ADHD Coaching – ADD & ADHD Tips & Advice on Dealing with ADD & ADHD. ADHD Coaching solutions by Jay B. Gordon, Ph.D. Neuropsychologist.

5 Coping Strategies for ADHD

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5 Coping Strategies for ADHD

ADHD Tips - ADHD coaching

5 Coping Strategies for ADHD

Coping with ADHD in your everyday life can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. You might feel distracted or find yourself becoming overwhelmed. Yet, developing proper coping strategies can help you manage your ADHD in an effective and efficient way, allowing you to achieve all your goals and more.

In this article, we outline five coping strategies to help you manage your ADHD. Keep reading to find out more.

1. Find Time to Move

Research shows how exercise is an effective short-term and long-term management tactic for those with ADHD. This is because exercise increases dopamine release, as well as can improve attention and focus while reducing impulsiveness for those with ADHD.

On top of this, regular exercise is associated with decreased risk of depression and anxiety, which are known to be closely linked with ADHD diagnosis.

2. Create Systems for Yourself

If you know you have a tendency to get increasingly distracted as the day goes on, use this to your advantage! Plan on doing priority tasks first so that you, at the very least, complete those and can feel accomplished knowing your priorities are done.

3. Practice Acceptance

An ADHD diagnosis can help you understand yourself more or why you do things the way you do. Yet, don’t let these entities become excuses. Rather, accept yourself and any limitations you may have—while finding systems to help avoid these limitations from becoming problematic (see the above point for more on creating systems!).

4. Create Small Steps for Big Tasks

With ADHD, many individuals find they can quickly become overwhelmed, especially if a task seems large in comparison. This may mean you avoid the task or maybe avoid finishing it. Instead, when tasks seem overwhelming, try breaking them down into steps. Focus on each individual step at a time, not bothering with the next one until the current one is complete. This can make everything much more simple and much less overwhelming!

5. Add Deadlines to Tasks

Even for chores around the house, give yourself a set time to do it. This avoids procrastination or distraction, ensuring things get done and you are less likely to stray off task.

What Else Can You Do?

At Pathways Neuropsychology Associates, we offer ADHD Coaching for individuals struggling with work, school, or social events. Together, we can help you find strategies to manage and overcome what holds you back. Individuals with ADHD can lead relatively normal lives—all it takes is finding the right strategies that work for you. Contact us today.

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At Pathways Neuropsychology Associates we use evidence-based evaluation instruments and treatments to get you, your loved one, or your child on the path to success. If you or someone you love are struggling with the symptoms of ADHD, call now and get started!

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5 Coping Strategies for ADHD

ADHD Coaching Tips

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ADHD Coaching Tips

ADHD Coaching Tips Psychologists | Toms River, NJ | Manahawkin, NJ | Freehold, NJ – Ocean County NJ

ADHD Coaching Tips

  • Break large assignments and tasks into smaller parts.
  • Work for 25 minutes, then take a short break. Use a timer!
  • Keep to a routine. For example, homework can be done the same place and same time every day.
  • Set up intrinsic and extrinsic reinforcer/reward
  • Set a schedule. Right the schedule out and make it conspicuous (i.e., using a whiteboard, etc.).
  • Use a written planner. Using your phone, computer, or watch to set a schedule can be helpful, but the act of writing out a schedule further helps with remembering to complete tasks.

At Pathways Neuropsychology Associates we use evidence-based evaluation instruments and treatments to get you, your loved one, or your child on the path to success. If you or someone you love are struggling with the symptoms of ADHD, call now and get started!

LET’S GET STARTED

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ADHD Coaching Tips

ADHD – Back To School Tips

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ADHD – Back To School Tips

ADHD Coaching | Toms River, NJ | Manahawkin, NJ | Freehold, NJ - Ocean County NJADHD – Back to School Tips 

Going back to school can be a stressful experience for a child with ADHD. Here are some tips to make the transition a little less stressful:

Tip #1

Communication! Discuss with your child what he/she should expect, what the morning routine prior to school going to be and what your expectations are of your child.

Tip #2

Listen! Have a discussion with your child and listen to his/her concerns, worries, expectations, and goals. Listen to your child and find our what he/she is excited about for school. This is not a time to lecture or teach. This is a time to listen, empathize, and use your positive attention parenting skills.

Tip #3

Do your prep work. Prior to the start of the school year meet with the principal and discussed your child’s special issues. Advocate for the teacher that works well with ADHD children. Set up the communication system before the school year even starts.

At Pathways Neuropsychology Associates we use evidence-based evaluation instruments and treatments to get you, your loved one, or your child on the path to success. If you or someone you love are struggling with the symptoms of ADHD, call now and get started!

LET’S GET STARTED

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Source: ADHD
ADHD – Back To School Tips

ADHD versus Bipolar: What Are the Differences?

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ADHD versus Bipolar: What Are the Differences?

ADHD versus Bipolar: What Are the Differences? | Psychologists | Toms River, NJ | Manahawkin, NJ | Freehold, NJ - Ocean County NJ

ADHD versus Bipolar: What Are the Differences?

Life can be hard enough in children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Unfortunately, comorbidities can make matters even more challenging, whether trying to succeed at school or work. Bipolar disorder is more likely to occur in children and adults with ADHD by several fold. What is bipolar disorder, how is it diagnosed, and how does it change ADHD treatment plans?

Bipolar disorder is characterized by alternating manic and depressive phases. Depressive phases of bipolar disorder are characterized by feelings of hopelessness and loss of interest in activities. Meanwhile, restlessness, impulsivity, defiant behavior, and inattention are often experienced during manic episodes. While ADHD and bipolar disorder can often coexist (up to 70% of those with bipolar also have ADHD), the two disorders can also be confused with one another since the symptoms of both manic and depressive episodes often overlap with ADHD symptoms.

ADHD is a developmental disorder that affects attention and ability to prioritize tasks and schedules. Those with ADHD often experience inattention, restlessness, insomnia, and quick loss of interest in actives that use to bring joy and excitement. Bipolar disorder, on the other hand, is a mood disorder even though it could mimic signs of ADHD. The key difference is ADHD is constant and more situationally dependent. Whenever a task demands self-regulation or executive control, an individual with ADHD will struggle.  Bipolar, conversely, is less situational and constant. Depressive and manic phases of bipolar come and go as they please, with very little dependent on context and environment. 

Another difference in the manic symptoms of bipolar and the racing thoughts of ADHD is discussed on ADDITUDE.com, “People with ADHD report racing thoughts, which they can grasp and appreciate but can’t necessarily express or record quickly enough. With mania, the patient’s racing thoughts flash by like a flock of birds overtaking them so fast that their color and type is impossible to discern.” It may take a professional to discern the subtle differences. At Pathways Neuropsychology Associates, we have many experts here to help make an accurate diagnosis. 

While it is possible to differentiate between bipolar disorder and ADHD, it is also possible that they can occur at same time. The overlap happens quite often. However, too often one of the two is misdiagnosed or masked by the other. It is important to make an accurate assessment because the treatment depends on it. For instance, stimulants are effective treatments for ADHD, but may exacerbate manic episodes of bipolar. The accuracy of treatment is also important because the outcomes depend on it. For instance, those with bipolar disorder are up to fifteen times more likely to attempt suicide. 

If you or loved one is experiencing symptoms of ADHD and/ or bipolar disorder, please contact Pathways today! We can help you make sense of your symptoms and get you on the right track with our seasoned professionals.

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Source: ADHD
ADHD versus Bipolar: What Are the Differences?

ADHD diagnosis

Early Behavior Therapy Found to Aid Children With ADHD

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Early Behavior Therapy Found to Aid Children With ADHD – According to new research, children with attention-deficit problems improve faster when the first treatment they receive is behavioral. Experts said this approach could possibly change standard medical practice, which favors drugs like Adderall and Ritalin as first-line treatments.

The new research, published in two papers by the Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, found that stimulants were most effective as a supplemental, second-line treatment for those who needed it — and often at doses that were lower than normally prescribed.

This story was recently covered in the New York Times and you can read the complete article here . 

Contact Dr. Gordon for help with your ADHD. We have treatment and solutions available online, by phone, and in our offices.

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Depression and ADHD

Depression and ADHD

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Young people with ADHD experience repeated academic and social failures that may put them at risk for depression. Struggling with both academic issues and depression may cause a child to engage in negative self-talk, such as claiming that he or she is stupid. It is important to be familiar with the symptoms of depression in children with ADHD because depression carries the risk of self-harm. If 3-5 of the following symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, or if your child’s mood ever becomes concerning, seek help from a professional.

Children with ADHD and depression may:

  • Feel guilty for no reason
  • Feel sad and/or cry often
  • Feel low self-esteem
  • Feel as though life is meaningless or that the future is negative
  • Withdraw from previously enjoyed things, such as sports, music, etc.
  • Have trouble concentrating and making decisions
  • Overreact and become easily irritated
  • Experience changes in sleep patterns, including sleeping more or less than usual or having trouble falling asleep
  • Have a gain or loss of appetite
  • Feel restless or tired most of the time
  • Have thoughts of death or suicide

Contact Dr. Gordon for help with your ADHD. We have treatment and solutions available online, by phone, and in our offices.

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written by:
 Brianna Malinowski, 
Jay Gordon, Ph.D

Bernstein, J. (2007). 10 days to a less distracted child. Cambridge, MA: Da Capo Press.
Photo retrieved from: http://becuo.com/animated-rain-clouds

 

Restless Leg Syndrome and ADHD

Restless Leg Syndrome and ADHD

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Traditionally, restless leg syndrome (RLS) is considered to be a problem among middle aged and older adults. However, children can also experience RLS. Children may report symptoms of RLS less commonly than adults due to their inability to describe the RLS sensations or due to a possible different set of symptoms associated with childhood RLS.

**A surprising 44% of people with ADHD have RLS symptoms, and 26% of people with RLS have symptoms of ADHD.

There may be a common comorbidity, or co-occurrence, of RLS and ADHD. It is possible that symptoms of RLS may mimic ADHD symptoms or vice versa; however, research does not support this claim as RLS does not have symptoms of inattentiveness as in ADHD and leg discomfort is not characteristic of ADHD.

One hypothesis to explain this co-occurrence of ADHD and RLS is due to the lack of sleep that RLS causes. Odd sensations in the legs understandably cause lack of sleep. In the hyperarousal theory of ADHD, children with ADHD are sleepier than other children and use hyperactivity as a strategy to stay awake during the day. In other words, RLS may cause daytime sleepiness, which may lead to hyperactivity.

Another hypothesis suggests that children with RLS cannot sit still in class due to their leg discomfort. This increases the likelihood of the children with RLS getting out of their seats and squirming, as commonly seen in ADHD.

Other researchers believe that both RLS and ADHD are associated with a deficit in dopamine, an important neurotransmitter, or an iron deficiency. More research is needed to fully understand the relationship between RLS and ADHD.

Contact Dr. Gordon for help with your ADHD. We have treatment and solutions available online, by phone, and in our offices.

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written by:
 Brianna Malinowski, 
Jay Gordon, Ph.D

Cortese, S., Konofal, E., & Lecendreux, M. (2008). The relationship between attention-deficit- hyperactivity-disorder and restless legs syndrome. European Neurological Review, 3(1), 111-114. doi:10.17925/ENR.2008.03.01.111
Image retrieved from: http://www.md-health.com/Restless-Leg-Syndrome.html

 

Dogs to Help Children With ADHD

Dogs to Help Children With ADHD

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When animals are involved in therapy, children may experience increased emotion and attention that allows them to participate more fully in the therapy process. Having the opportunity to interact with a fun dog can increase a child’s compliance to therapy, improve the child’s relationship to the therapist, and help to maintain motivation. Compliance, a therapeutic relationship, and motivation are often noted as key elements of successful therapy.

Dogs have been recognized in the therapeutic process for many other disorders in order to facilitate social learning and empathy. Since children with ADHD may struggle with social cues, including dogs in therapy may be beneficial. In fact, recent research discovered that one group of children with ADHD who used trained therapy dogs in their therapy experienced greater reduction in their ADHD symptoms than those children who did not have dogs in therapy. The dogs in this study were noted to serve as prompts for the children to pay attention and stay in the present moment. Remaining in the present moment improves performance on tasks and trains attention skills. It may just be that animals reduce stress for many people, allowing children to be more relaxed and, therefore, mentally prepared for therapy.

Contact Dr. Gordon for help with your ADHD. We have treatment and solutions available online, by phone, and in our offices.

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written by:
 Brianna Malinowski, 
Jay Gordon, Ph.D

Schuck, S., Emmerson, N., Fine, A., & Lakes, K. (2013). Canine-assisted therapy for children with ADHD: Preliminary findings from the positive assertive cooperative kids study. Journal of Attention Disorders, 20(10), 1-13. doi: 10.1177/1087054713502080
Picture retrieved from: http://www.business-opportunities.biz/2014/07/31/pet-therapy-for-kids/

 

 

ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

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Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is commonly comorbid, or simultaneously occurring with ADHD. ODD is a problem that first becomes noticeable in the preschool years or during early adolescence. The following information discusses the symptoms and criteria needed for a diagnosis of ODD. Please remember that not all people with ADHD have ODD and vice versa; however, the two commonly occur together.

Of the following list of symptoms, at least 4 must be present for at least 6 months to be diagnosed with ODD. The behaviors must also occur with at least one person who is not a sibling. For children under the age of 5, the behaviors should occur on most days for at least 6 months. For those over 5, the behaviors should occur at least once per week for at least 6 months in order to be diagnosed with ODD. These symptoms must cause distress to oneself or others in close social contact with the person, or it must negatively impact areas of functioning such as school, work, or social situations.

Symptoms:

  1. Loses temper often.
  2. Easily annoyed or often touchy
  3. Frequently angry or resentful
  4. Often argues with figures of authority, such as adults
  5. Actively defies authority figures and/or rules
  6. Annoys others on purpose
  7. Blames others for his or her misbehavior or mistakes.
  8. Has been spiteful or vindictive 2 times within the past 6 months.
  • If symptoms occur only in one setting (school, home, work, social environment) ODD may be categorized as mild.
  • If symptoms occur in 2 settings, ODD may be moderate.
  • If symptoms occur in 3 or more settings, ODD may be considered severe.

If you believe that you or a loved one may be struggling with ADHD and/or ODD, please contact Dr. Gordon today!

Contact Dr. Gordon for help with your ADHD. We have treatment and solutions available online, by phone, and in our offices.

Get Started

written by:
 Brianna Malinowski, 
Jay Gordon, Ph.D

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5.

 

ADHD diagnosis

7 Parent Self-Help Tips

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  1. Delay your responses. Sometimes in the moment of stressful events, we can respond to problems impulsively. It is okay to take a few moments to calm down and think of a way to address your child’s behavior. There is nothing wrong with saying, “I’ll discuss this with you in a few minutes.”
  2. Try meditating! Learning to relax using mental imagery and progressive muscle relaxation can lower your stress level.
  3. Have a weekend to yourself. Taking a weekend away alone or with your partner can recharge your body and mind. Remember that you deserve to take good care of yourself, not just your child.
  4. Make time to enjoy a hobby. Giving yourself some time to read, knit, write, craft, or do any of the endless variety of hobbies can be just as renewing as taking a weekend away.
  5. Join a support group for parents of children with ADHD. Support groups are a great resource for discussing problems and solutions to problems. Other parents struggle just as you do! Perhaps, they have some advice and ideas or are in need of your advice. Being surrounded by people with similar issues is a unique support experience. You may even make some friends!
  6. Share parenting with your partner! If you feel that you don’t have at least some time for yourself during the day, consider talking to your partner, as he/she may need to take more responsibility for child or household care.
  7. Exercise to reduce stress and avoid chemical substances. Alcohol may result in fatigue and increased frustration while nicotine and caffeine can produce feelings of stress. Stress and fatigue are the last things you need.

<em><strong>Contact Dr. Gordon for help with your ADHD. We have treatment and solutions available online, by phone, and in our offices.</strong></em>

Get Started

written by:
Brianna Malinowski,
Jay Gordon, Ph.D

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Barkley, R. A. (2013). Taking charge of ADHD: The complete, authoritative guide for parents (3rd ed.). NY: The Guilford Press.

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