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ADHD Dude Blog

Letter for parents to share with summer camp staff

I created this letter for my 2023 ADDitude webinar on helping kids with ADHD succeed at summer camp.  You can download and print this letter to share with your child's summer camp staff.  

 

 

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Helping Children with ADHD: Moving from Prompt Dependence to Independence aka "You stop acting as your child's executive functioning."

Children with ADHD often require additional support in managing daily tasks and activities. As caregivers, it's natural to want to help them succeed, but empowering them to develop their executive function skills is essential.

Understanding Prompt Dependence
When children with ADHD become prompt...

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Slides from my upcoming ADDitude webinar on May 28th: The Social Reboot: Helping Tween and Teen Boys with ADHD Make Friends
 
If you cannot watch live, you will receive an email with the recording if you pre-register.
 
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Understanding ADHD Medications for Children: What Parents Need to Know

Understanding ADHD Medications for Children: What Parents Need to Know



Parenting a child with ADHD can present unique challenges, especially when it comes to deciding whether or not to pursue medication as part of their treatment plan. In a recent interaction with a concerned parent, the topic...

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Update on Charlie a year later
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A year ago, when I first spoke with Charlie's mother, she told me how Charlie would walk around school with headphones to cover his ears. Charlie does not have autism; he does not have sensitivities to sound and wasn't wearing them to help him focus....
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Morning Learning Time At Trip Camp [ADHD Camp For Boys in Columbus, OH]

Each morning at Trip Camp, we have morning learning time for about 45 minutes, which is when we talk about topics like:
-What do you talk about with a bunch of guys you've never met before
-Your responsibility in making and sustaining friendships
-Understanding how you're coming across to others...

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Screen Use/Video Game Rules and Expectations In Your Home
 
It amazes me that parents still argue with their children about screen time, getting off of video games, etc.
 
It amazes me even more that some parents continue to tolerate verbal or physical abuse from their child when the child is told to get off of video games/screens.
...
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Wisdom I received about people who want to judge your parenting (A personal story)

About 16 years ago, as a School Social Worker, I worked with an Occupational Therapist named "Kim."  Kim was a single mom to a boy with nonverbal autism. She did not have it easy. Her ex-husband had significant mental health issues and was not equipped to deal with their son, even for short...

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Guiding Kids with ADHD from Feeling Entitled to Taking Responsibility

Key Takeaways: 

  • A lack of expectations at home can lead kids with ADHD to feel entitled to things in life, like their phones and video games. 
  • Over-giving without expecting help teaches them life owes them everything.
  • Balancing rewards with responsibilities is essential for their...
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The Best Schools for Kids with ADHD

Key Takeaways: 

  • Most teachers, including special education teachers, receive minimal training in ADHD.
  • Private schools that market to the ADHD community don't always provide the most optimal learning environment for a child with ADHD. 
  • As an experienced School Social Worker and School...
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ADHD Kids and Video Games

Key Takeaways: 

  1. Explore effective parenting strategies for managing your child's gaming habits.
    1. Emphasize the importance of steering clear of violent or inappropriate games for younger kids.
    2. Follow the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation of no more than one hour of screen time...
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What Works Better Than Punishments for Kids with ADHD

As a parent, do you often find yourself in a loop of punishing your child, only to see no change in their behavior? This can be a frustrating and disheartening experience, especially when your efforts seem futile. I'm here to shed light on why traditional punishments might not be effective for...

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