ADD / ADHD Blog

There are jobs out there that require workers to have high activity levels and lots of movement. The best way to be successful in these jobs is to not sit still! If you have the predominately hyperactive-impulsive type or combined type of ADHD, this list is for you.

Click on Thrive in Jobs that Require Movement to read more.

Can you think of any other jobs to add to the list?

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I just wanted to let you all know of an upcoming parenting series, The ADHD Strategy Series, organized by Dr. Rory Stern. Dr. Stern provided expert quotes for a recent article, What Is Your Child's Learning Style?

The Series begins on Monday, May 19th at 8:30 pm EST (with a 24-hour replay line in case you miss it live) and continues with a new speaker and topic each Monday and Wednesday through July 2.

Parents can register for free. Once you register you will be given specifics about how to call in to listen to the speakers. There is an option to upgrade for a cost. By upgrading you will be purchasing the mp3 audios of each call, pdf transcripts, and will also be able to attend 2 90-minute Q&A calls with some of the experts.The upgrade is optional. You do not need to upgrade to hear the speakers.

Speakers:
This list does not follow the exact order of the line-up. The correct order should be released shortly.

• Evelyn Polk-Green
  TOPIC: Parent As Advocate - The Key To Finding The Right Doctor & Team To Support Your Child
• Kirk Martin
  TOPIC: Success Strategies To A Calm Classroom, Calm Home, And Calm Child
• Theresa Cerulli, MD
  TOPIC: Medication & Natural Supplements - Balancing What Your Child's Body Really Needs
  ADHD Basics - Just What Is ADHD?
• Rhoda Kupferberg, PsyD
  TOPIC: The Art & Science Of A Thorough Diagnosis - What Questions To Ask
• Ari Tuckman, PsyD, MBA
  TOPIC: Strengths & Self-Esteem - Truly Understanding The "Gifts" Of ADHD & How To Build Self-Esteem
• Linda Anderson, MCC
  TOPIC: Effective Organization Skills For You & Your Child
• Gregory Fabiano, PhD
  TOPIC: COACHES - Effective Strategies To Get Dads More Involved In Treatment
• David Giwerc, MCC
  TOPIC: Building The Foundation To Your Child's Success (AKA - What They Don't Teach You In School, But You Really Need To Know)
• Tara McGillicuddy
  TOPIC: ADHD Resources Online - Finding Safe, Reliable Sources Of Information & Support
• Rory Stern, PsyD
  TOPIC: "What Else Might It Be?" - Looking Beyond ADHD To Include "Real Life" Problems & Solutions

We all want our children to be responsible and make good decisions, but for a child with ADHD impulsive reactions can sometimes lead to poor choices. As parents we can make a difference. We can help our children face these challenges with a sense of responsibility, healthy self-confidence, and stronger decision making skills.

Click on Reducing the Risk of Alcohol and Drug Use to read more.

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A big cheer to you all!
People have been so responsive in joining our Forum. Thank you for all the kind support you have given to each other. Thank you for being so open and willing to share experiences and provide advice to those going through similar issues. Please continue to help one another. Just knowing you are not alone is a big relief.

If you haven’t checked out the forum, please do. We’d love to have you join us. Click on ADD/ADHD Forum …and welcome!

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Have you ever been reading, gotten to the end of the page, and wondered -- “What on earth did I just read?” Rather than absorbing the words and understanding what was written, has your mind simply wandered midway through the page onto something else?

Does this sometimes happen when others are talking to you? Then there is that awkward pause, where you are expected to reply but you have no idea what the other person just said. What if they had given you specific directions and you haven’t a clue what they were because your mind was off on something else.

You are not alone.

Click on Tips for Maintaining Focus to read more.

Please share any other strategies you have found to be helpful.

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“My 9-year-old son has ADHD and is an only child. Being a single parent, I feel guilty for having to work and wanting some time for myself, but sometimes I feel overwhelmed by his clingy attitude. He's not maturing in this aspect and, coupled with his hyperactivity, I feel like an incompetent mother. He asks for hugs all the time, doesn't let me go to the bathroom without knocking on the door, interrupts conversations...I'm in dire need of better methods to help my son.” -- About.com user

Click on Parenting Strategies to read response.

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I would like to invite you all to our Forum.

As our forum continues to grow, it has become a place you can come for support and community. New people are joining everyday and I hope to see more and more posts. I want you all to feel comfortable sharing your experiences and helping others.

We have had recent posts of those feeling uncertain and stuck. Hearing from others who have gotten through this darker time can provide tremendous hope for those who are feeling a sense of despair. If you or your child is newly diagnosed, the forum is a great place to ask questions and seek support from others who have been through your same situation. If you simply want to say hello and connect to others who have ADD/ADHD in their lives, this forum is a nice place to be.

Please take a look.

Warmly,

Keath

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Nancy A. Ratey, internationally recognized expert on ADHD, a leading ADHD coach, and author of the book, The Disorganized Mind: Coaching Your ADHD Brain to Take Control of Your Time, Tasks, and Talents, talks about initiating change through self-coaching.

Click on Take Control of Your ADHD to read more.

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We are only just beginning to understand more about ADHD in girls. In fact, boys are three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD as compared to girls. Perhaps this is because more boys have ADHD or perhaps it is because we are less likely to recognize and address the symptoms of ADHD that girls typically display.

Click on Increasing Awareness of ADHD in Girls to read more.

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Stimulant medications like those used to treat ADHD can increase heart rate and blood pressure. For most children with ADHD, these side effects are insignificant. However, for an ADHD child with a pre-existing or undiagnosed heart condition this rise in heart rate and blood pressure can increase the risk for sudden cardiac arrest.

Because of these concerns, the American Heart Association now recommends that children be screened for heart problems with an electrocardiogram (ECG) before being given stimulant medications. Your child’s doctor may typically conduct a physical exam and thorough patient and family history before placing your child on any prescription medicine, however, the ECG can detect abnormalities that these routine evaluations may miss. An ECG measures the heart’s electrical activity and can identify heart rhythm abnormalities such as those that can lead to sudden cardiac death.

According to Vincent Iannelli, MD, About.com's guide to Pediatrics, the new American Heart Association ADHD guidelines are not without controversy though, as they were published without consulting the American Academy of Pediatrics, whose members would be responsible for following the guidelines. The AAP describes the AHA guidelines as "cautious" and "may not be feasible." Read more from Dr. Iannelli in his Pediatrics Blog.

Click on AHA Recommendations to read more.

What are your thoughts about the AHA’s recommendations?

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