B is for Breathing and Relaxation: ADHD Skills

Children with ADHD at school, and adults with ADHD in the workplace, both need to be relaxed in order to be most effective, alert, or productive. Tension is the enemy of productivity or performance. Relaxation is one of the skills that those with ADHD need for success.

But this is not relaxation that is associated with laziness or long vacations. Rather this is a state of muscle relaxation combined with appropriate arousal levels. Focused and aware, but relaxed.

Deep breathing can help to relax and relieve tension. It can also help those with ADHD to focus better, and to think more clearly. Read more of the article...

ADHD Skills Series: Attitude and Approach

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

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

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

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

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

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

Choosing a 504 Plan vs. an IEP

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

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

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

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

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

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