One of the most commonly prescribed treatments for ADHD is stimulant medication, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) or amphetamines (Adderall). However, for children who have never taken ADHD medication, the prospect of starting stimulant medication can be overwhelming and confusing. Parents often ask me how they can best prepare their children to take ADHD stimulant medication … Read more
What is the relationship between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)? Parents often reach out to me for support when their otherwise bright, wonderful children behave in ways they find challenging, disrespectful, and unproductive. Understandably, they want more calm and compliance – not to mention less arguing and stress! After all … Read more
Being Consistent and Following Through As a consistent parent who sets limits and boundaries, you can help your child feel safe and confident. When a child or teen knows that you will follow through on your word they will have a sense of boundaries and will know what to expect. Does this sound like you? … Read more
Have you ever heard the term Executive Dysfunction? Executive Function is the set of mental skills or processes that allow us to use our intelligence and problem-solving abilities to help us work toward achieving our goals. They affect a person’s ability to plan, organize, initiate, and complete tasks. It is a common problem for people … Read more
Here are 10 essential steps to improve the care, support, and outcomes for children with ADHD. 1. Understand the Social/Emotional impact of ADHD on learning, motivation, behavior, and the family system. 2. Create a uniform, comprehensive diagnostic procedure for assessing ADHD, including full family history, medical assessment for allergies and sensitivities, cognitive assessment, and observation … Read more
Parenting is hard! And when you are parenting a child with challenges such as ADHD, it can be very confusing and frustrating. • Am I enabling or supporting my child when I try to help? • What kind of boundaries will encourage growth and not just feel restrictive? • What kind of consequences will build … Read more
I was an active member of my school’s PTA over 20 years ago. I became aware that my district was using a highly regarded balanced literacy/whole language reading program to teach children how to read. This same program was being used in most schools nationwide. As parents, we were concerned that our children were not … Read more
When students with ADHD need academic and organizational support, parents often (and understandably) supply it. But how much support is too much? When does it become enabling? And how can you help your child learn self-advocacy skills to develop independence? Please visit ADDitude Magazine to read my full article where I outline 3 strategies to … Read more
As many of you know, it is not unusual for people with ADHD to struggle with reading skill development. In fact, of people who are diagnosed with ADHD, 30-40% will struggle with dyslexia. While many children seem to pick up reading with little effort, most of these children need more guidance and practice to become … Read more
The issue of how to support our children and our students comes up very often. How much help is too much? What is the best way to be helpful? When students with ADHD need academic and organizational support, parents often (and understandably) supply it. But how much support is too much? When does it become … Read more
Parents and teachers see different facets of every child, especially students with ADHD. The way neurodivergent learners respond in various settings often depends on their comfort levels, interest, confidence, and motivation. I participated in the ADDitude Webinar, Meet the Teacher: How to Build Relationships This Back to School Season, where we discuss important topics such as creating … Read more
I had a great conversation about Supporting vs. Enabling your child or teen with Brendan Mahan, Ed.M. from ADHD Essentials. Listen to the Podcast Here
TIPS, TOOLS, and STRATEGIES for PARENTS, STUDENTS, and PROFESSIONALSSubscribe to my Newsletter and receive a Free Introduction to my book, 8 KEYS TO PARENTING CHILDREN WITH ADHD
