hsing1 Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 We have all kinds of struggles with ds and I've been searching for answers. I got an email from HSLDA and it had a link to their struggling learners page specifically focus/attention issues: http://www.hslda.org/strugglinglearner/sn_focus.asp I went over this checklist I found there. My ds is a strong yes! in all the areas. So now that I have a better idea of what's causing at least some of the problem, where do I go from here.:confused: Help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JennW in SoCal Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 I don't know if I can add anything that isn't on that HSLDA page already as it includes a list of suggestions of what to do. But, I can give you a brief summary of what we did and what worked with my ADHD ds. He was 7, by the way when we started homeschooling and is now a high school senior. A white board, Hop 55 balls and a big exercize ball: My ds didn't sit at a table to work until he was probably 12, although he did sit long enough to learn how to type on the computer and to play Math Blaster and Spelling blaster. Instead we sprawled out on the living room floor. Math was done on a big white board, usually with me writing and him bouncing on a big hop 55 ball as he thought through the answer. He also wrote on the white board, and this same board has served him all the way through high school geometry! When he did start sitting for work it wasn't on a chair but on a large exercize ball. Keep it short -- 20 minutes per lesson: Less is more with an ADHD kid. Cover a concept, work on it a bit then put it away. Don't underestimate the amount of content that is going into his mind! He is likely absorbing all kinds of facts and information, especially about things he loves. Read aloud as much as possible, get audio books, follow his interests, and as he listens let him squirm, bounce, draw, build with legos or whatever he needs to do. Then let him talk. Be his scribe for now, or let him record his voice on the computer, or make videos or take photos or his creations. Lots of exercise and fresh air will help with concentration. Repeated field trips to museums and the zoo and nature walks will help cement the oddest bits of information into his mind. Really. The stuff my kids know that I never intended to teach just boggles my mind. Checklists and reward charts will make you both happy. It will ensure specific tasks and chores are done, and it seems to take the burden off the mom because it is the checklist saying what needs to be done, not mom. I left reading time and outings off the list even though I always counted it as school time. The amount of written output he can produce will grow as he matures. The amount of time he can spend on a task will also grow. If it seems that he is floundering in spite of all the accommodations you are making, then talk to your pediatrician about medication. My ds has used them on and off over the last 9 years, and it made a positive difference. Hope this helps! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bairnmama Posted September 12, 2008 Share Posted September 12, 2008 Repeated field trips to museums and the zoo and nature walks will help cement the oddest bits of information into his mind. Really. The stuff my kids know that I never intended to teach just boggles my mind. :bigear: I'm very interested in this thread, so sorry for the interruption, but what would you suggest in lieu of the above? The closest zoo is well over 2 hrs away and almost the same for museums of more than local significance (or larger than 2 mid-size rooms). We just can't drive that much "repeatedly". Is there something else we could do that might accomplish the same thing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hsing1 Posted September 12, 2008 Author Share Posted September 12, 2008 Thanks Jennifer for the great ideas. They are very helpful. Can anyone recommend any good books to read on the subject? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathy in MD Posted September 20, 2008 Share Posted September 20, 2008 We have all kinds of struggles with ds and I've been searching for answers. I got an email from HSLDA and it had a link to their struggling learners page specifically focus/attention issues:http://www.hslda.org/strugglinglearner/sn_focus.asp I went over this checklist I found there. My ds is a strong yes! in all the areas. So now that I have a better idea of what's causing at least some of the problem, where do I go from here.:confused: Help! I recommend that you get a good evaluation from a dev. ped or another specialist in dev problems. Given that your ds displays all the ADHD symptoms, chances are he does have it. However there are many other problems that can co-exist with ADHD that increase the severity of the symptoms. By addressing these additional problems, often the need for medication and compensentory strategies is reduced. Some of these problems include food sensitivities, SPD, dev vision problems, and auditory problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hsing1 Posted September 20, 2008 Author Share Posted September 20, 2008 I recommend that you get a good evaluation from a dev. ped or another specialist in dev problems. Given that your ds displays all the ADHD symptoms, chances are he does have it. However there are many other problems that can co-exist with ADHD that increase the severity of the symptoms. By addressing these additional problems, often the need for medication and compensentory strategies is reduced. Some of these problems include food sensitivities, SPD, dev vision problems, and auditory problems. Thank you. I'm taking him in for an inital evaluation in 2 weeks. Even though it looks like ADHD, I agree it would be wise to have a professional check him out. Thanks again, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frelle Posted September 20, 2008 Share Posted September 20, 2008 we are in the midst of having our 5 yr old daughter evaluated for ADHD. She doesnt so much have attention issues as she has hyperactivity issues. She also has some sensory issues (she is a sensory seeker). I have not looked into any books about ADD or ADHD yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ELaurie Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 Healing ADD by Dr. Daniel Amen. This book contains valuable checklists and sound advice, including recommendations about diet, exercise, supplements, parenting strategies, medication (or not) and other resources. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ELaurie Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 Another resource to consider: Transforming the Difficult Child by Howard Glasser, PhD. He has since revised several aspects of this approach, but the fundamentals are still the same, and I do think he's on to something. Following his suggestions makes a big difference with my intense 6 yo ds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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