Many children with ADHD have difficulty with transitions, especially very young children. A five year long study out of Lehigh University reviews the benefits of counting down the time before switching activities and found that at least in children, youngsters are better able to control outbursts spurred by ADHD. The five-year study, paid for by the National Institutes of Health, provided a range of behavioral-only therapies to 135 preschoolers with severe ADHD. Families were given either parent-education classes only, or parenting classes plus home and preschool visits by researchers who customized techniques for each child. After a year, aggression and other problem behaviors had dropped, and learning improved, by about 30 percent, the researchers report this month in a journal of the National Association of School Psychologists.

What helped? Stressing consistent rules and routines, and more praise for good behavior than punishment for bad. Surprisingly, both groups fared equally well, raising questions about how to tell which children need more intense aid. Preschoolers with ADHD learn best through repeated practice so the study stressed role-playing things like how to ask to share a toy. Parents were taught to reserve stronger punishments for worst cases, and to try reward systems where children gain or lose “points” for behavior instead. Even the time-out standby was to be used sparingly.

Back to school is here again. For those with Attention Deficity Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) this can be a difficult time of year. Many schools do not have the resources to give students with learning differences what they need. With ADHD being one of the most common disorders in children and adolescents, affecting approximately 7% of school aged children, it is clear that additional supports are critical.

Good news for those looking for an alternative path. The newly established Hartford Accelerated Learning Center has been designed with the goal of teaching and accommodating children with ADHD and learning disabilities. Teachers incorporate physical activity and music instruction in the curriculum and allow students to build on their strengths and work at their own pace. I was particularly impressed with the school’s flex-time schedule which enables students to start and end their school day later if they are not early morning risers. It is very common for children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD to have a shifted sleep/wake cycle and struggle with their mornings, yet be on their game later in the day.

Most people with ADHD are generally above average intelligence, but may have difficulty in a standard classroom due to problems focusing, restlessness, and impulsive or disruptive behaviors. They need more stimulation and engaging activities to promote concentration and learning.

The to eligible for enrollment in the new school, the child must be in first through sixth grade and be diagnosed with ADHD and/or a learning disability. The tuition is $500 per month. For more information you can contact Dr. Anne Morris at 205-822-6363 or Flora Eaddy at 205-588-3952 http://www.dothaneagle.com/content/gulfcoasteast/dea/lifestyle.apx.-content-articles-DEA-2007-08-19-0008.html

A Columbia & NYU study reveals teens watching TV three or more hours a day are at risk for developing attention and learning problems. The study examined 678 families from upsate New York, interviewing parents and children about their television habits and school performance.

Did excessive TV time cause attention and learning problems, or were children who already had these problems more prone to watch TV? The association is not clear, but suggests that those who watch a large amount of television are at a disadvantage in school compared to those who do not.

Some of the outcomes noted with increased TV viewing include failure to complete homework, boredom at school, poor grades, negative attitudes about school, failure in secondary school, and failure to obtain post-secondary education. It may be simply that excessive TV viewing takes away time that may otherwise be spent on educational activities, reading and doing homework.

To improve educational achievement, parents should limit TV time to 1-2 hours per day of quality programming. We suggest removing the TV from your child’s room to limit unrestricted access and monitor what your child is watching. Spend more time on family activities and games that challenge learning and thinking for everyone!

http://www.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=604353

When people enter my office, they often comment on the soothing soft blue-green color of the walls (Benjamin Moore: “Quiet Moments”). It feels relaxing and is condusive to a calm and thoughtful conversation about ADHD and well-being. Reseach just published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology reports that test performance may be impacted somewhat by color, particularly the color red. U.S. and Germany scientists have discovered the color red can affect how people function, keeping them from performing at their best on tests. University of Rochester and University of Munich researchers looking at the effect of red on intellectual performance found if test takers are aware of even a hint of red, their performance will be affected to a significant degree.  (more…)