Brendan J. Mahan, M.Ed.

bmahan@ADHDessentails.com

Tonight’s AgendaAn Overview of ADHD

The Emotional Impact of ADHD

Lifestyle Strategies for Managing ADHD

Behavioral Strategies for Managing ADHD

Questions

An Overview of ADHDADHD 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 Management Task Initiation

Metacognition Goal-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 ADHDDopamine is the brain’s reward chemical.

ADHD and Dopamine:

Not Enough

Poor Uptake in the Brain

Both

An Overview of ADHDThe 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 ADHDTry 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 5 - 11: 10 - 12 hours Ages 12 - 18: 8.5 - 9.5 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

1-2-3 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