ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is a disorder often characterized by short attention span and poor concentration. Symptoms can be mild or severe and may affect executive functioning skills such as organization, time management, and impulse control. Hyperactivity may also be a component. While an ADD/ADHD diagnosis is never an excuse for acting out behavior, it is something that needs to be taken into consideration when determining what approach to take.
Recently I met a frazzled mom at a conference about special education. “I’m so worried about my 16-year old daughter,” she confided. “She is defiant, hates school and won’t let the teachers help her. She is really struggling.” As she went on literally wringing her hands, I finally had to ask her, “Does your daughter... Read more »
For the parents of a child with ADHD, everyday tasks turn into battles—from getting the child out the door in the morning to getting him to bed at night. My son was diagnosed with ADHD at age 6, so I remember what it was like to have a daily tug of war with an attention-disordered... Read more »
Imagine that you are living inside a video game, where everything is coming at you at once. Every sight, sound, and sensation is a distraction. For a child with ADHD, getting through a typical day is something like that. And it explains a great deal about how they experience the world. Children with ADHD typically... Read more »
Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are often difficult to parent. They have trouble understanding directions. They have trouble with social situations. And those with hyperactivity issues are usually in a constant state of activity. It's an understatement to say that parenting kids with ADHD is a special challenge. In my 25 years as... Read more »
“Can we talk about Daniel,” you say to your child’s teacher, a knot of fear in your belly. “He’s starting to say that he hates school and it’s stupid.” “I wanted to talk to you, too,” the teacher says. “Daniel's behavior in class and on the playground is very concerning.” Now that knot is in your throat... Read more »
If your daughter is struggling academically, socially and behaviorally, you are undoubtedly worried, frustrated and wondering why all of this is happening. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder could be the root of the problem. Studies indicate that as many as 75% of girls with ADHD are not diagnosed. Having your daughter assessed for ADHD now—even if... Read more »
Parents of teens with ADHD and other developmental and learning challenges know how hard it can be just to get their child through high school. It's overwhelming to even think about what happens after high school. Nevertheless, it is essential that your teen leaves high school aware of his or her learning challenges. And it is... Read more »
Is your child forgetful, irresponsible, moody and prone to daydreaming? Does he seem to lack motivation and become easily bored? This behavior could be related to SCT, or "Sluggish Cognitive Tempo Disorder." This new way of looking at certain ADHD-like symptoms in kids has been generating quite a bit of buzz lately. Sluggish Cognitive Tempo Disorder,... Read more »
Imagine this scene: Your 7–year–old won’t stop teasing his little sister. You give him a 10 minute time out, but he refuses to comply and has a total meltdown. Or suppose you tell your 13–year–old to do her homework and stop texting her friend or else she will lose TV privileges for the week. She... Read more »
"If I didn't put his homework in his folder, put the folder in his backpack, and ask the teacher to get him to take it out, he would never turn in any homework," says a mother of a son with ADHD. "I have to sit right with her to get her to do her homework. It... Read more »
