Of Different Minds

ADHD and Genetics

maren — Sun, 01 May 2011 14:10:16 +0000

We know that scientist have found the genetic markers for ADHD as of February 2010. Further studies have been done to show more comprehensive evidence that it is likely that these individuals have missing or duplicated segments of DNA. The following article from Science Daily goes into more detail about these findings. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100929191312.htm This gives us a clearer understanding about the hereditary factors and ADHD. So many times I see parents believing that if they just discipline more, then there child will “come around” and be able to overcome their hyperactivity. Then they will study more and be a more productive human being. With this research, we now know that this is not the case. These findings just verify that the sooner that testing is completed and remediation in place, a more successful future is in store for the ADHD child as well as the family.

Adult AD/HD and the thought of going back to school

maren — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 15:00:09 +0000

Many AD/HD adult have been consider going back into the classroom to either finish their Bachelors Degree or even get the Master’s degree that they have dreamed about. Most are still plagued by past memories of failure in this arena. No worries. The academic playing field has been evened out over the years. There are many options and tools that will make this go around much more pleasant. First, make sure that you have updated testing identifying your learning differences. Next, go to the learning specialists on your campus. They will help you to get the classes you want and make sure that you have a note taker, untimed tests, and any tutors that you may need to succeed. Most colleges and universities make this process a pleasure, unlike their counterparts in early education and high school. Another great tool is the livescribe pen. This will help the AD/HD individual take and hold information for every class and beyond. So, go for the dream and watch yourself succeed in life through a better education.

After the Holiday’s and AD/HD

maren — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 15:03:38 +0000

Now that the excitement is beginning to slow down and the realization of the new year is setting in, is it time to make some changes? Did you make new resolutions to be more organized with your time? Or maybe you decided to get that tutor in place for your AD/HD child. These are great “to dos” for the coming year. Remember to to these tasks in small chunks to make sure they get done. Here are some pointers. Break down the first couple of weeks of this new year by deciding the following, “What do I have to do today to make that goal a reality tomorrow.” May-be create your list to look something like this:
1. Research a professional organizer in your area.
2. Call the choices that you have found and interview them to see who has had the most success with AD/HD clients.
3. Make a date for them to come over and create a more desirable an workable environment.
Follow this same template in finding the right tutor for your child.
Share what resolutions have worked for you in the past. They may help others.

Organize, Organize, Organize…

maren — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 12:38:55 +0000

Organization is usually a challenging piece to the AD/HD puzzle. This is true for both kids and adults. This skill must be directly taught for on going success. The reason for this is due to distractibility and the feeling of not knowing where to begin. It is always a good idea to find a professional organizer for the adult AD/HD and a good AD/HD coach for a child to help to get a handle on this. What are your stories of organizing difficulties?

School Conferences and AD/HD

maren — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 11:33:05 +0000

Did you have your child’s conferences this week. Most people did. If you are like most parents, you probably heard key phrases like, “they are having trouble turning their homework in on time” or “attention seems to be a real problem” or how about, “You might want to make sure that you are giving them the support they need at home”. Many times teachers do not understand what it is like to parent a learning different child. They don’t realize that you have most likely spent many evenings (until mid-night) helping and sometimes doing homework as well as helping your child study for tomorrows test. Only to find out that your child forgot to turn in the homework and promptly failed the test that “you” worked so diligently on. If you have experienced this, feel free to share your story here. Next time that I blog I will let you know why this is happening. Remember, it is not motivational, but neurological.

Adult AD/HD and Overwhelm….

maren — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 16:31:31 +0000

In working with the AD/HD adult, I have found some common themes. See if you can relate. Some of my clients feel overwhelmed when several people are counting on them. I have heard, “When I try and organize my day, I get distracted only to return to my work and not remember what I was working on in the first place. I know that my kids are counting on me to help them with their stuff, I have my spouse counting on me to help with tasks around the house, and I have my boss expecting that report on his desk in the morning. HELP! How do I get past this feeling like I am drowning?”

There are a lot of neurological factors at play here. They include auditory processing ( not processing all information that is being said) , AD/HD (impulsivity, easily distracted, easily bored) possibly other challenges such as dyslexia (difficulty with reading, substitutes one word for another, poor comprehension etc.) poor processing (takes longer implement a task than the average individual) The life of the AD/HD adult is Often complicated because they are called upon to not only organize their own lives, but the lives of their AD/HD children. Remember, this is hereditary.

Does this sound like what you deal with on a daily basis? Share your experiences both positive and negative.