Many families endure years of struggles and setbacks before finally finding the right levels of support, guidance, and medications that allow children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder to achieve academic success. But, as an April 14 article by New York Times columnist Tara Parker-Pope indicates, when those children head off to college, that track record of success will likely be put to the test:

For a teenager struggling to stay organized, the unusual class schedules, hourlong lectures, late-night study sessions and disrupted sleep routines of college can be a nightmare. Studies suggest that college students with A.D.H.D. are at greater risk for academic and psychological difficulties, and have lower grade-point averages, than peers without the problem. ...

When [students with ADHD] come to college without the external supports of parents and teachers to keep them organized and on task, oftentimes they struggle mightily to get everything done that they need to get done, [Dr. Mark H. Thomas of the University of Alabama student health center] says. Even those kids who have done relatively well in high school still struggle.

To help prepare for the challenges that ADHD students will face in college, Parker-Pope's article advised parents to evaluate the level of services that are offered at the university and consult with a physician to determine if medication changes are called for.

Labels: college, Attention_Deficit_Hyperactivity_Disorder, support

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Parents who have just been told that their child has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can feel overwhelmed, anxious or confused. Unsure what to do next, they may decide to do nothing at all - but advice from parents "who have been there" can be beneficial:

"Turn off the TV, get outside! Nature will help your ADHD kid release pent-up energy and can have a somewhat calming effect. See if you can give them a special job to do outside that is simple - watering plants, feeding outdoor animals, whatever."

Other parents suggest putting away toys and instead playing board games or reading with your child. The decreased stimulation can help a child relax and focus. Also, find a local CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) chapter where you can connect with other parents and receive support and encouragement. Source: About.com

Labels: parents, support, advice

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Dr. Kenny Handelman, who already authors a blog and runs a social networking site dedicated to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is extending his advocacy to include podcasts. People can now subscribe to his www.ADHD.tv broadcasts through iTunes.

"Handelman, ultimately, sees his mission as a twofold project. Through his practice and his many web-based projects, he seeks to 'improve the quality of life... and recognize the potential' of those with ADHD. But he also wants those who don't suffer with the disorder to realize that ADHD is truly a mental health issue..."

One of Dr. Handelman's first podcasts included an interview with Dr. Daniel Cox of the University of Virginia, during which the two experts discussed the correlation between car accidents and ADHD drivers who weren't taking their medication. Source: 24-7 Press Release

Labels: support, advocacy

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Information about Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is easy to find. Accurate information, however, can be harder to come by. Myths or misinformation about ADHD are plentiful, and parents need to invest time in determining what's really true.

"Myth: Kids with ADHD don't form strong or enduring relationships... FALSE. Kids with ADHD are just as capable of forming close relationships - whether with friends or family - as anyone else."

Another myth is that a lack of close relationships with parents or friends can cause ADHD. Talk to experts - psychologists or behavioral therapists who are educated about ADHD - and learn to separate truth from fiction. Good information will make you a better advocate for your child. Source: Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Labels: information, support, myths

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Cynthia Phillips doesn't have Attention Deficit Disorder, but her husband, Phil, does. In their book ADD: Welcome to Our World, the couple describes their life together and the time they've spent learning to understand and adjust to the manner in which ADD affects their lives.

"The Phillips' aim is to help the reader know if they or someone they love has ADD, what God thinks about it. How to survive and thrive... how to parent a child who is affected by ADD/ADHD... how to distinguish between true ADD and 'society-induced' ADD..."

Drawing from years of experience, the Phillipses say their goal is to re-educate people on the realities of ADD, and to paint a brighter picture about living with this condition. Source: The Daily Sentinel (TX)

Labels: adult_ADHD, support, benefits

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CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), which is the nation's largest organization for people affected by ADHD, is hosting its 20th annual international conference on November 12 to 15 in Anaheim, California.

"The conference opens with Ross Greene, Ph.D., the renowned psychologist, providing strategies for parents to avoid conflicts and negotiate many of the parenting pitfalls that are so much a part of raising children with challenging behaviors."

The keynote speaker will be Olympic Gold Medalist Bruce Jenner, who will share his story of living with ADHD and dyslexia. Other speakers and presenters include Blake Taylor, Terry Matlen, Chris Dendy and Gina Pera. Details are available online at www.chadd.org. Source: About.com.

Labels: awareness, conference, support

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The United Way on Prince Edward Island, Canada, is offering a new counseling program for parents of children with disabilities. The two-year program will offer free counseling services to parents.

"Marylin Balderston, the part-time counselor for the program, told CBC News on Friday that parents of children with ADHD and learning disabilities are more stressed than other parents, but they don't get the support they need and they often don't know where to get it."

The hope is that by supporting parents with guidance, stress management tips, and help with children's behavioral issues, the program will ultimately be supporting the kids. Source: CBC News

Labels: behavior, parents, support

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A child who is fidgeting or running around may just be boisterous. But about 5 percent of children who behave this way have diagnosable ADD/ADHD. Author Diane Paul has released a book aimed at helping parents not only get proper diagnoses for their kids, but learn how to navigate a sometimes complicated system.

"Whether you are a parent or teacher, being equipped with the facts will enable you to make informed decisions. Knowledge is the key. Finding out as much as you can is crucial. This book is your starting point."

Published by Need2Know, the book, titled ADHD - The Essential Guide, is in stores now. Source: MediLexicon

Labels: diagnosis, health_care, support

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Your child's teacher calls you one afternoon and says she thinks your child has ADHD. He's disruptive, fidgety, and can't focus, and she thinks you need to get him some help. What do you do?

"ADD or ADHD are terms that have now become generalized to mean children who misbehave. I would like to make it clear that not all children who have ADHD behave badly nor do all children who misbehave have ADHD. There are specific criteria... that must be met in order for a diagnosis of ADHD to be concluded."

Instead of relying only on a doctor's diagnosis, insist on a multidisciplinary approach that includes assessments by a doctor, psychologist, counselor, and possibly someone at your child's school. This type of assessment is more likely to produce an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment (if needed) for your child. Source: The American Chronicle

Labels: teachers, diagnosis, support

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ADDitude magazine, the leading publication for families and adults who have been affected by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, recently released a report on non-medical options for treating ADHD symptoms.

"Top ADHD doctors and treatment specialists contributed to the free ADDitude Guide to Alternative ADHD Treatment, which investigates and clearly explains the benefits and risks of natural ADHD therapies like fish oil."

The free guide includes tips for behavior therapy, diet and exercise changes, and the use of supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids. Source: LifeWithADHD.com.

Labels: parenting, treatment, support

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Lorni Heaven's son and daughter have both been diagnosed with ADHD. When they were first diagnosed, Lorni had trouble finding good information or support. So she started her own support group.

"She added: 'Since my son's diagnosis I have tried to find out as much information about ADHD and related disorders as I can, but information and advice locally was not readily available, [or was] minimal or inconsistent."

Her Bromley ADDvice Group has made information available online, via e-mail and phone. The group has also begun having online discussions at 9 p.m. every Sunday. Source: News Shopper

Labels: parenting, information, support

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Beginning Wednesday, April 16, registration will open for a free teleseminar called "Unwrapping the Gift of ADD." The 8-part seminar takes place via conference calls at the end of April, each lasting about one hour.

"In an effort to bring parents of kids & teens with ADD/ADHD, and adults with ADD/ADHD the best ways to unwrap the gift of ADD, we've pulled together 8 top ADD/ADHD experts to share with you the best strategies and tactics to do this..."

Traits of ADD/ADHD like impulsivity and inattentiveness have positive aspects that few parents or kids ever hear about. Drs. Edward Hallowell and Kenny Handelman have developed this seminar based on their report "Find the Genius in ADD" as part of their ongoing efforts to eliminate the stigma associated with ADD and ADHD. Source: PR Web

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Labels: support, benefits, positives

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Michelle Davis and Rich Weinfeld are co-founders of the ACB Weinfeld-Davis Advocacy Training Institute, which offers training and guidance to parents and professionals who work with special needs children. The institute has published a "Special Needs Advocacy Resource Guide" aimed at giving parents and professionals the educational information they need to ensure positive outcomes for their children.

"This book has a broad scope and addresses all sorts of special needs. It is an important educational tool not only for the parents and advocates of gifted children, but for those who seek to help any special needs child. The author's intention is to educate the people who act as advocates, whether they are paid consultants or concerned friends or parents."

The guide includes charts and lists, and will acquaint readers with potentially unfamiliar topics such as the Individuals with Disabilities Act. Source: BellaOnline.com.

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Labels: special-needs, support, resources

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Dr. Martin Kutscher recommended a lot of books to parents of children with ADHD, but few parents had time to read 300-page books. So Dr. Kutscher read several of them himself and boiled them down to a simple, easy-to-ready book titled ADHD - Living Without Brakes.

"In ADHD - Living Without Brakes, Dr. Kutscher gives four basic rules: #1 Keep it Positive, #2 Keep it Calm, #3 Keep it Organized, #4 Keep it Going. These four rules will help both parents and professionals negotiate many of the difficulties associated with ADHD."

Called "realistic and optimistic," Dr. Kutscher's book draws on his 20 years of experience with neuropsychiatric disorders and helping both parents and patients understand the complexities of ADHD. Read more at HealthNewsDigest.com.

Labels: parenting, tips, support

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Parents with children who have recently been diagnosed with ADHD have a lot of information to sort through. Some may not know where to start. The website Responsible Rx.org has posted a 14-page guide called the Parent Starter Kit that, as the name implies, may be a great place to start.

"You can download the guide and print it out to read. There is no cost. It is a free resource that helps parents work with their child's doctor to navigate the treatment process once a child has been diagnosed and medication has been prescribed."

The guide is straightforward and easy to understand and covers such topics as "communicating with your child's doctor" and "understanding medication guides." Read more at ADD.About.com.

Labels: diagnosis, support, advice

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A young woman with Asperger's Syndrome made it to the top five on the popular television reality show "America's Next Top Model."

Heather Kuzmich, a 20 year-old student from Valparaiso, Indiana, was eliminated from the competition after making the finals and being voted viewers' favorite for eight weeks in a row.

Ms. Kuzmich has a form of autism that is characterized by difficulties in communication, inability to read others' cues, and unusual social interactions. Some of her traits, such as her inability to hold eye contact and tendency to glance sideways, gave her modeling photos an edgy quality. However, when faced with the challenge of living with twelve other contestants, her disorder sometimes put her at a disadvantage. She often needed telephone support from her mother when the others made fun of her.

Ms. Kuzmich told the New York Times that the contest was a personal way to test her limits as a person with Asperger's Syndrome.

"It was a point in my life where I was thinking either Asperger's was going to define me or I was going to be able to work around it," she said.

Visit Your Little Professor to find schools and camps for children with Asperger's.

Labels: success, media, support

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A young woman with Asperger's Syndrome made it to the top five on the popular television reality show "America's Next Top Model."

Heather Kuzmich, a 20 year-old student from Valparaiso, Indiana, was eliminated from the competition after making the finals and being voted viewers' favorite for eight weeks in a row.

Ms. Kuzmich has a form of autism that is characterized by difficulties in communication, inability to read others' cues, and unusual social interactions. Some of her traits, such as her inability to hold eye contact and tendency to glance sideways, gave her modeling photos an edgy quality. However, when faced with the challenge of living with twelve other contestants, her disorder sometimes put her at a disadvantage. She often needed telephone support from her mother when the others made fun of her.

Ms. Kuzmich told the New York Times that the contest was a personal way to test her limits as a person with Asperger's Syndrome.

"It was a point in my life where I was thinking either Asperger's was going to define me or I was going to be able to work around it," she said.

Visit Your Little Professor to find schools and camps for children with Asperger's.

Labels: success, media, support

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Nationally-noted parent coach Tina Feigal, M.S., Ed., wanted to offer parents something more than theoretical information about parenting kids with ADHD. She wanted to offer something practical, so she put together a "pocket guide", with step-by-step instructions for improving the behavior of what she calls "intense" children.

"By learning specific methods for turning child behaviors around, parents gain new skills, new self-esteem and often-unimagined success. Feigal, founder of The Center for the Challenging Child, taps her experience as a school psychologist, a parent of three sons and a parent coach to bring a wealth of knowledge and intuition to her work."

The book is unique in that it enables parents to bring out the best in their kids, without having to rely on the "professionals" to do it for them.

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Labels: behavior, parenting, support

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Blake Taylor, a freshman at the University of California, Berkeley, has just published a book about his experiences as someone with ADHD. His hope is that the book will encourage others, and help them view ADHD not as a curse, but as a gift.

"There are so many wonderful qualities that come along with ADHD: intelligence, high energy, the ability to accomplish a lot, creativity, passion for a cause, innovativeness, trustworthiness, etc. But the trick is: you have to learn how to live with it and harness it."

Blake offers many tips in his book, all based on his own life and learning to live with ADHD. He admits that living with ADHD isn't always easy, but he believes that the benefits outweigh the challenges.

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Labels: support, benefits, challenges

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If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, the American’s With Disabilities Act guarantees him an educational plan designed to meet his needs. Called an IEP (Individualized Educational Plan), parents and teachers meet to develop it together.

Some parents may  feel unprepared for such meetings, but the advocacy organization Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disoder (CHADD) has tools that can help.

“Take CHADD’s Parent to Parent classes online or in your local community and you will learn how to prepare for these meetings and develop a better plan for your child. Just as importantly, you will learn how to work with your child’s teacher once a plan is in place to make sure it is implemented successfully. Four hours of the course specifically address these all important school issues.” [Source: ADHD & Parenting Examiner]

The classes are available to CHADD members, and both membership and classes can be purchased at CHADD’s website.

Labels: education, schools, support, resources

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