1. Brendan J. Mahan, M.Ed., M.S.

2. Tonight’s Agenda An Overview of ADHD A Change of Perspective
The Wall of Awful
S.H.R.E.D. Your ADHD
Effective ADHD Strategies
Questions

3. An Overview of ADHD
3 Types of ADHD

4. An Overview of ADHD By the Numbers!
Diagnosis in 4-17 year olds %-13% in MA
Receiving medication 75% in MA
Receiving Behavioral Treatment 47% in MA
Receiving Both 35% in MA

5. An Overview of ADHD

6. An Overview of ADHD
Dopamine is the brain’s anticipation and reward chemical. ADHD and Dopamine: Low levels, and inefficient use The brain craves it!

7. 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.

8. An Overview of ADHD
ADHD and Focus

9. An Overview of ADHD
ADHD is not a behavior issue. It is a deficit of the brain’s Executive Functioning. Specifically, it is a developmental delay. The brain of a child with ADHD lags 1-3 years behind their peers.

10. An Overview of ADHD
ADHD is not a behavior issue. It is a deficit of the brain’s Executive Functioning. Thinking: Doing: Working Memory Response Inhibition Planning / Prioritizing Emotional Control Organization Sustained Attention Time Awareness Task Initiation Metacognition Goal-directed Persistence Flexibility

11. An Overview of ADHD
ADHD Super Powers! (A Blessing and a Curse) Hyperfocus The World Disappears Empathy Overwhelm Creativity Fitting In

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

14. The Wall of Awful

15. The Wall of Awful
The emotional wounds of Failure - Makes us to draw inaccurate, negative conclusions about ourselves, our skills, and our abilities damaging our self-esteem - Damages motivation & optimism. We feel helpless and trapped - Triggers conscious/unconscious negative associations (stresses/fears), causing us to sabotage our efforts in the future

16. Getting Past the Wall of Awful

17. What’s Hiding Below the Anger?

18. Climbing the Wall
Reframe failure. - Did it provide new opportunities? - Is there a lesson in it? - Are you stronger for it? - Is it a failure? (A vs. B+) - How might it make future success more meaningful?

19. Climbing the Wall
Set clearer, more attainable (and maybe fewer) goals Mindfulness Exercise

20. S.H.R.E.D. Your 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.

21. S.H.R.E.D. Your ADHD

22. S.H.R.E.D. Your ADHD

23. S.H.R.E.D. Your 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.

24. S.H.R.E.D. Your ADHD
DIET:

25. Effective ADHD Strategies
Meet Them Where They Are Age -2 Years Where they are will change. An “A” one day ≠ No more “C”s, “D”s, or “F”s Repeat Things as Necessary Transition with a Heads Up! & 5 Minute Warnings
----- Meeting Notes (10/27/14 16:54) -----
Guilting over a bad grade.

26. Effective ADHD Strategies
Know your Child’s IEP and/or 504 It is a legal, binding document. It tells you where your child needs help and how to help them.

27. Effective ADHD Strategies
Communicate regularly -Keeps you child top of mind. -Ask what the best way is - keeps record, Phone more immediate -Be respectful of time and boundaries Remember that teachers have other students and responsibilities. They can forget things too. Give them the benefit of the doubt.

28. Effective ADHD Strategies
CLEAR EXPECTATIONS Be clear about what success looks like Be clear about consequences Make it concrete Repeat as necessary Heads Up! &5 Minute Warning

29. Effective ADHD Strategies

30. Effective ADHD Strategies
MORNING ROUTINE: Start it the night before Launch Pads Breakfast Choices Allow time for leaving

31. Effective ADHD Strategies
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

32. Effective ADHD Strategies
PROPS: Sectioned Manila Folders Flag Text Books Sticky Notes Check-In Cups Volume Level Cue Cards

33. Effective ADHD Strategies
SCHOOL & HOMEWORK: Check the agenda/calendar everyday Homework Folder Check homework is completed and in backpack Set up a Carry-All Take Notes in Multiple Colors “Trade Off” for help

34. Effective ADHD Strategies
PRODUCTIVITY TIPS: Body Double Make sure the workspace is free of distraction Avoid the Dopamine Hunt! Begin with the end in mind Start with something easy to get going Chunk It to Monitor Progress (Little Victories)

35. Effective ADHD Strategies
MISCELLANEOUS Smart Phone Use No such thing as too many reminders (Provided the child controls them.) Reading How to Use Flashcards

36. Questions