Long-Term Effects of ADHD Medication
July 3rd, 2011
The following article was contributed by Jeremy Fordham
Archive for the ‘dyslexia’ Category
Is It ADD or ADHD? Attention Deficit Disorder
June 26th, 2011Is It ADD or ADHD? Attention Deficit Disorder
The term ADD attention deficit disorder is a common one today as is ADHD. In fact it is so common because the incidence of attention deficit disorder in 2007 of 4 year- old's to 17 year-old's was 9.5%. That is almost 1 out of every 10 in a classroom. As an adult it is rare that I am out socializing and another adult refers to their own ADD. This happens at the park, coffee shop, even on cruises.The actual term ADD is now considered the "old" term for Attention Deficit Disorder. It was generally used for those of us who have ADHD without the hyper activity component. ADHD was ADD with the hyper-activity. Nowadays the 'proper term' is ADHD with the specifics added. Remember, there are a variety of specific types of attention deficit problems. Each child will deal with the problems slightly differently because each child is unique.The DSMIV Identifies and Defines ADHD
The DSM IV combined ADD and ADHD into one disorder with multiple parts. So now the proper terms are: ADHD-HI (primarily hyperactive impulsive) ADHD-I (primarily inattentive) ADHD-C (combined) ADHD-NOS (not otherwise specified) It is rare to be diagnosed with this type.What Is Combined Type Attention Deficit Disorder?
A combined type of attention deficit disorder is someone who has all the diagnostic criteria for both the HI type and the I type. The diagnostic criteria for HI type are very different than for I type. You can find the diagnostic criteria for each type by simply doing a google search for DSM IV and ADHD.Important Points to Remember About ADHD
- Attention Deficit Disorder has been recognized as a disorder for over 150 years.
- ADHD has gone through over 50 name changes in those 150 years, some of those names were pretty nasty.
- It is likely that there will be more tweaking of the diagnosis when the next revised addition of the DSM IV comes out.
- This is due to the debate about the difference in people who are inattentive versus hyperactive.
Here are 9 of 18 common symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder
- Not following through with instructions.
- Not paying attention appropriately to what they need to attend to.
- Seeming not to listen.
- Being disorganized.
- Having poor handwriting.
- Missing details.
- Appearing to be easily distracted.
- Appearing fidgety.
- Being verbally impulsive.
Diagnosis of Attention Deficit or Is It a Learning Problem or Is It Both?
One other important point that has to be made is that a diagnosis of attention deficit disorder is not the 'end of the world.' In fact, there are many successful business persons with attention deficit disorder, so your child does have a lot going for them. In fact, there is much you can do at home to help your child. Additionally, there are often other issues that may compound the difficulties of attention deficit such as problems in one or more areas of visual, auditory, or tactile/kinesthetic processing. And, sometimes a child is misdiagnosed due to problems in so many areas of perception. when one are is overwhelmed, it shuts down. This 'shutting down' can be mistaken for inattention. Identifying and addressing the underlying causes of any of those problems will make coping with any of the types of attention deficit easier.Family Activities to Improve Learning Skills
Other things you can do to help your child is to incorporate learning games into their learning. This is because when your child is playing a learning game it is appropriate to move around while they are learning. They are also learning skills of getting along with others, cooperating with others while playing. Some great games that are very successful with ADHD children that teach learning skills at the same time are The Sentence Zone, The Comprehension Zone, and The Math Zone.Schools Out But Learning Never Stops…Summer Learning Activities to Improve Learning Skills
May 30th, 2011Summer Learning Activities to Improve Learning Skills Today
Summer Vacation has just started and as you know, it is the perfect time to give your child a boost in their learning skills, but you still want to have fun… Join Bonnie Terry, the nation's learning expert, and find out what you can do in just 20 minutes a day to boost your child’s reading, writing, and math skills and have fun at the same time. Some of the activities can be done in as little as 5 minutes and you still improve learning skills! Plus there is a surprise family bonus for being on the call, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on it! You will learn what you can do in the next 24 hours that will improve learning skills.Improve Learning Skills Webinar
Bonnie Terry, M. Ed., BCET is hosting a FREE Live Webinar to help you improve your child's learning skills on:Wednesday June 8th 8 pm Eastern, 7 pm Central, 6 pm Mountain, and 5 pm Pacific.
Upon registering you will receive a FREE Handbook on the easy steps you can take to improve your child's learning skills over the summer and still have fun even if they have a learning problem, LD, dyslexia, ADHD, or are gifted and take too long to do their homework. The activities and steps are for all age students - kindergarten through adults.
FREE Surprise Gift to Improve Learning Skills While Having Fun
Those that attend the Live Webinar will also receive a surprise FREE gift. And, of course, if you can’t make it live on the call, you will get access to the recording! Join The Nation's Learning Expert Bonnie Terry, M. Ed., BCET Wednesday June 8th Webinar 8 pm Eastern, 7 pm Central, 6 pm Mountain, and 5 pm Pacific. Space is limited. You can attend via phone, skype, or the internet! Reserve your space for the Webinar now at: Title: What Schools Don't Tell You: How to Help Your Child Learn With Ease and Still Have Fun! Time: Wednesday, June 8th at 5pm Pacific, 6 pm Mountain, 7 pm Central, 8 pm Eastern. Listening method: Phone, Skype, + Web Simulcast Learn About:- 6 Steps to Successful Learning...and make a difference in the next 24 hours
- The Traditional Learning Model that schools use vs the TRUE Learning Model
- Activities to do at home to improve your child's learning in the next 24 hours
- How to Awaken the Scholar Within Your Child
6 Steps to Take to Improve Your Child’s Learning Skills Over the Summer
May 27th, 2011Improve Your Child's Learning Skills
Over the Summer
Even though the school year is winding down, as a parent you are thinking about how to improve your child's learning skills. You know learning shouldn’t end with the end of school. Learning is something that continues throughout life. I know your children don’t want to hear that, but you know that is the reality. You have the opportunity to improve your learning skills throughout life. My children were always excited when summer vacation started, but within a few days they were bored. I wanted to be sure that my children had fun, but also keep their learning skills up or even improve them over the summer. I found that if I set up a daily/weekly routine they actually improved their learning skills and blossomed.There are 6 Steps to Take to Improve Your Child’s Learning Skills Over the Summer
-
Improve Learning Skills by a Trip to the Book Store or Library
The day or day after your child gets out of school take a trip to your local library and check out a minimum of three books for each of your children. When you check out three books they seem interested in, they will typically read at least one of them. You know as well as I do that when you bring a book home it isn’t always as good as you think it might be. So, with three to choose from you will have at least one that your child will read. -
Improve Learning Skills by Setting Up a Daily Routine. Do this with your child’s input.
Every morning after breakfast spend 15 minutes either reading or doing some math - get a reading & math workbook from Longs, Kmart, or Target. If they are behind in their reading skills, get workbooks that are from their current reading level, you want them to be stretched but not overwhelmed. Review the schedule once a week to be sure the schedule is working for you. -
Improve Learning Skills with Reading Fluency Practice
Fluency training is one of the most ignored reading skills and the easiest one for parents to do with their kids. Time involved is just 5 minutes per day, and you make great improvement even if you only do it twice a week. An easy program for this is Five Minutes to Better Reading Skills. -
Improve Learning Skills with a Weekly Field Trip
Good readers are people who know a bit about everything, so they have prior knowledge to connect to when they are reading. So, go on a weekly field trip, providing rich experiences for your kids. These trips can even be just a walk around the block or a trip to the grocery store, park, or mall. The important thing to do after the trip is to take notes or write a summary of what you did. You can do this easily with Ten Minutes to Better Study Skills. Then, keep all of your notes or summaries in a notebook – the summer family trip notebook. -
Improve Learning Skills by Reading a Book Together as a Family.
Pick out funny books or mysteries and take turns reading. This can be done every night or just once or twice a week. -
Improve Learning Skills by Playing Games With Your Child.
Have a game day or game night once a week.
- The Sentence Zone Game (English Grammar)
- The Comprehension Zone (Reading Comprehension Game)
- The Math Zone (Math Calculation practice Game)
Improve Learning Skills with Bonnie Terry, M. Ed., BCET…
Bonnie has been teaching for over 35 years and has created numerous books, games, and guides to help students reach their full potential. She specializes in helping parents and teachers identify and address learning problems. Bonnie is know as the nation's learning expert as well as a contributing author to numerous educational journals and magazines including: The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, Homeschooling Parent, Parent's Monthly, and The LINK Newspaper, CEC Today, Education Update, and LDA-CA. Bonnie, mom to 3, was a girl scout leader for 10 years, a cub scout leader and assistant cub master for 8 years, and boy scout troop committee chairman for 5 years. http://www.bonnieterrylearning.comStay tuned for more information on summer activities...
Bonnie is doing a FREE webinar on Wed June 8th where she will show you specific steps to improve your child's learning skills and still have fun.Ask Experts Your Questions Today
May 24th, 2011Ask Experts Questions Today
Can you ask experts questions today because you have an expert handy? Or, do you even know who to ask your questions of? Are you losing sleep because you don't know what to do to help yourself or your child? Do you have questions about parenting, learning, adhd, autism, or reading? What about those questions about bullying, how to finish college, summer camps, learning or more? You can now ask experts questions using the complimentary service. You can now get education advice from reliable sources. Do you have a ‘burning’ question regarding your child’s learning? Now is your chance to get your questions answered. We have developed a team of 14 experts, including the Nations Learning Expert, Bonnie Terry, M. Ed., BCET.Ask Experts Questions Now:
16 Experts in 14 categories that you can rely on to give you the answers you need.
1. The Nations Learning Expert: Learning Disabilities and Reading, Bonnie Terry, M. Ed., BCET 2. ADHD physicians Frank Barnhill, M.D. and Stephen Guffanti, M.D. 3. Brain Health, Thyroid and Memory expert Richard Shames, M.D. 4. Vision and Learning expert Kristy Remick, O.D., FCOVD 5. Bullying expert Kathy Seifert, Ph.D. 6. Finish College expert Marcia Cantarella, Ph.D. 7. Phonics and Reading expert Alan Scalone 8. Speed Reading expert Abby Marks Beale 9. Music and The Brain expert Jay Oliver 10. Accelerated Learning expert Colin Rose 11. Autism experts Eric Chessen and Joel Manzer 12. Homeschool expert, Rebecca Kochenderfer 13. Algebra expert Henry Borenson, Ed.D. 14. Learning styles and strategies expert, Pat Wyman. Remember, this is a free service and any time, you can ask experts questions.Ask Experts Questions About:
How to help your child improve their skills? How to access services within the school system? What kind of accommodations can your child have? You can now ask experts your questions using the complimentary service at HowToLearn.com. Read more about it at About.com. So, please pass the word along to anyone you think might have a question that needs to be answered by an expert. And, ask experts questions today.Best Special Needs Websites
April 12th, 2011Best Special Needs Websites: Reading Skills
When you are looking for ways to help your special needs child improve their learning skills, especially their reading skills, you want to find the best, the most knowledgeable website and you want to do that as quickly as possible. What if you are searching to find the best website that offers reading help specifically designed for children with dyslexia or learning disabilities? Where do you go? BonnieTerryLearning.com has just been named one of the top 101 special needs websites and the top in the category of reading.
Why is bonnieterrylearning.com the top reading skills website in the list of 101 Best Special Needs Websites?
BonnieTerryLearning.com was chosen to be the top reading special needs website because Bonnie Terry Learning offers both an understanding of the 3 roadblocks to reading success as well as specific solutions to those roadblocks. Other special needs websites do not do that. Bonnie Terry, M. Ed., BCET explains in detail exactly why children struggle with reading and then gives you specific solutions that you as a parent can implement with ease. Reading problems can be categorized into 3 areas or roadblocks. These areas are: phonetic related problems, reading fluency problems, or lack of language or vocabulary problems. And, you actually do different things for each of those areas to improve reading skills. And these are parent friendly activities that just take minutes a day. In fact, some of Bonnie Terry's solutions only take 5 minutes a day. Some of them take only 10 minutes a day, and some of the solutions are games that you can play and really make a difference with your children's reading skills even when they have been struggling with dyslexia or learning disabilities. Be sure to check out bonnieterrylearning.com to learn more about these quick activities that you can do to really make a difference in your child's life. Bonnie Terry, a Board Certified Educational Therapist and Learning Disabilities Specialist has been teaching for over 37 years. She brings that experience to her site, sharing with you how she discovered the roadblocks to reading, writing, and math success. She shares with you real stories of her kids and her students. She shares her passion with you to make learning easy for everyone. And she shares solutions to reading, writing, and math problems that those with learning disabilities or dyslexia face.Named Top Special Needs Websites, Educational Websites, Top 100 Educational Advice Blogs, and Top 50 Educators to follow on Twitter Offering Reading Skills Advice
In addition to being named in the 101 Best Special Needs Websites, Bonnie's site has also been named in the top 101 list of Best Education Websites, Bonnie's s blog has been named in the top 100 education advice blogs to follow and one of the top 50 education experts on Twitter to follow.Suspect ADD or ADHD? Struggling and Feeling Like a Failure?
February 22nd, 2011Does Your ADD or ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder) Child Dread Going to School?
In my 37 years of experience as an Educator, a Learning Disabilities Specialist, and an Educational Therapist, I have found that kids struggling with ADD/ADHD often feel stupid, like a failure, and dread going to school. They may get frustrated with schoolwork because they missed out on instruction due to the difficulties caused by their attention deficit disorder. They may feel that their work isn’t going to be good enough so they stop trying. They may even get to the point of hating school. Ultimately they may not be able to get into the college of their choice or get the job of their choice. At times it can be extremely clear to a parent and teacher that a child possibly has ADD/ADHD. This is the child that won’t sit still, may jump out of their seat, and is disruptive in class as well as at home.However, there are times when an ADD or ADHD child isn’t disruptive in class, so it may take a long time for teachers to notice their problem.
They are often thought of as the ‘day-dreamers’ or ‘absent-minded professors’. For instance, Eric wasn’t disruptive in class. He sat quietly; his behavior didn’t cause any trouble for the teacher. His teacher realized that he was a bright student, but he had failing grades. He was found to have ADHD without hyperactivity. An accurate diagnosis of attention deficit disorder is helpful when dealing with the child that exhibits ADD/ADHD symptoms. However, the actual label of ADD/ADHD isn’t as important as being able to know and recognize the symptoms and to know how to treat or deal with the symptoms.The following symptoms or signs can be indicators of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
The DSM-IV Criteria for ADHD has provided this modified form for information purposes and should be used only by trained health care providers to diagnose or treat attention deficit disorder. I have provided this form as an indicator to parents, however, a trained health provider is needed to officially diagnose and treat ADHD. I. Part A: Having six or more of the following symptoms of inattention for at least 6 months to a point that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level: Inattention Do you have children that:- Do not give close attention to details or make careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities?
- Have trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities?
- Do not seem to listen when spoken to directly?
- Do not follow instructions and fail to finish schoolwork or chores?
- Has trouble organizing activities?
- Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn’t want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time?
- Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools)?
- Is often easily distracted?
- Is often forgetful in daily activities?
- Fidget with their hands or feet or squirm in their seat?
- Get up from their seat when it is expected that they should remain in their seat?
- Run about or climb when and where it is not appropriate? (Adolescents or adults may feel very restless.)
- Often have trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly?
- Often is “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”/
- Often talks excessively?
- Often blurts out answers before the questions have been finished?
- Often have trouble waiting their turn?
- Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)?
Based on these criteria, three types of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) are identified:
1. ADHD, Combined Type: if both criteria 1A and 1B are met for the past 6 months. 2. ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type: if criterion 1A is met but criterion 1B is not met for the past six months. 3. ADHD, Predominantly Hyper-Impulsive Type: if criterion 1B is met but criterion 1A is not met for the past six months. *American Psychiatric Association: diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2000. A definitive diagnosis for attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD) can only be done with either an EEG which determines brain waves or from a Spectogram which maps out brain activity.Learning Reading, Dyslexia, ADHD, Homework Help Webinar
January 19th, 2011What the Schools Don't Tell You
That You Need To Know to Give
Your Kids a Learning Advantage
Even if They Struggle with Learning
Reading, Dyslexia, or ADHD
You will learn how to give your child a learning advantage even if they have dyslexia, struggle with learning reading, have ADHD, or take too long to do their homework.
You will learn: 1. The Cone of Learning 2. The 5-step formula to give your child a learning advantage 3. The 3 ways we learn and how to access the ‘sweet spot’ of learning reading, writing, and math 4. Specific tips to gain greater access to the brain, making your brain and your child’s brain learn more quickly 5. Activities to implement tomorrow As a parent you do have the power to really make a difference in your child's lives. Once you know the 5-step formula and start implementing it, your life and your child's life of learning will become much easier. I've been teaching well over 37 years and have taught just about every type of learning problem that exists whether it is dyslexia, ADHD, learning disabilities, deaf, blind, physical handicaps, or gifted. There are things you can do, simple exercises that will give your child greater access to their brain, making it work more efficiently. We will go over several of these brain efficiency exercises on the call. All children can learn and can learn with greater ease. Learning should be challenging and exciting, not stressful or boring.Be on the webinar and see what you can do to make learning reading, writing, and math easy for your child even if they have dyslexia or ADHD.
Get Learning Reading Help Now Webinar Recording Is Here
November 8th, 2010Learning Reading Help Is On The Way
The RECORDING of the webinar: Get Learning Reading Help Now is now available. See it here, but it will only be available for the next 3 days. You know what it is like after school and evenings. Your child often struggles to get their reading or writing or math assignments done. You know your child is bright but you still have homework struggles. You know how painful it is to see your child struggle or take forever to read their assignments. You just want to take that pain away. You so want to see your child read with ease. I'm here to tell you, reading doesn't have to be so hard!10 Key Concepts to Learning Reading Help
# The power of understanding the underlying causes of your child's learning struggles. # The 10 Keys to put in place to accelerate your child's learning. # How to turn Your Child's Life of Learning Struggles into a Life of Joyful Learning in just 20 minutes a day using Speed to Learning principles.8 Steps You Can Take To Learning Reading Help
There are simple things you can do daily to really make a difference in your child's ability to learn. Some of these learning reading help steps can be implemented today. Watch the webinar now...before it comes down to learn what you can do to help your child in just minutes a day. Make this year the year you decide to help your child learn to read with ease. Remember, when your child struggles with homework or reading, writing, spelling, or math it is due to an underlying cause. Find out more by watching Get Learning Reading Help Now. Bonnie Terry, M. Ed., BCETProust and the Squid: A Must-Read for Parents with Kids Struggling to Read
November 5th, 2010
Proust and the Squid: A Must-Read for Parents with Kids Struggling to Read
This guest post is contributed by Olivia Coleman
If your child is struggling with reading in particular, is actually dyslexic, or possesses some other impediment to learning such a valuable skill, then it's important to know as much as possible about the process that undergirds the act of reading in the first place. While there's a lot of literature on the topic out there, Maryanne Wolf's Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain is a very accessible book about reading that's an enjoyable and fascinating experience as well.
In her preface, Wolf establishes themes that she explores throughout the book. She notes:
"We know that each new type of writing system developed through millennia of human history, and required different adaptations of the human brain; we know that the multifaceted development of reading extends from infancy to ever-deepening levels of expertise; and we know that the curious mix of challenge and mix to be found in dyslexia in which the brain struggles to learn to read contains insights that our transforming our understanding of reading."
Wolf's book is an intriguing mix of different academic disciplines that gives readers an insight into what exactly is going on when we set our eyes on words and interpret them. She delves into literature, history, anthropology, neuroscience and much more to illuminate how our species came to be readers in the first place, especially since, unlike speech, it isn't an activity that is naturally ingrained in anyone.
In the second part of her book, Wolf examines dyslexia at close range. She explains how the tremendous advances in neuroscience and biology of the last few decades have helped us to more intimately understand the nature of the disability. Wolf also recounts her personal experiences with her dyslexic son, and she moreover peppers her book with anecdotes taken from her professional life as a the director of the Center for Reading and Language Research at Tufts University in Boston, where she works with readers of all ages.
The best part about Wolf's wonderful book is that it eloquently captures why reading can be such an enjoyable and transformative experience. It also offers hope for those suffering from dyslexia by demonstrating how amazingly pliable and regenerative our brain circuitry is. For lovers of reading, scientists, educators, and parents, "Proust and the Squid" has something to offer everyone.
For more information on the book, you can read the Guardian book review here.
.....................
This guest post is contributed by Olivia Coleman, who writes on the topics of online colleges and universities. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: olivia.coleman33 @gmail.com.