More of ADHD Myths

Myth #3: Only Children Can Have ADHD

Though the symptoms of ADHD must be present by age 7 in order to meet the criteria for diagnosis, many individuals remain undiagnosed until adulthood. For some adults, a diagnosis is made after their own child is diagnosed. As the adult learns more and more about ADHD, he or she recognizes the ADHD traits in themselves. They may think back to their own childhood and recall the struggles in school and problems with attention that were never treated. It is often a huge relief to finally understand and put a name to the condition causing the problems. Thirty percent to 70 percent of children with ADHD continue to exhibit symptoms into adulthood. Often times, the hyperactive behaviors common with children decrease with age, but symptoms of restlessness, distractibility, and inattention continue. Left untreated adult ADHD can create chronic difficulties with work and in relationships and can result in secondary issues such as anxiety, depression and substance abuse.

Myth #4: You Have to Be Hyperactive to Have ADHD

This myth has lead to a lot of confusion about ADHD. Even the name of the condition itself -– Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder -– leads to misunderstanding. There are actually three different types of ADHD: the predominately hyperactive-impulsive type, the predominately inattentive type, and the combined type. The predominately inattentive type does not include symptoms of hyperactivity at all. Because of this, it is often referred to simply as ADD. An individual with the inattentive symptoms may present as daydreamy and easily distracted, disorganized, forgetful, careless. The predominately inattentive type of ADHD is much less disruptive to others around the individual. So it often gets overlooked, but it is no less stressful for the individual. It is also important to point out that adults with ADHD may lose some of the hyperactive behaviors that may have been present in childhood. Instead the hyperactivity is replaced with a sense of restlessness. Click on ADD verses ADHD to read more.

Lt. Wyatt

I will be exploring some of the myths about ADD/ADHD--a few at a time so I don't overwhelm the blog page.

Lt. Wyatt

Myth #1: ADHD Is Not a Real Disorder

ADHD is recognized as a disorder/disability by the Centers for Disease Control, the National Institutes of Health, the United States Congress, the Department of Education, the Office for Civil Rights, the American Medical Association, and every other major professional medical, psychiatric, psychological and educational association or organization. Part of the misunderstanding about ADHD stems from the fact that no specific test can definitively identify ADHD. A doctor cannot confirm the diagnosis through laboratory tests as they can other medical diseases such as diabetes. Though there is not yet a specific medical test for diagnosing ADHD, clear and specific criteria must be met for a diagnosis to be made. Using these criteria and an in-depth history and detailed information about behaviors, a reliable diagnosis can be made. An additional misconception may occur because symptoms of ADHD may not always seem clear-cut. We all experience problems with attention and focus to some degree. For an individual with ADHD, however, these symptoms are so severe that they impair daily functioning. ADHD represents an extreme on a continuum of behaviors. Sometimes the behaviors are misunderstood. Symptoms of ADHD can certainly appear similar to other conditions. That is why the health professional making the diagnosis must first rule out any other pre-existing conditions or causes for the symptoms.

Myth #2: ADHD Is Caused by Poor Parenting

This myth has often created negative feelings of self blame in parents of children with ADHD. It is simply not true that poor parenting causes ADHD. What is true, however, is that positive parenting with clear and consistent expectations and consequences and a home environment with predictable routines can help manage symptoms of ADHD. Conversely, a home setting that is chaotic or parenting that is punitive and critical can worsen symptoms of ADHD.

Much more to follow.

VIRTUAL ADHD CONFERENCE

* Want to attend a conference online with top experts in ADD/ADHD?

* Attend at your convenience.

* Have Internet capability

*Be able to interact with others and develop support systems

*If so, you might be interested in this conference.

http://www.adhdconference.com/

School is in full swing and students are receiving homework. Remember, school is your child's job. Here are some homework tips:

Helping a child with ADD / ADHD get organized

With organization, it can help to get a fresh start. Even if it’s not the start of the academic year, go shopping with your child and pick out school supplies that include folders, a three-ring binder, and color-coded dividers. Help the child file his or her papers into this new system.

• Establish a homework folder for finished homework.
• Check and help the child organize his or her belongings on a daily basis, including his or her backpack, folders, and even pockets.
• If possible, keep an extra set of textbooks and other materials at home.
• Help the child learn to make and use checklists, crossing items off as they are accomplished.
• Help organize loose papers by color coding folders and showing the child how to hole-punch and file appropriately.

Helping a child with ADD / ADHD get homework done and turned in on time

Understanding concepts and getting organized are two steps in the right direction, but homework also has to get done in a single evening—and turned in on time. Help a child with ADD/ADHD to the finish line with strategies that provide consistent structure.

• Pick a specific time and place for homework that is as free as possible of clutter, pets, and television.
• Allow the child breaks as often as every ten to twenty minutes.
• Teach a better understanding of the passage of time: use an analog clock and timers to monitor homework efficiency.
• Set up a homework procedure at school: establish a place where the student can easily find his or her finished homework and pick an appropriate and consistent time to hand in work to the teacher.

Lt. Wyatt

Blue-Monday-deliver campaign speeches

*Must have a slogan

*4 pts to change

*4 new creations as student body president

PSA videos are due on FRIDAY!!!!!!!

Silver-Tuesday

Finish debates/start prepping campaign speeches

campaign speeches are due on May 13

PSA videos are due on 17th

Demo speeches are now in session.

Silver Deadlines 

Silver students will be moving on to debate next.

Formal Debate on May 7th

Campaign speech May 11th 

Info/PSA Videos will be due on May 17th for silver. Please feel free to start working on these.

Blue Deadlines

Campaign Speech May 10

PSA/Info videos May 14

Formal Debates May 20

DEMO SPEECH DEADLINES

Your demo speech is due next week! On April 27 (Silver) and 28 (Blue.) The demo speech consists of demonstrating a skill ( soccer, cake decorating, origami), a talent (how to become the next American Idol), even how to perform a successful science experiment (Mentos & Diet Coke fountain.) Many students have chosen to cook, which is fine. Make sure you have enough for everyone to have a sample. You can have your notes on an index card and use an assistant to help. Please be prepared for your speech. Let me know if you need any special items such as a table or a microwave BEFORE the day of the speech.

Speech is worth 100 points.

You should be working on your Public Service Announcement video now, since that will follow quickly. Remember --only four weeks left for speech purposes. 

Last six weeks and it will move fast. Here is the tentative schedule for Silver

Demonstration Speech--April 27th

( be prepared to demonstrate a skill or talent)

You can have an assistant, but this is your speech only.

May 7th

 Formal Debates ( you will be assigned the info on May 3 to give you time to research your topic)

May 11th

Campaign Speech ( you are running for student body president)

Go all out. Have a slogan, posters, balloons, supporters

May 17

Infommercial Videos ( these can be made way, way before the due date since everything tends to run together)

You can work with other people on this.

These four items are your major grade makers; however, showing up and participating in class will earn you points too.

Last six weeks and it will move fast. Here is the tentative schedule for Blue

Demonstration Speech--April 28th

( be prepared to demonstrate a skill or talent)

You can have an assistant, but this is your speech only.

May 10

Campaign Speech ( you are running for student body president)

Go all out. Have a slogan, posters, balloons, supporters

May 14

Infommercial Videos ( these can be made way, way before the due date since everything tends to run together)

You can work with other people on this.

May 20

Formal Debates ( you will be assigned the info on May 6 to give you time to research your topic)

These four items are your major grade makers; however, showing up and participating in class will earn you points too.

Last six weeks and it will move fast. Here is the tentative schedule for Blue

Demonstration Speech--April 28th

( be prepared to demonstrate a skill or talent)

May 10

Campaign Speech ( you are running for student body president)

May 14

Infommercial Videos ( these can be made way, way before the due date since everything tends to run together)

May 20

Formal Debates ( you will be assigned the info on May 6 to give you time to research your topic)

These four items are your major grade makers; however, showing up and participating in class will earn you points too.

Students are finishing up their campaign speeches. Formal debate topics will be assigned--please research yours for the debate the next class period. You won't know if you have pro or con until the debate. Know both sides. This is the last week of speech class for this cycle. Failure to get work in will result in a zero.

Videos should all be turned in this week. Moving on to our next project is the campaign speech to win the hearts of the voting public (your class.) This speech should be 2-3 minutes long. You should have a mini-bio about yourself. Explain why you are running for the office. Tell four NEW things you would do. Tell four things you would change. Have a slogan.

The speech does not have to be typed, I will grade only on performance, not transcript. Feel free to make posters, banners, t-shirts. Have supporters. Have fun with this, really. There will be an actual election at the end of the project.

This was announced at the begining of the six weeks.

Tentative deadlines:  Blue March 26

                               Silver March 29

Two weeks left, really.

Commercial/infommercial videos are due now! Don't have one, be prepared to act on your commercial in front a panel of judges.

Political campaign speeches are next.

Have 4 promises if elected, 4 things you're against. Campaign posters and slogans are encouraged. This is a short sound bite 250-350 words. Emotionality encouraged.

Due dates: March 24 & 25 ( depending on rotation)

Next assignment, formal debate is next and topics will be assigned;however, you will not know if you're pro or con  until that day of the debate.

The demo speeches are winding down. Good job everyone Now it is onto the commercials or infommercials. Please use your extra special good taste on your selection of product. Other students can be in your commercial so all of you can get credit, but they do have to do something! Sitting in a chair as the camera pans the room isn't enough.You can be the creative director who films, edits and mixes, but is not on camera.

Due Dates:

Blue: March 18

Silver: March 19

I may have moved the dates a little because the demo speeches went long. Be ready--you could work on it this WEEKEND!

Check out the ADHD/ADD newletter at:

http://add.about.com/od/livingwithadhd/a/Sleep-Problems-and-ADHD.htm?nl=1

BLUE 

New Speech deadlines due to some confusion on blue/silver days.

Demo Speeches are on Monday March 8th --March 10th--the students have signed up for their spots.

 Please note the child will need to bring in supplies to demonstrate.

With this in mind, the infommercial commercial has been moved to March 17th

SILVER

Demo speeches are due on March 9 & 11th

Infommercial is due on the 18th

Please inform  Mrs. Wyatt if you need any special location for your speech within the confines of the school property.

Demo Speeches on March 9 & 10 are due

Demo Speech Topic due next class.

The Demo Speech

1. Be able to demonstrate a skill, craft, hobby, etc.

2. Audience participation is encouraged/use classmates to teach or assist

3. Entire speech should be outlined on index cards.

4. Visual aids are required.

5. Times of speech vary on what is being taught, 4-8 minutes.

6. If teaching food preparation, please bring finished item if it cannot be finished at school.

7. If needed, alternative location can be used, such as outside, but be prepared, it does rain and snow.

8. Be able to explain at the beginning of the speech why you chose it/ a personal story

9. At the end of the speech, explain why this skill might be useful to know.

demo speech topics 2.docx (14.07 kb)

Last speech cycle for this class and it will go quick.

Here are the current deadlines: I will pretty much hold to them snow days or not since the prep work will be done at home. Don't have to be at school to write your speech. Please note final lecture speech is an in class assignment.

1st day assignment--the creation of PB & J sandwich is in class.

March 1-Final Lecture Speech--in class

March 9-Demonstration speech ( go with what you know/PROPS ARE REQUIRED/ you aren't going to just talk about something/you are going to do it and teach others)

March 19-Infomercial (video) other students can be in your video

March 24- Campaign Platform Speech ( you are running for office)

March 31-Formal Debate--assigned topics

April 2--Informal debate (impromptu topics) 

Last Cycle for this group, will hit the ground running. Know your deadlines

                                                      March 2--final lecture speech  ( in class assignment)

                                                      March 10—Demonstration Speech ( preparation will be on your own time. Go with something you know.)

                                                      March 18-Informercial

                                                      March 24-Campaign Platform Speech

                                                     March 30-Formal Debate (Assigned topics)

                                                    April 1-Informal Debate (Impromptu Topic)

Both Blue and Silver classes are still presenting their speeches.

Time has been tight with the shortened snow days.

Speeches must be presented for the final grade.

It will be hard to pass without giving an adequate speech.

If you were absent, your introduction was due last week. This week the body and conclusion are due for your speech.

All speeches should be 4-6 minutes long. I have must have a TYPED manuscript even if you are using powerpoint.

By Monday 9 and Tuesday 10, speeches start. Your speech should be done by then or you will lose a grade for lateness. First day

speeches will earn extra credit. Always good to present first.

Those who did not present commercials have an option of doing a letter to the editor. Get those letters in now.

The end of the six weeks is coming up quick. So here are your speech deadlines:

Introduction to your speech (must include an interesting begining and what the speech is about. This can be six to twelve sentences.)

Silver is due January 29

Blue is due February 1

Body of the speech, which contains your argument with referenced points. Please include source page with at LEAST three credible sources. More than three would be better.

Silver is due February 4th

Blue is due  February 5th

Entire speech presentation is due:

Siver--February 8th

Blue-February 9th

All speeches are due on the days listed. This is a long range assignment, being sick the day before or a doctor's appointment is not considered an excuse not to have your work completed. Turn it in early or have someone bring it in. Speeches must be in a typewritten format in 12 pt font. If you are doing a power point, then a hard copy of your speech will still be needed.

Speeches presented the first day will earn extra credit points. 

Your commercials are due immediately. You should have a speech topic and be actively involved in research.

 I am in the process of resetting the deadlines as soon as I figure out  the end of our six weeks.

Bring in your persuasion homework next class too. Silver will be due onWednesday and Blue will be due Tuesday.

 Silver will need to have speech introduction done by Friday. Blue will be due Monday. 

Due to Martin Luther King holiday, some of our deadlines have changed.

Please remember if you do not do an assignment, you not only get a zero for lack of a grade, but five points deducted from your weekly participation grade.

Blue Section-your commercial is due on Wednesday for extra credit and Friday for normal credit. Blue section will also have quiz on Wednesday.

Silver section--your commerical is due on Tuesday for extra credit or Thursday for normal credit. You will have a quiz on Wednesday over the last fallacies and the powerpoint. By this time, you have your speech topic. Research, research, research---February will be here before you know it.

On the commercial:

You can use a digital camera to record it. You must use at least one fallacy to sell a service or product. More than one student can be in the commercial.

Speech

Blue has partial fallacy quiz on Wednesday

Homework: develop a commercial using a fallacy. It needs to be filmed to present to the class. You can use a digital camera for this. More than one student can appear in the commercial. Keep it clean, I will preview commercials before class showing.

Silver due on Thursday, or can be presented on Tuesday for extra credit.Blue is due on Friday, but can be presented on Wednesday for extra credit.