Structure and Stick to It
Structure in any child's life is important, however it is crucial in the lives of ADHD children. By having a structure, these children will be more likely to succeed in the tasks they are assigned. As the parent, it is your job to establish a structure in your home. This can be done by doing the following: following routines, using clocks and timers, simplify your child's schedule, create a quiet place, be neat and organized. One more thing to keep in mind is trying to get your child involved, but not to the point of overwhelmed. Sign them up for sports and clubs. When their minds and body's are active are when they are most likely to excel.
Many parents may not know what ADHD in a child looks like. Others may think their child has ADHD just by how much energy they have. Symptoms and other basics can be found on The Basics page. Also a video titled "How to Parent a Child with ADHD" can be found below. Two clinical psychologist discuss the signs and symptoms of ADHD children and how to parent them. Look right below this paragraph for specific parenting tips.
ADHD Parenting Tips:
#1. Stay Positive and Healthy
According to Help Guide, "your best assets for helping your child meet the challenges of ADD/ADHD are your positive attitude and common sense. When you are calm and focused, you are more likely to be able to connect with your child, helping him or her to be calm and focused as well." With being positive it is important to keep things in perspective, don't sweat the small stuff and be willing to make compromises, and always always always believe in your child.
Your health not only benefits you, but your child as well. "If you are overtired or have simply run out of patience, you risk losing sight of the structure and support you have so carefully set up for your child with ADD/ADHD. "(Smith and Segal 2012) is important to take care of yourself so you can be there for your child.
#2: Establish Structure and Stick to It
Structure in any child's life is important, however it is crucial in the lives of ADHD children. By having a structure, these children will be more likely to succeed in the tasks they are assigned. As the parent, it is your job to establish a structure in your home. This can be done by doing the following: following routines, using clocks and timers, simplify your child's schedule, create a quiet place, be neat and organized. One more thing to keep in mind is trying to get your child involved, but not to the point of overwhelmed. Sign them up for sports and clubs. When their minds and body's are active are when they are most likely to excel.
3: Establish Clear Expectations and Rules
Along with structure it is also important to let your child know of your expectations and rules. Try writing these rules down somewhere in the house with easy access for your child to see. Do not be afraid to reward good behavior either. Or punish when a consequence is needed. Remember to stay consistent with punishments and rewards. A handy chart on consequences and rewards can be found on the ADHD Help Guide webpage.
#4: Encourage Movement and Sleep
ADHD children NEED to be active. They have all this energy bottled up in them and they need ways to release that energy. Not only does movement release energy, it also improves their ability to concentrate which ultimately decreases their likelihood of depression and anxiety. As for anyone physical activity improves ones ability to sleep. Children who have better sleep habits also have fewer symptoms of ADHD.
#5: Help Your Child Eat Right
Everyone needs to eat healthier meals. Eating a healthy well balanced meal helps with the mental state. For children with ADHD the mental state ultimately affects behavior. Without healthy eating, these children are more likely to act out. Make sure children load up on lots of fruit and veggies, remain consistent with meal times, and not have too much junk food snacking. Also, it has been proven that eating small meals more often tends to help a child with ADHD
#6: Teach Your Child How to Make Friends
Social skills are often hard for those with ADHD, however it is extremely important that they do make friends. By working with your child on their social skills they are more likely to improve and make friends. Here are some tips to remember when socializing with your child (Help Guide):
Along with structure it is also important to let your child know of your expectations and rules. Try writing these rules down somewhere in the house with easy access for your child to see. Do not be afraid to reward good behavior either. Or punish when a consequence is needed. Remember to stay consistent with punishments and rewards. A handy chart on consequences and rewards can be found on the ADHD Help Guide webpage.
#4: Encourage Movement and Sleep
ADHD children NEED to be active. They have all this energy bottled up in them and they need ways to release that energy. Not only does movement release energy, it also improves their ability to concentrate which ultimately decreases their likelihood of depression and anxiety. As for anyone physical activity improves ones ability to sleep. Children who have better sleep habits also have fewer symptoms of ADHD.
#5: Help Your Child Eat Right
Everyone needs to eat healthier meals. Eating a healthy well balanced meal helps with the mental state. For children with ADHD the mental state ultimately affects behavior. Without healthy eating, these children are more likely to act out. Make sure children load up on lots of fruit and veggies, remain consistent with meal times, and not have too much junk food snacking. Also, it has been proven that eating small meals more often tends to help a child with ADHD
#6: Teach Your Child How to Make Friends
Social skills are often hard for those with ADHD, however it is extremely important that they do make friends. By working with your child on their social skills they are more likely to improve and make friends. Here are some tips to remember when socializing with your child (Help Guide):
- Speak gently but honestly with your child about his or her challenges and how to make changes.
- Role-play various social scenarios with your child. Trade roles often and try to make it fun.
- Be careful to select playmates for your child with similar language and physical skills.
- Invite only one or two friends at a time at first. Watch them closely while they play.
- Have a zero tolerance policy for hitting, pushing and yelling in your house or yard.
- Make time and space for your child to play, and reward good play behaviors often.
Reading List for Parents:
For additional reading material take a look at Parkaire Consultants, Inc . website.
- Parent Therapy: A Relational Alternative to Working with Children, by Linda Jacobs and Carol Wachs
- Parenting Children with ADHD: 10 Lessons that Medicine Cannot Teach, by Vincent J. Monastra, PhD.
- The ADD & ADHD Answer Book: Professional Answers to 275 of the Top Questions Parents Ask, by Susan Ashley
For additional reading material take a look at Parkaire Consultants, Inc . website.
STUDENTS
What is ADHD?
Google Images
You have ADHD or a brain thats like a really fast race car. And you have a turboengine. Well sometimes your brain goes too fast, too fast to control. Sooner or later your engine runs out of oil. But your engine needs special motor oil so it won't overheat. If you have the right brakes and oil though, you will beat all the other cars. Even Lightning McQueen.
"You know how you sometimes have trouble paying attention in school, that's because your mind is zipping around all over the place, busting with new ideas." (Hallowell, 2006) This is because of your race-car brain. It gives you so much energy and ideas its hard to contain it all. You just want to share your excitement with the whole world. Well thats great! "But you need help taking care of your race-car brain and need to learn how to put on the brakes." (Hallowell, 2006)
Having ADHD is not something to be ashamed of. In fact millions of people, both kids and adults have ADHD. It may be difficult to accept sometimes but there are many advantages that come with having ADHD. For example, creativity and out of the box thinking comes easily to you. Meaning, in art class you might come up with an idea before all your other classmates. Or in writing class, you will probably crank out an awesome story.
There are also some negatives that come with ADHD, such as sitting still. During class you may start to feel restless and all you can think of is getting out of your seat and running around. But you know this is wrong and that you will get in trouble. But sometime your need to get out of your seat is greater than your desire NOT to be punished. Well the next thing you know your teacher is yelling out your name and telling you to get back in your seat. Your response: "I have ADHD."
Lucky for you there are many people out there willing to help you out. Its important to talk to your parents, your teacher, make new friends. Its all part of life, your very special life. That being said here are some of the few resources that may help you.
Resources
WEBSITES:
Chadd.org
CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder) offers local support services to parents, teachers, and other professionals. Its website features an online community, an ADD directory, and information about your child’s legal rights at school.
Ldonline.org
The Learning Disabilities Online site offers parents, teachers, and kids a wealth of information about learning disabilities. The site features FAQs, expert advice, and several forums.
Schwablearning.org
Schwab Learning’s website features articles about managing ADHD and learning disabilities, getting financial assistance, and improving reading and writing skills. It hosts a parent-to-parent message board, and it offers a weekly newsletter and an extensive list of software for students in all subject areas and grade levels.
BOOKS:
Quirky Kids: Understanding and Helping Your Child Who Doesn’t Fit In—When to Worry and When Not to Worry, by Perri Klass, M.D., and Eileen Costello, M.D. (Ballantine). Two pediatricians provide the expert guidance and illuminate the confusing list of terms often applied to quirky children—from Asperger’s syndrome and nonverbal learning disability to obsessive-compulsive behavior and sensory-integration dysfunction.
A Mind at a Time: How Every Child Can Succeed, by Mel Levine, M.D. (Simon & Schuster). An expert in the field of child development and learning describes the complex workings of the brain, and offers parents and teachers insights for helping children who struggle in school.
Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy, by Pamela Wright and Pete Wright (Harbor House Law). Wrightslawis widely regarded as the definitive manual for all parents of children with ADHD or learning disabilities. This book removes the guesswork from the special-education system. Read it before your next meeting to discuss your child’s IEP or 504 Plan.
Learning Outside the Lines: Two Ivy League Students with Learning Disabilities and ADHD Give You the Tools for Academic Success and Educational Revolution, by Jonathan Mooney and David Cole (Fireside). With advice on “cramming like a pro” and skimming for comprehension, this tell-it-like-it-is guide is a must for any high school or college student with ADHD or LD.
GAMES:
Wart Games, there are thousands of games just waiting to be played on this site. Think you know all your states? Find out and see. Or maybe your crazy about insects. You can go on an insect hunt in this game. There is a game for everyone on this site. Go check it out!
Check out this site for activities on how to boost your attention!
"You know how you sometimes have trouble paying attention in school, that's because your mind is zipping around all over the place, busting with new ideas." (Hallowell, 2006) This is because of your race-car brain. It gives you so much energy and ideas its hard to contain it all. You just want to share your excitement with the whole world. Well thats great! "But you need help taking care of your race-car brain and need to learn how to put on the brakes." (Hallowell, 2006)
Having ADHD is not something to be ashamed of. In fact millions of people, both kids and adults have ADHD. It may be difficult to accept sometimes but there are many advantages that come with having ADHD. For example, creativity and out of the box thinking comes easily to you. Meaning, in art class you might come up with an idea before all your other classmates. Or in writing class, you will probably crank out an awesome story.
There are also some negatives that come with ADHD, such as sitting still. During class you may start to feel restless and all you can think of is getting out of your seat and running around. But you know this is wrong and that you will get in trouble. But sometime your need to get out of your seat is greater than your desire NOT to be punished. Well the next thing you know your teacher is yelling out your name and telling you to get back in your seat. Your response: "I have ADHD."
Lucky for you there are many people out there willing to help you out. Its important to talk to your parents, your teacher, make new friends. Its all part of life, your very special life. That being said here are some of the few resources that may help you.
Resources
WEBSITES:
Chadd.org
CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder) offers local support services to parents, teachers, and other professionals. Its website features an online community, an ADD directory, and information about your child’s legal rights at school.
Ldonline.org
The Learning Disabilities Online site offers parents, teachers, and kids a wealth of information about learning disabilities. The site features FAQs, expert advice, and several forums.
Schwablearning.org
Schwab Learning’s website features articles about managing ADHD and learning disabilities, getting financial assistance, and improving reading and writing skills. It hosts a parent-to-parent message board, and it offers a weekly newsletter and an extensive list of software for students in all subject areas and grade levels.
BOOKS:
Quirky Kids: Understanding and Helping Your Child Who Doesn’t Fit In—When to Worry and When Not to Worry, by Perri Klass, M.D., and Eileen Costello, M.D. (Ballantine). Two pediatricians provide the expert guidance and illuminate the confusing list of terms often applied to quirky children—from Asperger’s syndrome and nonverbal learning disability to obsessive-compulsive behavior and sensory-integration dysfunction.
A Mind at a Time: How Every Child Can Succeed, by Mel Levine, M.D. (Simon & Schuster). An expert in the field of child development and learning describes the complex workings of the brain, and offers parents and teachers insights for helping children who struggle in school.
Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy, by Pamela Wright and Pete Wright (Harbor House Law). Wrightslawis widely regarded as the definitive manual for all parents of children with ADHD or learning disabilities. This book removes the guesswork from the special-education system. Read it before your next meeting to discuss your child’s IEP or 504 Plan.
Learning Outside the Lines: Two Ivy League Students with Learning Disabilities and ADHD Give You the Tools for Academic Success and Educational Revolution, by Jonathan Mooney and David Cole (Fireside). With advice on “cramming like a pro” and skimming for comprehension, this tell-it-like-it-is guide is a must for any high school or college student with ADHD or LD.
GAMES:
Wart Games, there are thousands of games just waiting to be played on this site. Think you know all your states? Find out and see. Or maybe your crazy about insects. You can go on an insect hunt in this game. There is a game for everyone on this site. Go check it out!
Check out this site for activities on how to boost your attention!