Smart Learning Newsletter
Helping You Help
Your ADHD and ADHD-like Kids
Reach Their Smart Potential
Dr. MaryJo Wagner, Editor and Publisher
Vol 1. No. 11 September 12, 2010
Contents
- Note from Dr. MaryJo: ADHD and Me
- What's Happening at Smart Kids Smart Parents in September
- Feature Article: Is it Situational or Organic? Two Kinds of ADHD
"Smart Kids Smart Parents" Complimentary ADHD and ADD Strategy Sessions:
Do you have ADHD challenges at your house? Kids ADHD-like behavior getting in the way of good grades and high test scores? Kids driving you crazy because they won't settle down and pay attention?
Get some help. Schedule your complimentary strategy session with me, Dr. MaryJo Wagner. Just click here to let me know and we'll find a mutually convenient time.
Note from Dr. MaryJo
Hi:
I've been busy getting ready for my "ADHD or Not Awareness Week" Sept. 20-24. Didn't want to conflict with the "official" ADHD Awareness Week that's this coming week! Watch your email for more info in the next few days.
They say we often get involved professionally and passionately in things that are closest to us--often our own personal challenge.
And that's certainly what I did. I became an ADHD expert and advocate for ADHD kids and their Moms and Dads and those kids who have ADHD-like behavior because I've had this pesky ADHD thing all my life.
Can't remember when ADHD didn't get in the way of doing well in school. Can't remember a time when it was really easy to just stay on track. To keep to a schedule without a lot of help.
I have managed finally to get places on time--most of the time. And I've gotten over that terrible impulsive behavior. (I once threw a completed but not-yet-turned-in Master's Thesis in the fire. 150 pages and the culmination of three years of work gone. I was later told I had a publishing contract for it but it was too late!)
Now if I could just control the piles--piles of paper, piles of magazines, piles of newspapers (yes, I still love reading the newspaper.)
Today's article is about the difference between "Situational" and "Organic" ADHD. I have the "Organic" kind, in case you're wondering.
Enjoy!
P. S. I just got a new page up on FaceBook for Smart Kids Smart Parents. Come on over and join the community. Just click "like."
What's Happening at Smart Kids Smart Parents
Tuesday TeleTips: Always Complimentary. Always recorded. Usually an Action Guide. But you do need to sign up
Note: Tuesday TeleTips will be moving to twice a month beginning Sept. 7 as we make room for "The Smart Kids Smart Parents Show" on the radio Thursday afternoons.
Sept. 14: ADHD Q & A--sign up now and submit your questions
Sept. 28: ADHD: Three Smart Brain Games™ that Always Work
Oct. 12: ADHD and Food
Oct. 26: ADHD and TV
If there's something you'd like know, let me know and I'll get it into the November Tuesday TeleTips.
"The Smart Moms Show" every Thursday, 2 pm Eastern on Your Radio
Sept. 16: "The Super Confitelligent Child" with Denise Hornbeak
Sept. 23: "ADHD and Families" with Dr. Rory Stern
Sept. 30: "Human Body Detectives" with Dr. Heather Manley
Is It Situational or Organic: Two Kinds of ADHD (Your child probably has one of them!)
Note: This is our first of three articles on Situational and Organic ADHD
Teachers have been telling me they think every kid in their class has ADHD. Now, of course, that's an exaggeration.
But it seems like all the kids are either hyperactive or spacey. That they're unable to focus. Their attention span is so short that it gets in the way of learning. And they're impulsive--speaking out of turn, acting without thinking.
I agree. More and more kids are exhibiting ADHD behavior but is it really ADHD? Hardly! ADHD-like behavior can be caused by all kinds of things:
=> Too Much TV
=> Too Little vigorous physical exercise
=> Too much junk food
=> Allergies to artificial coloring and flavoring
=> Low levels of vitamin D
=> Stress
=> And many more factors.
I've identified at least "63 Common Conditions that Can Cause ADHD-like Behavior" (aka Situational ADHD) to help you figure out what's going on with your child. Get your copy now
"Situational ADHD" can be just as disruptive, just as annoying, and just as likely to get in the way of school success as real ADHD or "Organic ADHD."
"Organic" ADHD is most accurately diagnosed with a brain scan like the qEEG or a test such as the TOVA instead of the frequently used questions based on the DSM4 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
If your child has situational ADHD, they will often be able to answer "yes" to all the questions from the DSM4 which can then lead to a misdiagnosis and an unnecessary prescription for stimulant drugs.
"Organic" ADHD doesn't go away after a few years. Lots of resources from biofeedback to Brain Games™ to stimulant meds help with organic ADHD but they don't get rid of it! It's identified by particular brain patterns.
Next week, I'll give you more details about "Situational ADHD" which seems to me to be more prevalent than "Organic ADHD."
* * *
In the meantime, I invite you to come to "ADHD or Not Awareness Week" that includes 5-TeleWebcasts from Sept. 20-Sept. 24. That's right--it's a TeleWebcast every evening during my "ADHD or Not Awareness Week." Of course includes replays and Action Guides. You'll be getting the link for your ticket and more details of this great event later in the week.
(Since ADHD Awareness Week is Sept. 13-17, I decided to start my own Awareness Week that includes ADHD-like behavior that isn't really ADHD and schedule it for the week after. Means you can attend ADHD Awareness Week events without missing "ADHD or Not Awareness Week.")
* * *
Watch for next week's "Smart Learning Newsletter: "Situational ADHD: What to do When It's Not Really ADHD"
In the meantime:
Follow me on Twitter
Join me on Facebook Just click "like" to be part of the Smart Kids Smart Parents community.
Get more ADHD strategies and Smart Parent tips at articles by MaryJo
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