Brendan J. Mahan, M.Ed.

Tonight’s Agenda An Overview of ADHD The Emotional Impact of ADHD Lifestyle Strategies for Managing ADHD Behavioral Strategies for Managing ADHD Questions

An Overview of ADHD ADHD is not a behavior issue. It is a deficit of the brain’s Executive Functioning. Thinking: Doing: Working MemoryResponse Inhibition Planning / PrioritizingEmotional Control OrganizationSustained Attention Time ManagementTask Initiation MetacognitionGoal-directed Persistence Flexibility *Dawson, P & Guare, R. (2009). Smart but scattered: The revolutionary “executive skills” approach to helping kids reach their potential. New York: Guilford Press.

An Overview of ADHD Dopamine is the brain’s reward chemical. ADHD and Dopamine: Not Enough Poor Uptake in the Brain Both

An Overview of ADHD The ADHD brain is constantly seeking stimulation (dopamine). It will zero in on stimulation whenever possible. It will create it when none is available. There is no misbehavior, only behavior. All behavior serves a purpose. Hyperfocus Video Games

An Overview of ADHD Try looking at your child through a lens governed by these three principles: Age -2 Years A Long View A Strengths Based View Curiosity & Empathy

The Emotional Impact of ADHD “Symptoms” of ADHD that might really side effects. “Lazy” Gives Up Easily/Easily Frustrated Low Self-Esteem Procrastination

The Emotional Impact of ADHD The Wall of Awful is the emotional barrier that prevents us from initiating tasks. Every time we fail at a task, new bricks are added: Disappointment Guilt/Shame Rejection/Loneliness Worry/Anxiety Doubt/Fear

Lifestyle Approaches for Managing ADHD SLEEP: Ages : hours Ages : hours Sleep Hygiene: No screens at least 1 hour before bed Dim the lights Protein if hungry, but not too much Go to bed and get up at the same time everyday.

Lifestyle Approaches for Managing ADHD DIET: Protein with every meal Eliminate simple carbs Replace with complex carbs Eliminate processed foods Replace with whole foods The Supermarket Perimeter Diet

Lifestyle Approaches for Managing ADHD Exercise: Cardio is King! 20 minutes to 1 hour every day Oxygenates the brain and improves focus Helps you fall asleep Allow frequent breaks to get moving throughout the day.

Behavioral Approaches for Managing ADHD SET CLEAR EXPECTATIONS What does success looks like? What are the consequences? Make it concrete Repeat as necessary Heads Up! &5 Minute Warning

Behavioral Approaches for Managing ADHD COUNTING & TIMERS Magic “Do X by the time I count to Y” Time Timer Timer to start tasks Timer to finish tasks

Behavioral Approaches for Managing ADHD MORNING ROUTINE: Start it the night before Launch Pads Breakfast Choices Allow time for leaving

Behavioral Approaches for Managing ADHD AGENDAS: Useful for communicating with teacher Only useful if used Check them Enlist the teacher’s help Write NONE Gmail & Apps Must include non-school events

Behavioral Approaches for Managing ADHD HOMEWORK Check the agenda everyday Homework Folder Check homework is completed and in backpack Set up a Study Carry-All Make sure the study space is free of distraction Have more than one study spot “Trade Off” for help

Behavioral Approaches for Managing ADHD MISCELLANEOUS Body Double No such thing as too many reminders (Provided the child controls them.) Reading Memorizing Multiplication and Addition Facts How to Use Flashcards iPhone

Questions