Approximately 8.8 percent (5.1 million) of children between the ages of 4 and 17 are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the United States. Boys receive the diagnosis more frequently than girls, but the reason for this is not understood. The most common signs of ADHD are: difficulty focusing difficulty staying still not attending to details acting quickly …
How To Use Schedules to Improve Children’s Behavior
This article discusses how to use schedules with children to promote positive behaviors. Strategies can also be utilized with adults with special needs. Using visual schedules for individuals who may have trouble with reading or language is discussed as well. Schedules can make a positive difference in a child’s behavior in class or at home. When a schedule is in place, children …
Does Research Say that Weighted Vests & Blankets Help People with Autism, ADHD, and Anxiety?
Working in public schools for over 10 years, I frequently saw occupational therapists utilizing weighted vests with students diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder.(ASD). When I asked about the purpose of the vests, I was told that they have a calming effect because they give the wearer a sense of deep pressure, which some children …
23 Time Management Tips to Increase Productivity in Teenage Students with ADHD
My primary goal is to make things easier for students. There are many obstacles students face when studying. I’m trying to simplify their lives by giving them helpful tips. One day, an idea to write an article for students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) came to mind. A family member of mine named “John” struggles with ADHD, and talking with him …
Five Helpful Fidget Tools for Kids with Autism & ADHD! (Fidgeting Improves Focus)
A recent study on ADHD indicates that fidgeting actually improves, not hinders, focus. Maybe it is time to stop telling our kids to “sit still” or “stop playing with that.” Speaking from personal experience, I know that I actually focus better on verbal input when my hands or feet are moving in some way. What about you? Additionally, many occupational therapists, experienced in working …
Please Stop Saying ADHD Isn't Real! Here's Why!
If you are not familiar with the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), below is an image of the the diagnostic criteria reported in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V), which is the manual utilized by doctors (i.e., psychologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians) to diagnose ADHD. After the image, I will discuss my thoughts about the popular claim …
6 Research-Based Interventions for the Treatment of ADHD in Children
Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or ADHD-like symptoms often have difficulty in school, at home or in the community. Teachers and parents often report that their child has trouble concentrating on a task long enough to complete it, following through on instructions, following a daily routine, staying on topic, or remaining seated. They also may report that their …
An Interactive Story about What School Is Like and How to Behave
Below you will find an interactive social story about going to school. The story can be used to help children prepare for a typical school day including their first day of school. You can also read this story with your child to practice reading skills. Social stories are a research-based tool used to help children prepare for real-life events. They …
How to Set Up the Classroom for Students with Autism and ADHD
This article gives a number of strategies that you can use in the classroom (or at home) to create a physical environment that helps meet the educational and behavioral needs of individuals with autism or ADHD. Very young children or children who have trouble understanding language would also benefit from some of these strategies. Every person is a unique individual, so in a group situation …
Research-Based Program Improves Students' Ability to Focus, Concentrate, & Learn
Cogmed Working Memory Training is a computer-based program, created by Pearson Education, to help students improve their ability to focus, concentrate, and learn by improving their working memory. Difficulty focusing, concentrating, completing tasks, or even following instructions may be caused by deficits in working memory. Working memory is defined as the ability to hold information in short-term memory while using that information to …