Drew Yanke M.A. LLP

…A medical condition characterized by inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity One of the most common mental disorders among children, affecting approximately 5 to 7 % of school-age children

About 2 million children YOU are not ALONE

Difficulty sustaining attention Does not seem to listen Does not follow through on instructions Difficulty organizing tasks or activities Avoids tasks requiring sustained mental effort Loses things necessary for tasks Easily distracted Forgetful in daily activities

Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat Leaves seat in classroom inappropriately Runs about or climbs excessively Has difficulty playing quietly Is “on the go” or “driven by a motor” Talks excessively Blurts out answers before questions are completed Has difficulty awaiting turn Interrupts or intrudes on others

Regulation of attention Regulation of motor activity Regulation of impulsivity

Studies in the past few years have shown that boys with ADHD tend to have brains that are more symmetrical in shape. Three structures in the ADHD boys brains were smaller than in non-ADHD boys of the same age: prefrontal cortex, caudate nucleus, and the globus pallidus. The prefrontal cortex is thought to be the brain's "command center;" the other two parts translate the commands into action.

New evidence demonstrates that not only are some of the structures slightly different, but the brain may use these areas differently. Brain scans indicate that boys with ADHD have an abnormal increase of activity in two structures: the frontal lobe and striatal areas below it. These areas work in part to control voluntary action. So with ADHD individuals these areas work harder to control impulses. (Once given Ritalin, this abnormal activity quieted down.)

Planning Organizing Starting and stopping activity Managing behavior Persisting on tasks Problem solving Working memory These are called Executive Functions

Will power Inadequate parenting Lack of motivation Lack of intelligence Laziness

Learn all you can about ADHD Explain ADHD to your child What it is How it works Understand your child’s ADHD symptoms Ask them questions about it, the more you know the more you can help Discover Strengths. Find what they love. Find and see their strengths

Understand and communicate your expectations Depending on their age, how much responsibility is his or hers---and yours Understand and listen to your child’s expectations

Set rules for the house and the world Explain them, agree on them, write them down Create Lists VISUAL, VISUAL, VISUAL Seek professional help

ADHD’ers Thrive on Negativity! They have a need to create stimulation. They “play” games of negativity to increase overall brain activity. This tendency is brain driven, not will driven. _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ __________________________________

Arguing will get you no where---fast It’s a feel good thing The battle or the war—is it that big of a deal? Distraction—it works. Use humor, unorthodox comments, etc.

Anger Slow simmer, explosive, or long lasting Frustration Your worst day x5 (or greater)

Know the teacher Know the principal Homework Create a learning place or spot in your house Work with your child using chunks of time Start as early as possible to create good study habits Movement, Multi-Sensory Learning, Find the Fun. IEP

ADHDer’s : are often brilliant hands-on learners, best when on the hunt, on the trail, or having an adventure. are playful, creative and spontaneous. Those are skills the world sorely needs. School sees these as flaws! Comedians, musicians, performers. Imagining new ways of doing things sustains and enlivens us. are often great in a crisis: emergency room doctors and nurses, entrepreneurs, deep- sea divers, pilots, firefighters.

You are not alone Find support groups –CHADD, BoysEmpowered Social Skills Video Games

It is a choice: But one that needs to be carefully decided Consider ALL aspects, both positive and negative Relieves symptoms—but does not “remove” ADHD

Drew W. Yanke