Coping
strategies that work for ADD and ADHD, from a survey of all our subscribers.
This is what they said.
Coping
strategies that work!
In the survey 25% of the ADHD people
answered that they used training and coaching or coping skills, to help
them and about 40% used these techniques with their children. An
ADD adult, Joyce Hartwick, who also is an Occupational Therapist has found
a solution that is easy, inexpensive and worth trialling in a school environment.She
says,
"How can I keep a constantly
active mind focused on just one thing?
My response is, after many unsuccessful attempts,
I can't. But maybe I can give that mind two things to do at once,
and at the same time screen out the environmental noise and maybe add some
positive self statements.
I developed Desk Partner Audio Tapes as a simple solution
to a complex problem for adults and children with ADD and ADHD. I
dubbed new age music with positive "I statements" every minute and then
provided students with a walkman and earphones and what I found was that
the ADD/ADHD students could stay on task, complete more work, and loved
the tapes. The students could work 22 minutes straight and be allowed
to stand and work at a manipulation station for 5-10 minutes then return
to work. The teachers were happy, the students were happy, and I, as their
occupational therapist, was pleased. In 4-6 weeks the same ADD/ADHD
students chose not to use the tapes and could focus without any assistance.
The skills became generalized. I have decided it was important to
share this with others, and the Desk Partner web site was born.
| As an occupational therapist (with ADD) working in the
school system in Maine, I desperately wanted to remove the ongoing negative
attention ADD/ADHD children were receiving each time they were off task
during independent work time in the classroom. I can recall vividly
the surprise I would feel when, as a child, I was, once again, being yelled
at for doing something wrong. For the life of me I couldn't ever
explain the long list of good intentions that had brought me to where I
currently stood. Often I was even surprised at my own surroundings.
The surprise would get my adrenaline running and the only response I could
manage was to laugh. Well this response was "always wrong", and I
would once again stay after school or visit my principal. |
 |
ADD/ADHD kids and adults have negative dialogue coming
at them ongoing throughout the day, "What are you doing?" "Why would you
do that?" "Can't you just listen?" "Settle down now." "Don't you have any
sense?" "I wanted orange juice not milk!" etc. They become much worse,
especially the "All you want is attention." response. This is clearly
NOT what an ADHD kid or
adult is looking for when they are wandering around off
task, because usually when they get attention for this, it is not pleasant,
and believe it or not it is often a surprise, thus the wide eyes and the
smile. What a dilemma eh?
 |
The positive self statements in Desk Partner help
to bridge the gap between self image and external negative input.
They allow us to give ourselves positive messages when we are focusing
on task. These verbal cues used in Desk Partner are very specific.
The tapes are designed to reinforce a persons positive behavior with positive
cues. Some kids have actually shed a few tears when they first hear
20 wonderful comments about themselves in 20 minutes. They learn
to say these positive statements to themselves. One boy walked up
to me in the hall of the school and said "Ms. Hartwick I can talk nice
to
myself now, it doesn't have to be you talking". |
The music provides a method to block out environmental noise.
Many, definitely not all, ADHD and ADD persons often do more than one thing
at a time, it helps them to focus, keeps their mind busy enough ignoring
one consistent input so they can focus on one of their choice. Much
like doodling or fidgeting when they are listening. These kids cannot
avoid looking at who is coming through the door, or not notice a pen falling
to the ground. Once off task, something new catches their attention.
They remember that they never picked up a paper in the return box, their
coping strategy for everything is "I better
do it now or I won't remember" and off they go, maybe
never making it to the return box, and certainly not returning to their
chair.
| So what does this information have to do with adult ADD/ADHD?
Well, while we have developed strategies and entered fields which are compatible
with our ADD/ADHD (I hope) there are still times when it overwhelms us.
Paperwork time in the office and bill paying is where I meet my ADD the
most. These are times when using the tapes can keep you focused and
able to complete the task in the appropriate amount of time. An added
bonus is that people tend not to want to interrupt you when you are
wearing earphones. If you have ADD or ADHD as an adult and you work
in a seated work station, first let me state that I am in awe of your coping
strategies, then let me suggest that these tapes may make your life much
easier. |
 |
Also many ADD/ADHD adults have children with ADD/ADHD.
There is no doubt that the demands on children in school to sit and work
independently is higher than the demand placed on adults who have chosen
compatible jobs where they can move around throughout the day..
CLINICAL TRIALS
Clinical trials were performed to test if the tapes would
be successful and accepted by children in the regular classroom, without
OT intervention and structure. Three classrooms of 3rd to 5th
grade students participated in the study. After the initial introduction
of the tapes 87% of the students chose to use the tapes during individual
study periods, 8% of the children
preferred to work without using the tapes, and 5% of
the children did not enjoy using the tapes during their first trial use.
 |
Teachers consistently reported that when a student used
Desk Partner:
 Students focus
on schoolwork increased.
Student concentration
increased.
Students completed
more work in less time.
The tapes blocked
out distracting noise.
Students were
able to determine their own need for using the tapes.
The students
stayed in their seats for the full duration of the tape.
The program was
easy to use and implement. |
Past research has indicated that intermittent beeps work
as well as verbal and/or music cues to increase on task performance.
In the clinical trials, where the children were allowed independent choices,
a tape with cues only and no music was provided. the students showed
little interest in using the tape without music.
Testimonials from the clinical trials:
Students "accomplished
more in a shorter period of time when using the tape." 3-5
grade multi-age classroom teacher
"I started by
speaking to a small number of students that were working on unfinished
work at recess (2 with attention deficit disorder). They were a BIG
hit - other students were envious. I required the tapes for three
students during quiet time (reading, writing, some theme or math)
and allowed other students to use the tapes as they felt the need.
They were in
high demand. As a class we listened to the tape just
to lay curiosity to rest" 3-5 grade multi-age classroom teacher
"When the tapes
were first introduced everyone wanted one. I thought it was due to
the 'newness' and 'coolness' of them. After 3-4 weeks of use, many
students continue to ask for them. Unfortunately I don't have enough
for all. Even the most capable students requested tapes now and again,
especially for writing times." 3-5 Multi-age classroom teacher
"I think that
the tapes (Desk Partner tapes) are really awesome and I work really good
during writing because that's the only time I usually use them and it helps
me work hard and in my writing my story already has 5 pages counting both
sides and they are relaxing and I can usually hardly hear any one else
so all my ideas come to my mind and I also think the tapes are soothing
and are helpful to kids and I myself really like the gentle soothing music."
unsolicited comment from a student
"One boy I didn't
think needed the tapes, cried and became uncooperative when he couldn't
use them all the time. After I set up guidelines (for classroom use) he
was OK and it seemed to help him complete work." 4th grade
teacher
In my 12 years as an occupational
therapist working in the schools and with adults in head injury facilities,
this has been the most successful tool I have used to teach individuals
to focus on an activity. The most amazing benefit is that it appears
to train focus skills. People learn to ignore environmental distractions
and stay on task without the tapes.
What better gift could you give
yourself and/or your child?
The tapes are reasonably prices at $US12.00 each. (There
are 3 volumes with different music). They can be purchased right
from our web site by clicking here or you can call the toll free number
(877)668-3277, or and send us a check or money order in snail mail."
Joyce Hartwick MS OTR/L
Desk Partner
455 Middle Rd.
Parsonsfield, ME 04047 USA
hartwick@psouth.net
www.deskpartner.net
Other coping skills that ADHD people
and their families say are working are:
As
an ADD ADHD adult
As an adult I
am a high energy, overachieving person. I have had a lot of success
in my business because I have been fortunate to have positions which
require someone who can juggle multiple priorities. With me, it is
natural. But finishing the job requires making lists, checking the
lists at least daily, sometimes more, and evenutally making the goal to
mark the item
as complete.
 |
being involved
in a self help Psychology group, getting to know my emotions and behaviors
that are ADD related .I am a single 54 yr old male who discovered he was
ADD after much study and research, also discovered I am mildly depressed..This
ezine is part of my research and education about my ADD |
I was put into a
weekly group for one academic quarter at the request of Student Affairs
at my university. It was through the disabilities office and they set everything
up for me. The group was small, only 7 people, and the leader was the director
of the Disability Support Services. The goal of the group was for us to
learn more about ADD/ADHD and how to cope with it in the university setting.
He taught us different ways to study and tried to find what worked best
for each of us. We took tests that told what kind of learners we were (all
of us pretty much the same) mostly for us to learn more about ourselves.
The group was very helpful. We learned about our rights as people with
disabilities and new ways of making it through school. It was also a chance
for us as students to share with eachother what has worked for each of
us, and whathasn't.
| See if you can
get diagnosed. For me (ADDer's will probably understand this), being diagnosed
was a relief. I finally had a name for everything I had been going through
and struggling with. I had something to work on/with. By understanding
ADD, I have been able to improve many parts of my life. All because someone
told me, "This is what you have...this is what it is....this is what you
can do." If you can't get diagnosed, find out everything you can about
ADD/ADHD and learn about it yourself. There are so many resources on the
web. That's where I learned the most. From there, you will be able to discover
new ways of doing things and support to help you out. You don't have to
have the real diagnosis to help change the way you do things. I really
believe it is mostly in your attitude....the Adderall does help me to sit
down and concentrate on my studies, but it's my attitude that has helped
me improve everything in my life. It's just understanding that you may
have to do things differently than other people. Sometimes that means more
work for the same results, but it feels good when you can finally do it! |
 |
Just understanding ADD/ADHD has helped me the most. To know
there's a reason I do things the way I do. It made me feel
better about everything. Also knowing there are so many
people struggling through the same things just like me. It's always nice
to know you're not alone!
My background
is in mental health and not much phases me - a good knowledge base is key
to understanding and compassion-unfortunately I have no support network
other than myself and it is difficult to find resourses.
add can be
dealt with best with forgiveness and coaching/training how to manage
your life and papers!! Since it is often accompanied by depression,
have that properly diagnosed and managed first, then deal with the add
just as one would diabetes or any other biochemical deficiency
The only thing
I can say is everyone is different. I am glad I found out.
It is like always on the verge of something and not knowing what and when
it is going to happen. Always anticipating but not knowing
why. I am glad I found out and the med. is working for me but some
may not, but you should find out for your own sake. It does make
life easier.
get a professional
evaluation, learn as much as you can, be open to all ideas and forms of
treatment
You may feel that
you are the only one going through this but you're not. There are lots
of people who are willing to help. let them.
As
a parent of an ADD ADHD child
get a diagnosis
as soon as possible because there are many aids out there for people
with add. I am a college student and get extra test time and
tutors through the disability office at school.
Get coping training
first for the whole family then look at what deficiency the brain has and
try to remedy it without drugs
It's not fair being ADHD in a structured environment
and since the environment can't change then help the child to cope
 |
Seek professional
diagnosis immediately, learn resources (such as your ezine) for coping
strategies, network with others to share ideas, frustrations, determine
all resources available through school, etc. Learning ways to "reach" my
step-daughter (i.e. using non-traditional ways to help her learn, etc.).
Recognizing that if we provide her with various tools, she can learn to
control herself and focus. This helps us set appropriate goals for her
which she always rises to meet (in the past we have viewed her behavior
as something over which she had very little control and therefore we had
low standards/expectations for her).
We're very excited to start modifying her diet and introducing
food supplements as a means to help her without drugs. We believe these
things may help her even more.
Get a proper
and professional evaluation-- a neuropsych test, even if you have to pay
for it. You need an independent test from the school's testing.
The school is going to look out for the school budget. The doctor
is looking out for your child.
Get diagnosis
as early as possible. Learn all you can about this condition.
Make sure you get a good dialog going with your childs school professionals.
Don't assume they know more than you do about ADHD. I guarantee you
that they don't. I've had many teachers tell me they wish they were
more informed on the subject |
get support we at
this time do not have any & are going to join CHADD
seek counselling,
and don't be afraid to try the medicine, it may help, regardless of what
others say. do what the doctor suggests
Reading information/booklets
etc. Talking to people and giving the ADD individual, support and love.
internet books
and learning for myself because every child is different
Read, research
on the internet, get all the info. you can, and take charge of it yourself.
Don't let the doctor make the decisions for you. Support and advice from
caring people on the internet and information about multi-modal treatment,
because Ritalin alone is not enough
My faith in God.
It has kept me sane and positive even when I felt like crying
special needs
education at school which has brought him up to par academically
I've learned to
quit asking "why?" and to ask "what can be done".I really do know what
it's like to have adhd because I have add and it was never recognized until
I found out my children have add with the h. Also, the best advice
I can give is to pray often, listen often, and just love the children they
are god's gifts to all of us. Whatever disability it might be, they need
our help and not put downs and finger pointing.Watch out for changes in
routines, have a lot of patience and keep positive and praise the positives
in the children.Prepare them for any transition time, and use relaxation
techniques, visualization, and lots of feedback
having patience
and learning that they don't behave this way because they want to.
That it is not their fault and it is something that we have to work on
and treat together
look at the stress
level in your environment, see if there are any things like aditory processing
that interfere and"look" like ADD, rule out all LD problems and deal with
them as you pursue increasing the self-esteem through sports or any thing
the child is interested in and does well.Get education on the disability
- and ruling out all the preiferal things that might "look" like
ADD
 |
Finding the right
people to work with my son and his many disabilities. The school has helped
out alot. I don't plan my
evenings. I have learned to live minute by minute with
AJ and my family. That is all we can do some days. It gets to be some times
second by second. Enjoy the days that are good. I have learned to
embrace each and every good day and try to forget the bad ones because
life has to go on and dwelling on the bad days just brings life to an almost
stand still. Find something positive to do each day and find a positive
part of the day even the bad ones so you can go on. |
Sense of humor!!
And tolerating this as a child needs to be protected from the stigmas
of labeling this seemingly malady du jour.
Each
month the top 10 books on coping with ADD or ADHD from the whole of the
website are listed here. They are the books that others are reading and
finding helpful, and we therefore recommend them to you.This month's
top 10 are below and they can be reviewed, ordered and purchased safely
and securely in association with our trusted partners amazon.com, just
by clicking on the book title.If you wish to see the whole
collection click here
Coping With Add/Adhd : Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention
Deficit HyperactivityDisorder
More... |
Getting a Grip on Add : A Kids Guide
to Understanding and Coping With Attention Disorders
More... |
You & Your Add Child : Practical
Strategies for Coping With Everyday Problems
More... |
Living With ADHD: A Practical Guide to Coping With Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
More... |
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