Secrets of the ADHD Brain

Most people are neurologically equipped to determine what's important and get motivated to do it, even when it doesn't interest them. Then there are the rest of us, who have attention deficit. by William Dodson, M.D. ADHDers know that they are bright and clever, but they are never sure whether their abilities will show up when they need them. ADHD is a confusing, contradictory,...

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Common Warning Signs of Dysgraphia in Children in Grades 9-12

Has your teenager always struggled with written expression? Is his or her written work messy, disorganized, and incomplete? If the answer is "yes", review the following list of common warning signs of dysgraphia in high school students. Dysgraphia is a learning disability (LD) that affects writing, which requires a complex set of motor and information-processing skills....

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Math Help for Children with ADHD or Learning Disabilities

A dozen ways to improve math comprehension and testing for children with ADHD or learning disabilities. 4 Steps to Solving a Math Problem  Read the problem through carefully. Make sure you understand exactly what the question is.  Devise a plan to solve the problem. Choose which formulas you'll use, and decide the order in which to use them.  Focus on each step of the problem individually. Take your time with each step.  Always review your math. Ask yourself, "Does the answer seem reasonable? Does it make sense?" If not,...

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Raising Your ADD Child: 12 Parenting Strategies

Most parents are good parents. But if your son or daughter has attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD), "good" may not be enough. To ensure that your child is happy and well-adjusted now and in the future—and to create a tranquil home environment—you've got to be a great parent. Fortunately, it's easier than you might imagine to go from good to great. All it takes is a few small adjustments in your parenting skills and the way you interact with your child. Here's what works, and why: 1. Accept the fact that your child—like all children—is imperfect. It's...

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Ten Disability Awareness Lessons Learned From Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

My children and I just finished reading a new book titled, “My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” by Martin Luther King III.  It’s a warm, intimate biography that explains a turning point in American history from the perspective of a child.  At the heart of the book are the lessons that Dr. King modeled for us in his lifetime regarding nonviolence, personal excellence,...

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Hand-Eye Coordination Improves Cognitive and Social Skills

Researchers link hand-eye coordination to learning, cognition, and sociability. Published on November 15, 2013 by Christopher Bergland in The Athlete's Way Cognitive scientists at Indiana University have discovered a strong correlation between hand-eye coordination, learning abilities, and social communication skills. The study titled “Joint Attention Without Gaze Following:...

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Separation Anxiety in Children: Easing Separation Anxiety Disorder

It's natural for your young child to feel anxious when you say goodbye. Although it can be difficult, separation anxiety is a normal stage of development. With understanding and these coping strategies, separation anxiety can be relieved—and should fade as your child gets older. However, if anxieties intensify or are persistent enough to get in the way of school or other activities,...

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Bacteria and Your Brain: Gut flora affect brain function and might play important role in brain disorders

Published on December 12, 2013 by Kimberlee D’Ardenne, Ph.D. in Quilted Science If you count cells, we are not even close to being a majority human. In our bodies, bacteria far outnumber human cells, 10:1. The number of bacterial cells living inside the human body even exceeds the number of neurons in the brain (and that’s roughly 80 billion neurons). Before you get...

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Tying his own shoes: When he's ready and how to teach him

By Jennifer Kelly Geddes It'll take practice and patience (from you both!), but most 5- and 6-year-olds are ready to tackle the skill of lacing-up. Your child's dexterity and hand-eye coordination are better now, and his attention span is longer, which means he's able to focus more. In addition to one less chore for you, there's another bonus when he learns to tie: The...

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