 |
ADDvisor |
 |
 |
|
|
For People with ADHD & Those Who Love Them |
||||
| Subscribe Me to the ADDvisor Newsletter | Bill Benninger | Alan Graham | ||
| |||||||||||||||||
|
Cogmed Working Memory Training Outline: Everything You Want To Know About ADHD
|
Return to ADDvisor Volume 2 Index Number 15 August 1, 2000 In this issue: 1. It’s Never Too Late For Education - Part 2 (Recognizing Problem Behavior) 2. Resources - Adult ADD ===================================== IT’S NEVER TOO LATE FOR EDUCATION - PART 2 (RECOGNIZING PROBLEM BEHAVIOR) ===================================== It's Never Too Late For An Education: (Part Two) Surviving the tumultuous period of adolescence is easier for parents if they have some gauge to better distinguish normal teenage behavior of from ADHD behavior. By comparing your adolescent's feelings and behavior with those outlined in this article and in my article in last months newsletter, you will be able to gain a better perception of potential problems in the lives of your teenagers. The greater the number of observable symptoms in each category, the greater the likelihood professional intervention is needed. Suicidal Risk 1. Depressive behavior such as sleep problems, loss of appetite, withdrawal, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, sad appearance, and neglecting personal appearance. 2. Evidence of alcohol and/or drug abuse. 3. Behaviors which indicate agitation and/or anxiety such as pacing, rapid speech, hand ringing and reactive hostility. 4. Alienation from family and/or friends. A rejecting family or lack of support from family and friends. 5. Family stress in the form of chronic illness, death of a loved one, divorce, significant financial loss, embarrassment, serious personal conflicts. 6. Previous suicidal threats or attempts. 7. A lethal plan of action and availability of lethal source, such as pills or a weapon. 8. Preoccupation with pain, death or the subject of suicide. 9. Giving away of prized possessions. 10. Loss of interest in schoolwork or favorite activities. 11. Feelings expressive of tremendous personal stress resulting from demands for better grades, behavior, or other performance. Sexual Abuse 1. In many cases, the teen will tell a trusted friend or teacher about the sexual abuse. 2. Withdrawn and/or isolated behavior. 3. Sexual acting out, precocious sexual knowledge or seductive behavior. 4. Unusual modesty. 5. Self destructive or suicidal behavior. 6. Depressive symptoms (e.g. expressions of hopelessness, decreased energy, frequent expressions of personal failure.) 7. Chronic running away from home, and/or school truancy. Reluctance to go home from school. Information you need to know about sexual abuse: · The vast majority of sexually abused adolescents are female. · Most perpetrators are known and trusted by the victim. · Current statistics suggest that one in five females are sexually abused by age 18. · Physical and sexual abuse often occur simultaneously. With guidelines for identifying significant problems in hand, the next step is to find appropriate help if a problem exists. If you're teenager exhibits some or many of the symptoms outlined in these two articles, you may want to seek help of someone who is experienced in treating these problems. Your choice of a therapist may be the key to successful treatment. Therefore, it is important to consider the following: 1. College degree: Consider someone who has at least a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work. 2. State licensure: Licensure laws established education and experience standards as criteria for practice. 3. Specialist in adolescent problems: Adolescent problems are often unique. The mental_health professional should specialize in the treatment of adolescent problems. 4. Professionalism and rapport: It is important to find a therapist who is able to relate to both you and your teenager. This rapport will enhance the likelihood of success. Most teenagers resist counseling in the beginning. Therefore, the parent or guardian must decide if counseling is appropriate and make the initial appointment. This resistance generally decreases after one or two visits. Finally, keep an optimistic attitude. Most teenage problems can be resolved. With the effort and support of parents, persistence, an expert therapist, the help of community support systems and the maturation process, most struggling teens are able to find their way through the maze. For those with more severe and chronic problems, like ADHD, treatment will be longer. Expert treatment and persistence on the part of the parents are often the key ingredients. For teens with milder or more acute problems, expert treatment and parental support are usually most helpful. Believing in your child, keeping your sense of humor and emphasizing their strengths is always important. ===================================== RESOURCES ========================================= Adult ADD by Thomas Whiteman, PhD and Michele Novotni, PhD (1995) is an excellent book for adults with ADD. It is written as a "reader-friendly guide" about adult ADD. The format of this book is well laid out with lots of helpful information, techniques and tips for managing ADD. Yoou can purchase this book at ADD Warehouse by clicking on the banner on this page. CONTACT INFORMATION _______________________ Alan R. Graham, Ph.D. Bill Benninger, Ph.D. ADDvisor.com Voice: 1-866-ADDvisor Fax: 847-824-2386 Email: Alan@ADDvisor.com Bill@ADDvisor.com Web: www.ADDvisor.com
c) Copyright 2000 Alan R. Graham and Bill Benninger. All rights reserved The above material may be retransmitted or distributed to whomever you wish as long as not a single word is changed, added or deleted, including the contact information. However, you may not copy it to a web site. Republication of "The ADDvisor" in paper media is encouraged and permitted by organizations and associations which serve parents of ADHD children at the national, state and/or local level as long as the issue is reprinted in its entirety without charge and includes the contact information. With advance permission, we are happy to edit an issue to fit your space requirements. Republication is also encouraged under other circumstances, however, the advance permission of Alan R. Graham and/or Bill Benninger must be obtained in the event that changes in the text are desired or republication is to be made by individuals or by organizations other than those mentioned above.
|
|
|
Questions or comments? Send e mail to Alan@ADDvisor.com
|
