7 Best-Kept Secrets to Improve Your Focus

It may be summertime and the "livin' is easy" right now, but this could also be the BEST time to learn how to re-focus and concentrate on your priorities and the tasks that matter. However, HOW does one DO that when focus is a real challenge? There are actually some very practical steps you can take NOW during this summer season in order to experience better focus and concentration throughout the entire year. We're here to help you do just that with a set of seven steps to improve your focus and concentration on the things that truly matter.

7 Best-Kept Secrets to Improve Your Focus

1. Plan and Structure Your Day
Think about your day BEFORE it begins instead of REACTING to it throughout the day. Consider the day of the week and the tasks that may be associated with that particular weekday. Then take into account the new or specific tasks for just that day. While you are doing this, you are beginning to formulate a mental list of priorities to address throughout that day. This is the first step to improving your focus.

2. Create Lists
Next, write down (yes, write---not enter on your phone!) the important tasks you must address on that day. Use actual paper or Post-It Notes to do this. If needed, break down each task into steps on a separate sheet or sticky note. If yo.u find it even more helpful, place these lists at eye level in your workspace. Tackle each tacks separately. Then cross each one off as you accomplish the tasks. The results may surprise you. Not only will you improve your focus, but you will discover that your productivity will increase proportionately.

3. Detach from Tech
The phone is so often the primary culprit of focus issues. It demands your attention almost constantly, if you let it. Take control of that phone and the other devices that steal away your attention and take your focus to other things that may very well have nothing to do with your goals. Set aside the phone or at least turn off the sound or notification settings. This may be the ultimate challenge for many of us---to disconnect from our tech. In doing so, however, not only will you turn off the distractions caused by tech, you will also be decreasing the stress caused by others' priorities served up via those tech devices.

4. Be Mindful
Mindfulness is a buzz word in our world today. True mindfulness is "the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something." It is a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. Mindfulness is often used as a therapeutic technique, but we all could benefit from the use of it on a daily basis. Begin to practice genuine mindfulness by first becoming aware of the moments of multi-tasking you do. These multi-tasking moments can drain your energy and your brain's ability to pay attention to what is currently most important to you.

5. Decrease Multi-tasking
"This ONE thing I do." Make this your mantra. Address ONE task at a time AND do it WELL. Then look at the next task on your list and address it---without looking at the rest of your list in that same moment. Doing this will not only de-stress and improve your mindfulness, it will also improve the QUALITY of the work achieved. What a win-win for you and your colleagues!

6. Take Restful Breaks
Do not underestimate the POWER of a brain break or pause for rest. Ten minutes spent in stepping away from a task can save you much-needed time later because your improved attention and focus as well as the quality of work produced AFTER the break will also improve.

7. Remember to Feed Your Brain
Did you know that the RIGHT foods can improve your focus, too? Yes, indeed---and in a big way, too! There are surprising benefits apart from helping to survive and provide energy. Food can affect our mood, increase energy, mental clarity and remove brain fog. Most of the time we overlook the wonderful benefits that food can provide and don’t realize our lack of focus could be due to not eating proper food items. Try to avoid sugar and trans fats as they can make you feel depressed and mentally foggy.

Try some of the following "brain" foods and you will soon discover the positive difference in your level of focus throughout the day:

-Berries
-Eggs
-Fish rich in omega-3's (salmon, sardines, herring, etc.)
-Avocados, celery, kale and sea vegetables
-Walnuts
-Turmeric
-Dark chocolate (yum!)
-Olive and coconut oils
-Other foods, too.

Sources:

5 Ways to Improve Your Focus---by Jes Dickerson
http://jesdickerson.com/2018/07/09/5-ways-to-improve-your-focus/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=393689100_12945422_431974

12 Brain Foods That Supercharge Your Memory, Focus & Mood---by Deane Alban
https://bebrainfit.com/brain-foods/

For information about customizable focusing tools for readers and learners of all ages, please visit: FocusandRead.com ---Tools for challenged readers of all ages!

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC and Pixabay

11 Homework Tips to Help Kids with ADHD (and Others, too!)

For many children, homework is not a favorite word or activity. In fact, it is often the one word that causes more conflict than most during the school year for both students and their parents. When the issue of ADHD is also introduced into the mix, homework can become the catalyst for much angst in a home. So, what are parents to do? Should they immediately talk with their child's teacher to seek assistance? Should punishment be a method of making the child complete the homework assigned? Would some other approach be advisable?

It is always a good idea to discuss concerns about your child her teachers, but the idea of using punishment rarely solves any problem long-term. In fact, it can often create more problems than it solves. Punishment related to homework also does little to build a good parent/child relationship. Positive incentives for behavior modification are nearly always a good idea, especially when those incentives are chosen by the child and approved by the parent. Ownership of the issue is more readily accepted and then addressed by the child.

There are other strategies that can assist parents with problems related to on-time homework completion. We thought at the beginning of this new school year a list of such strategies might be helpful to many, especially to those parents of children with ADHD who struggle to focus and follow through with tasks in a timely manner---both inside and outside of the classroom. We hope you will discover at least one or two in this list of tips or strategies to help you and your child create a peaceful AND productive environment for homework at your house!

Helpful Homework Strategies for Kids with ADHD (and Others)

1. Consistency is important. Arrange for your child to study and complete class assignments in the same room or location each day. A desk or table where minimal distractions can occur is advised (a corner of a room with the student facing that corner is a good option).

2. Set aside a specific amount of time for homework each weekday. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that for each grade level, 10 minutes of homework is reasonable (i.e., for a student in grade 4, approximately 40 minutes of homework would be appropriate.) If your child finishes early, he or she can then read, write a thank you note to relatives or play an educational game online or offline.

3. Use a timer for the period set aside for homework. This will be one way to help your child focus more effectively since the timer will give the child a good sense of how much time tasks might take to complete.

4. Help your child develop a good and positive mindset for the homework tasks. If the child is tired or stressed (especially during periods in the late afternoon after school dismissal), allow some time for her to relax, have a snack to help replenish energy levels, play outside or indoors or listen to soothing music to help decompress BEFORE tackling the homework assignments.

5. If needed, step in to slow down the rate at which your child is attempting to complete the homework. Ask him questions like, "Will your teacher be able to read your work?" or "Do you think you are doing your best work there?" Notice that these questions are phrased not to reflect YOUR opinion but that of others. Asking such questions will help your child develop better reading and study habits going forward.

6. Encourage your child to review her work, both for content accuracy (expression of ideas/answers, spelling, etc.) and handwriting clarity (penmanship, etc.) This will no doubt not only improve the quality of that homework but also raise your child's sense of pride in work well done.

7. Help your child break down assignments into chunks or a series of smaller tasks (in a list format with perhaps only 2 revealed at a time.) This approach can be invaluable for large and long-term assignments. For such projects, remember to establish a timeline that is reviewed every few days to confirm progress and timeliness of completing smaller goals of the assignment. This will help to affirm your child and establish accountability for her.

8. Provide assistance and resources for your child when answers are not forthcoming or there appears to be a struggle of some kind. Depending on what you observe, this could mean a trip to your local public library for reference materials, etc., a computer session with your child locating needed resources for an assignment or other activity with your child to help explain an important concept. In some cases, you may need to advocate for your child. This may become an opportunity to seek out more specific accommodations or other resources from your child's teacher, a reading specialist or even a medical professional for an evaluation of the learning challenges you observe.

9. Remind your child of his strengths and de-emphasize (but don't forget) weaknesses. This will him help approach the homework tasks with more confidence and help boost self-esteem, too.

10.Use color coding in as many ways as possible to help with the reading, study and organization of assignments. Ask your child to write down every assignment in one place. For older, high school students who have phones, request that they record their assignments in the phone or send themselves a text message with the assignment complete with due date.

11.Provide your child with a 2-pocket folder for his completed work. This folder can be used for this folder for any school papers you need to sign as well.

Sources

8 Tips to Help Grade-Schoolers with Learning and Attention Issues Slow Down on Homework-by Kate Kelly, Understood.org
https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/learning-at-home/homework-study-skills/8-tips-to-help-grade-schoolers-with-learning-and-attention-issues-slow-down-on-homework?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3JWZ5OnA1gIVgSSGCh0bCQNNEAAYASAAEgLMYvD_BwE

10 Homework Tips for ADHD Children-by Eileen Bailey, HealthCentral.com
http://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/10-homework-tips-adhd-children#slide=10

For more information on customizable reading tools for better focus & attention, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

18 Tips to Support Dyslexics & Other Challenged Readers

Reading and learning do not come easily for every student. Parents and teachers often look for specific strategies and resources to assist struggling readers and learners, especially for the many with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and/or other issues that can impact reading success.

Making using of such strategies or accommodations allows for more fairness in the classroom where other, more typical readers and learners at the same grade level may be present. These are supports that can actually help "level the playing field" for many children, teens and adults who would not otherwise receive the support needed to be successful readers and learners.

In addition, such supportive accommodations should be implemented for as long as they are needed by the individuals. Here is a printable list that you might consider to help and support the challenged reader(s) or learner(s) in your family or in your classroom:

1. Request or allow course and book content to be available via audiotape, CD, or DVD.

2. Use a portable, hand-held spell checker (such as the Franklin Spelling Ace) for unknown words.

3. Use graph paper or the Reading Focus Cards for math to promote accurate placeholder work.

4. Use interactive computer reading programs that require only a limited number of tasks at a time.

5. Underline or highlight important key words in a set of directions BEFORE beginning an assignment.

6. Fold a worksheet so that only a small amount of text, information, or problems is visible at one time. Using individualized tools can help with this as well.

7. Allow for standing at a desk/table or moving to optional work areas with less distraction.

8. Allow for the experience of a variety of sensory learning techniques such as those from the use of a computer, e-tablet, mp3 player, tape recorder, projector, and/or manipulatives. The more senses you appeal to and employ in the learning process, the more success the student will experience.

9. Use word processors or computers to complete written work, especially when writing is a struggle.

10. Allow for kneeling or standing at a desk (if needed), as long as it does not cause problems or distractions for others.

11. Allow for access to a copy of prepared notes, especially after a teaching session or discussion.

12. Arrange for a second set of textbooks at home so that materials are always at hand when needed.

13. Use very low-volume music (instrumental) or environmental sounds (seashore or other nature sounds) while doing independent work.

14. Allow for student to work cooperatively at times with others as part of a "buddy" system of support.

15. Use colored paper for all printed materials including worksheets, outlines, notes, etc. Experiment with pastels as well as bright shades. One particular color may produce the best results for an individual.

16. Use colored overlays or the low-tech Reading Focus Cards for focus and reading challenges with physical book pages, worksheets and other documents. These inexpensive reading aids can diminish or eliminate the visual “stress” or discomfort some readers/learners experience with the white backgrounds of most text pages. These same tools can also be used with Kindles, Nooks, and other e-readers (Model #001-Shorter) as well as iPads and other e-tablets (Model #002-Longer), too.

17. Make use of websites such as www.math.com, www.khanacademy.org, www.mobymax.com or other free sites for help with specific math, science or other content challenges.

18. For reading online or offline digital media, use the Reading Focus Cards desktop app with Macs and Windows PCs to provide more focus and fluency, better tracking, increased comprehension and improved retention for unfocused or overwhelmed readers.

For more information about assistive technologies for challenged readers, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image source: Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

ADHD Resources and Aids for Children, Teens and Adults-2016

As you may be aware, more than 6 percent of children in the U.S. are currently being treated for ADHD. However, did you know that approximately 5 percent of adults are also living with this condition?

These statistics served as a call-to-action to the team at the Public Health Corps in Walnut, CA. As a result, this same organization put together a list of valuable resources and aids for people managing ADHD each and every day. We want to thank Ms. Patricia Sarmiento of the group for submitting this excellent list to us so that we could share it with our readers for their benefit.

Resources & Aids to Help ADHD---for Children, Teens & Adults

School Success for ADHD/LD Kids: Accommodations, Homework, Focus
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd-school-success.html

Creating the Optimal Environment for a Kid with ADHD
http://www.homeadvisor.com/r/creating-the-optimal-living-environment-for-a-child-with-adhd/#.VtHLnPkrLIU

ADHD Students Learn Differently: Try these ADD Classroom Strategies
http://childdevelopmentinfo.com/learning/learning_disabilities/teacher/

Attention Deficit Disorder Handbook
http://ucc.vt.edu/academic_support/attention_deficit_disorder_handbook.html

College Assistance Guide for People with ADHD
http://www.usnewsuniversitydirectory.com/articles/college-assistance-for-ADHD-students_15111.aspx#.VtHL2vkrLIU

Beat ADHD Anxiety and Stress
http://www.everydayhealth.com/add-adhd/beat-adhd-anxiety-and-stress.aspx

ADHD and Addiction - What is the Risk?
https://www.discoveryplace.info/adhd-and-addiction-what-is-the-risk

7 Ways to Reduce Stress: Calming Techniques for Adults with ADHD
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/3995.html

The Calming Effects of Swimming for People with ADHD
http://www.intheswim.com/eGuides/swimming-for-people-with-ADHD

ADHD and Technology: Helping Our Children Reclaim Their Focus and Attention
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-larry-rosen/adhd-and-technology-helpi_b_6096168.html

Low-tech & High-tech ADHD Focusing Tools to Help Students & Adults of ALL Ages
http://www.focusandread.com/products

How Dogs Can Help People with ADD & ADHD
https://www.rover.com/blog/dogs-help-people-add-adhd/

Source: Ms. Patricia Sarmiento---http://publichealthcorps.org

For information on customizable low-tech & digital reading tools for challenged readers with ADHD, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info and support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Images courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

5 Tips to Help Your Child Tame Those ADHD Symptoms

This will be the first week back to school for many children across the country after the long summer break. Many students will be excited to start a new year. Others will be more than a little reluctant, and a significant number of children will be very anxious about returning to a new classroom at a higher grade level. This can be especially true for children challenged with focusing and attention problems or ADHD. At the same time and not surprisingly, the parents of these students may also be experiencing the same feelings, dreading the morning routine with a child who struggles to follow directions, complete tasks on time and prepare for the classroom, each and every day of the school year.

What can parents do to help better prepare their children or teens with these ADHD symptoms AND in so doing, experience a better academic year? We have made a list here of 5 tips to help. None of them are difficult. However, each of the tips WILL require consistency and the needed time to follow-through on each of them.

1. Incorporate Plenty of Exercise into Your Child's Day Every Day! Always allow for a good amount of daily exercise. It need not be strenuous, but consistent exercise that benefits all muscle groups and provides good aerobic benefits will go a long way in helping your child to get and stay focused in the classroom this year. About 60 minutes of walking, running, climbing or other safe activity is recommended each day by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These minutes can be broken down into smaller units of 10 to 20 minutes at a time to accomplish the daily goal.

2. Allow for Scheduled Breaks to Help Your Child Decompress. This can be especially important during stressful or homework times. A pause of 5 to 10 minutes from homework can make all the difference in both decreasing stress and improving attention levels for your child or teen. If needed, time the length of these breaks, too, so that they do not become "lunch hours" or "extended playtimes." For some children, a quick run to the backyard fence could also provide just the right amount of energy release to enable more focused reading or study upon their return to work.

3. Stimulate & Improve Focus with Worthy Learning Activities. Seek out meaningful learning activities and resources appropriate for your child's intellectual level. The internet offers a wide variety of these resources and so often without any cost to you. We have provided a few links to follow this article that you might find helpful for this purpose. Take a look at all of the resources before choosing the best one(s) for your individual child's learning style or interests. Be aware that maintaining some structure during school break and vacation times may go a long way in keeping your child or students in the "learning groove," especially when ADHD is a challenge. Choosing "worthy" activities for these more relaxed times will be helpful.

4. Make Use of Valuable Tools to Keep Your Child On-Task at Home & at School. There are helpful reading aids and other tools to help improve focus and attention both in and outside the classroom. These aids are available online and in some school supply stores. Some tools may assist your child or student with work that involves physical books and worksheets while others will be helpful with online reading and study. We have provided a few resources for you in the list at the ndo fo this article. Getting and maintaining a student's attention and focus is a hurdle that can be scaled with the right tools for each individual's learning style and needs.

5. Check in with Your Child at Least Once a Day. Have a brief but meaningful chat with your child each day. It may be your own personal challenge, but please turn off the omni-present phone and really look at your child without your own distractions getting in the way. Just 5 minutes where you give your child your undivided attention can be priceless and serve as an excellent example for the child to learn how to properly discuss or interact with another person. You will most likely notice your child relax and become less stressed or "hyper" after these few minutes together. Those precious moments together may actually affect you in the same positive way!

Resources to Help Tame Those ADHD Symptoms

How much physical activity do children need?
From The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Daily exercise for children is essential. Other related information is provided here.
http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/children/index.htm

Better Behavior at School: Help Teachers Manage Your Child's Distractions and Impulsivity
From the Editors of ADDitude Magazine
Share these winning strategies with your child's teachers to keep your student focused and on his best behavior in the classroom.
http://www.additudemag.com/slideshow/17/slide-1.html

How Your ADHD Teen Can Thrive in High School
By Jill Murphy & Cynthia Enfinger
11 Tips for High School Success: High school demands better study skills, time-management tools, and organization skills in order to succeed. Use these tips to master those high school classes.
http://www.additudemag.com/resource-center/adhd-in-high-school.html

GREAT Reading & Learning Resources for Your Family's Spring Break (or Anytime!)
This article includes alternatives to the traditional "Spring Break" or other vacation time. In addition, you will discover many resources to keep kid's brains engaged even when away from the classroom for either a short or extended period.
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2015/03/great-reading-learning-resources-for.html

Keep Kids Far from the "Summer Slide": Stressless Summer
From Kidlutions.com
You can help your child avoid the “summer slide” with just a little information and some careful planning. The tips and resources included with this article have been provided to help you do just that. Choosing to follow through on all or just a handful of the ideas here will help keep your child far from the “summer slide” this year!
http://kidlutions.blogspot.com/2013/07/keep-kids-far-from-summer-slide.html

Helpful Focus & Tracking Resources for Challenged Readers
The right strategies and resources for students with attention and focusing issues when reading can go a long way in helping them manage specific symptoms or even improve their reading experiences. This article addresses these needs with some resources specific to focus and tracking. The information presented here can go a long way to help positively affect the level of reading success for many struggling readers.
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2014/05/helpful-focus-tracking-resources-for.html

Helpful Focusing Tools for Books, Technology & More!
This article presents information about a group of low-tech and sensory-appealing literacy tools that help improve focus, tracking, fluency and comprehension (for readers of all ages---children, teens & adults). These tools can be inexpensive solutions for readers with ADHD, dyslexia, autism and other issues that sometimes affect reading success.
http://www.focusandread.com/blog/post/3649064

APP: Overlays! (for OS X 10.8 or later: Price: $6.99)
Created by Abbie Gonzalez
Use to help with reading or sometimes to help following large tables and lists of data. Battle the wall of text, eyestrain and distractions with this on screen overlay to help you keep your place!
- Keep your place in huge walls of text, tables and lists.
- Pick the color, height and transparency that helps you read better.
- Use a lightly colored overlay or a completely solid line to help you keep focused. Pick what works for you!
- Easily access preferences from the menu bar icon.
- Works in full screen applications, and even over virtual machines.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/overlays!/id868499627?mt=12

APP: Reading Focus Cards (for Macs & Windows PCs: Price: $5.99)
(Patent 8,360,779)
From Brennan Innovators, LLC
This DESKTOP app is the digital version of the physical Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759), solutions for struggling readers. This app for Windows PCs and Macs provides practical READING SUPPORT for children and adults with ADHD, dyslexia, autism and other conditions that can affect reading success. It promotes more FOCUSED online reading of almost ALL digital media (webpages, PDF files, Word docs, Excel spreadsheets & more.) In addition, the Reading Focus Card app is compatible with and supports touch-screen technology. The application can be moved on the screen over text by the fingers, mouse or arrow keys as needed.
1. For Windows PCs: Visit Gumroad at https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards
2. For Macs: Visit the Mac App Store and search for "Read and Focus" or go directly to
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-and-focus/id920617853?mt=12
More information: http://www.teacherswithapps.com/research-based-literacy-tool-evolves-helpful-app-struggling-readers/

For information on customizable low-tech & digital reading tools for all kinds of challenged readers, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info and support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

Practical Resources for Parents of Kids with ADHD---Right Now!

The family Thanksgiving Dinner is only a pleasant memory. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are now history, and the media tell us that there are only so many shopping days left until Christmas. Without a doubt, the annual holiday season is in full swing, but your child with ADHD is getting more easily excited and increasingly distracted as December 25th fast approaches. What is a parent to do---and ALL while making your family's preparations for this special time of the year?

A child or teen who does not have ADHD is normally pretty excited about the coming of Hannukah, Christmas or Kwanzaa. However, a child or teenager who struggles with the symptoms of ADHD is so much more affected by the anticipation of the holidays and their related activities that the situation can pose real problems for the child and certainly for his parents, too.

At Brennan Innovators, LLC, we love solving problems for parents, teachers and children, especially issues related to reading, learning, behavior and additional needs (they are all related, of course!) That is why this week we are providing a handful of resources to help parents of children with ADHD during these hectic weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. We hope the resources here will help someone you know to be a bit more relaxed and focused during the coming weeks of celebration. That way, you'll ALL enjoy the holidays this year!

Practical Resources for Parents of Kids with ADHD for the Holiday Season

Resources for Kids with LD and/or ADHD (A Book List for Kids with LD)
by Jill Lauren, Learning Specialist and Author, Succeeding with LD
This is a list of great books for kids in which the main character struggles with some aspect of learning. The characters often appeal to kids with LD and/or ADHD as they can relate to the characters and learn from their development. Note that many kids may benefit from having the books read to them or hearing them on tape.
http://www.flashlightworthybooks.com/Resources-for-Kids-with-LD-ADHD/416

Choosing Educational Fun Games & Activities for the Holidays
by Bonnie Terry, M. Ed., BCET
This article with resources will provide information on how to choose educational games and activities to keep your kids engaged and learning over the holidays. http://www.bonnieterry.com/blog/2012/12/choosing-educational-fun-games-for-the-holidays/

The Holidays with ADHD Children
by Allan Schwartz, LCSW, Ph.D.
Even if you are a parent with ADHD and your children share the disorder, it is possible to reduce stress during holiday time. This article provides some good ideas.
http://www.sevencounties.org/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=34623&cn=3

Avoid Holiday Havoc: Help for ADHD Children
by Carol Brady, Ph.D. and ADDitude Magazine
Six ways for parents to help their ADHD children enjoy holiday celebrations without behavior problems, family conflict, or ADD symptom flare-ups.
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/900.html

ADD/ADHD Parenting Tips
Helping Children and Teens with Attention Deficit Disorder
Life with a child with ADD/ADHD can be frustrating and overwhelming, but as a parent there is a lot you can do to help control and reduce the symptoms. You can help your child overcome daily challenges, channel his or her energy into positive arenas, and bring greater calm to your family. The earlier and more consistently you address your child’s problems, the greater chance they have for success in life.
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/add-adhd/attention-deficit-disorder-adhd-parenting-tips.htm

Best ADHD Books for Parents and Kids
Get Expert Advice for Your Child With ADHD
by Lori Newman, Lifescript Staff Writer
If your child has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), where can you find the information you need? Lifescript asked experts to recommend ADHD books for parents and kids that will help you manage the condition. Their suggestions are presented here.
http://www.lifescript.com/health/centers/adhd_pediatric/articles/best_adhd_books_for_parents_and_kids.aspx

Parenting Kids with ADHD: 16 Tips to Tackle Common Challenges
by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S.
This link provides excellent tips for parents of children with ADHD.
http://psychcentral.com/lib/parenting-kids-with-adhd-16-tips-to-tackle-common-challenges/0006557

ADHD and Reading Difficulties
by Susie McGee, M.Ed, Teacher
ADHD and reading difficulties often go hand in hand. In fact, reading difficulties are some of the most common problems associated with ADHD in children. Because ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) interferes with the learning process, reading and other academic skills can continue to fall behind if the symptoms aren't recognized and addressed. This article will offer some help with these issues.
http://kids.lovetoknow.com/wiki/ADHD_and_Reading_Difficulties

For more information on customizable low-tech & digital reading tools for all kinds of challenged readers, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image: Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

BEST Websites for AD/HD

The first in a series of 5 articles with specific special needs resources

Most visitors to our website and those who know us at Brennan Innovators are familiar with our Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759), solutions for struggling readers. However, not everyone knows that we also provide consultation services and educational resources for parents, teachers and adults with reading challenges.

We especially enjoy connecting individuals with information and tools that can help improve reading focus, concentration, comprehension and retention for an increase in overall reading success for persons of all ages. This includes individuals with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, low vision, stroke recovery or TBI (traumatic brain injury) and other issues that can impact reading ability.

This week, we are beginning a new series of articles that will give our readers separate lists of websites with each specific to a particular special need. These lists will be current and hopefully helpful for parents, teachers and adults looking for assistance with reading issues.

To coincide with the beginning of ADHD Awareness Month (beginning October 1), the topic for the first installment here is AD/HD, attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorder. This is the notation used for either ADD (no hyperactivity) or ADHD (with the hyperactivity component). Both children and adults can be affected by the condition, and it can occur in varying degrees of severity from one individual to another. There really is no “cure” for AD/HD, but it is very possible to successfully “manage” the symptoms of the disorder. This management may include the use of assistive tools, strategies, coaching and other helpful resources.

To follow here are some of the best websites available to help with AD/HD (both ADD and ADHD). These are the go-to sites we use time and again to refer parents, teachers and adults for the AD/HD information they need. You might consider bookmarking this page for easy access for a time when these resources might be needed.

BEST AD/HD Websites for Children & Adults

• CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a national non-profit organization working to improve the lives of affected people through education, advocacy and support. From lobbying to local support groups, CHADD is a leader in the field of ADHD.
http://www.chadd.org/

• National Resource Center on AD/HD (Sponsored by CHADD) is the center funded by the CDC. It has much science-based information about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
http://www.help4adhd.org

• ADD Resources is another non-profit serving the ADHD community. It has an extensive directory of workshops, conferences, publications, and articles for parents, teachers, adults, and medical professionals. The organization supports itself through memberships. (A fee to access some content)
http://w3.addresources.org/

• ADDvance.com is a site where Kathleen Nadeau, Ph.D. and Patricia Quinn, M.D. (Edge Foundation board member) provides answers to questions about AD/HD for families and individuals at every stage of life from preschool through retirement years.
http://www.addvance.com/index.html

• ADDitude Magazine is the site that provides numerous resources for parents and teachers of children with AD/HD as well as for adults challenged with the condition. Printable downloads, many informational articles, an AD/HD community forum and more are readily available on the site at no cost.
http://www.additudemag.com/

Next week’s article: BEST Websites for Dyslexia & Dysgraphia Stay tuned! Follow our blog and have next week’s article delivered right to your inbox as soon as it is published! (Please see Email Box to the right on this page to register. Thank you!)

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC

Easy Tips for “Too Much Text!”

Focus Strategies for ADHD, Dyslexia & Other Issues

Is your child overwhelmed each time a new written assignment is due? Do you have one or more students in your classroom who can’t seem to finish a math worksheet---or any worksheet, for that matter? Well, perhaps the issue is not a lack of motivation, but in the fact that there is just too much printed text or content for them to process. So, what should you do to help?

This was one of the problems mentioned most often at a very recent educational conference we attended here in St. Louis. Again and again, we offered some simple tips to parents and teachers wanting to help children FOCUS and READ with more success.

This week in our blog article, we thought it might be a good idea to provide just a few of the ideas offered to those at the conference. These tips can make work much more manageable, especially for children and teens with AD/HD or dyslexia who sometimes say, “There’s just too much text!” We hope you’ll find them simple yet helpful for your child or students who need help with focusing and for those times when there is “just too much text.”

Focus and Reading Tips for Too Much Content

1. Fold worksheet into sections so only content needing immediate attention is visible.
-Fold so that only 1 paragraph/question/portion of the worksheet can be viewed at a time.
-With math worksheets, fold paper into fourths (or even eighths) so that only 2 problems (or even 1 problem) can be seen.
-When the content section has been read, question answered, or problem(s) completed, re-fold for the next section or problem(s), etc. until all work in the assignment has been completed.

2. Cut worksheet into meaningful sections.
-Cut worksheet so each cut section contains only 1 paragraph or 1 question.
-Cut math worksheets so each part will contain only 2 problems (or 1, if needed).
-Then, in sequential order, staple all sections together at the upper, right-hand corner.
-As each section is read or completed, tear off that section and set it aside. The student will feel like he is making progress with each “tear-off” and the sense of being overwhelmed will melt.

3. Use simple tools to help break up the content into manageable parts.
-Use a ruler placed below each line of text that is to be read. This will place emphasis on the reading matter needing immediate attention. Move the ruler down the page as each line is read.
-Use a piece of colored paper or cardstock to place under lines of content about to be read, covering all text or problems yet to be given attention. This will provide emphasis on what needs immediate attention.
-Use graph paper to properly align math problems into correct place holder columns.
-Use a customized, cut card or the Reading Focus Cards to isolate 1 or 2 lines of text and block out a significant amount of surrounding text. For some math problems, turn the card 90 degrees to isolate place holder columns, allowing only the one column of numbers needing to be added, etc. at the moment.

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: http://www.kidslearningstation.com/math/math-help-worksheets.asp