Greetings!
It is a hallmark of the Hallowell approach to ADHD that families impacted by ADHD understand the positives, and the risks, as they work to manage ADHD issues. Dr. Hallowell's response to a parent concerned about explaining ADHD to her children is a wonderful example of the power of the positive approach. What child wouldn't get excited by his words?! As always, this month's newsletter provides a healthy "diet" of helpful tips, resources and information. Enjoy! Melissa Orlov, editor
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 | | Dr. Hallowell Explains the Risks of Over-Prescribing Adderall on the Dr. Oz Show |
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Hallowell Centers Strength-Based Philosophy:
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First we search for what is good, strong and healthy in a person, then what is in need of remediation.
The Hallowell Centers integrate the latest research on brain, body and heart. We help people with emotional issues and learning disabilities lead happier, more productive lives through a positive, balanced treatment approach.
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SKYPE coaching is available at each Center
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Want to Learn More? Simply place a call to one of our new patient specialists:
New York City: 212-799-7777
Sudbury, MA: 978 287-0810
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Trouble focusing? - Check this Working Memory Quiz to see if your score warrants further investigation. Rebecca Shafir M.A.CCC, speech/language pathologist and neurotherapist is offering free 15 minute phone inquiry sessions to discuss how Cogmed Working Memory Training (a very powerful executive function) can help you. Contact the Hallowell Center or call 978 287 0810.
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Partners in ADHD - Does your ADHD relationship strain under time management troubles? Is your partner running late regularly and losing track of time and things? Join others who share these issues in our Partners of adults with ADHD support group. Learn more here FREE Teleseminar Feb 27 @ 9pm - Tutoring Your ADHD Student - You don't want your child to fall behind - learn the 4 Essentials to Successful tutoring. Register here. The CrazyBusy Family
These 'separate but similar' workshops are designed to introduce both you and your teen to skills designed to reduce stress, anxiety, and physical/mental distress. For Grades 6-8 or 8-10 Starts March 2nd. Learn more here. Calm and Collected - Parenting Your Child with ADHD - Learn the tools to support your child's success in school, at home, and in life! Starts April 10. Learn more here.
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The Hidden Effect of ADHD on Couples, CE - Most clinicians who work with couples will encounter ADHD issues in their practices, and yet, since an estimated 90% of adults with ADHD are currently undiagnosed, client and social worker are often unaware that ADHD may be playing a significant role in couples' dysfunction. March 11, Learn more here.
Couples' Seminar with Melissa Orlov - The ADHD Effect In-Depth - Turn around your relationship and learn to thrive! This seven-session seminar will help you take the ideas from The ADHD Effect on Marriage and apply them to your own relationship. Starts April 9, Learn more here.
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CONNECT: THE OTHER VITAMIN C - We live under the influence of a dangerous paradox: while we are far more connected electronically than ever before in history, we are disconnecting with each other as well as with the many other connections that give meaning to our lives. Connection, is as essential for health, success, joy, and longevity as ascorbic acid. Living without enough of it can cause low-grade depression, lethargy, lack of get-up-and-go a demoralizing feeling of purposelessness, and can even lead to an early death. However, the problem is eminently solvable. In this presentation, I will give you the practical steps you can take to experience the full and marvelous powers of connection. Best of all, unlike most steps we might take to improve health and well-being, creating a connected life is fun! I'm eager to share not only what I've learned but what science has proven: connection, the other vitamin C, is the most transformative force for good in all of human existence.
Learn More on Engaging Dr. Hallowell's Speaking Services here.
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Q: Our daughter's kindergarten teacher spoke with us about the signs she saw in our 6 year old. We have her 1st appointment coming up and we have filled out the forms. How do we approach the subject of appointments and tests with her? Also, how do we explain this to our 8 year old child who is very inquisitive and will also be tested soon?
A: Any child old enough to go through psychological testing is old enough to be told the test results (though younger children need less detail than older kids). I start with asking them simple questions: "You know how you sometimes have trouble paying attention in school?" Jed nods. "That's because your mind is zipping around all over the place, bursting with new ideas. And that's great! That's why you'll do amazing things and have fun all your life. But you need help taking care of your race-car brain, so I'm going to teach you how to put on the brakes." If your child has questions, answer them. Just keep the answers simple, brief, and upbeat. It's important for them not to feel defined by ADHD. Having attention-deficit disorder is a bit like being left-handed. It is part of who you are, not who you are. Read more in this ADDitude Article. To learn what to tell your school, read chapter 11 of SuperParenting for ADD. You may also find this discussion group on ADDConnect to be helpful. - Dr. Hallowell
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Students, Help Your Teacher Help You
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Cindy Goldrich, Ed.M., ACAC
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 Do you ever wish that your time at school could benefit you more? Do you wish that your teachers understood you better and knew how to help you achieve more? It may take some courage, some new skills, and maybe some insight into your self, but the results may make a tremendous difference in how comfortable you are in school, your grades, and what you really get out of your education. Learn More Here. |
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Diet Strategies Improve Mood and Focus
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Sarah Reiff-Hekking, Ph.D.
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 Eat. Regularly. 3-4 times a day. Healthy food. You've heard it before, right? Do you DO it? I've been a proponent of eating whole foods since before most people knew they weren't eating them. Despite the availability of information about healthy eating and the healthier options in the fast food markets, I find that asking my clients about their eating habits still makes a big difference. Learn More |
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ADHD and Children, Teens and Young Adults
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 Dr. Hallowell on Promoting Learning and Life Long Joy -
The FENN School posted the video of Dr. Hallowell's presentation to their families, on recommendations for children and their families, including love, the importance of class ranking, religion, electronics, connections and family ties. Watch the video here. Easy to Love But Hard to Raise - The forward to this book was written by Dr. Hallowell and is now a Reader's Choice finalist for Children with Special Needs in About.com. Designed for parents, this book captures true stories and emphasizes the need for community. Vote here. ADHD Summer Camp for Children and Parents with Dr. Hallowell -
Designed for children in grades 5 - 12 and their parents, this camp helps families build stronger bonds in a beautiful setting. July 15-19, 2013. Register by February 1st for a 10% discount. Watch the video and learn more here.
Dr. Hallowell on the Dr. Oz Show - The Dangers of Over-Prescribed Medication
Kids who want an "A" in class are now taking medications? "These medications are not M&Ms", says Dr. Hallowell. The casual belief, of taking medications for better focus or to "be number one", is creating dependencies in our young adults. Watch this Dr. Oz video to learn more. ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment - Do you think you or someone in your family may have ADHD? Read Dr. Hallowell's recommendations on the Dr. Oz website.
Young People with ADHD Earn Less and are More Likely to be Unemployed - A recent study indicates that Young Adults with ADHD have greater difficulty in their careers than those who do not have ADHD. This reinforces how important it is that families directly and aggressively deal with helping children with ADHD develop strategies for success as early in life as possible, using all means that are known to be effective for managing symptoms. Read more here.
ADHD Diagnosis Up Substantially -
Children are being diagnosed with ADHD at a higher rate in recent years. This may be contributed by heightened awareness among parents and physicians. Read more here. Can ADHD be Confirmed and Predicted by DNA? - A Spanish researcher believes that a DNA chip can help confirm diagnosis, predict how it will evolve and recommend treatment, for people with ADHD. Read More at PsychCentral.
Are Sensory Processing Difficulties an actual "Disorder" or a Characteristic of Another Disorder? - Difficulties tolerating and processing sensory information can be a characteristic of Autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, developmental coordination disorders and childhood anxiety disorders. The use of sensory-based therapies may include activities that stimulate the vestibular, auditory, proprioceptive and tactile systems, and can be helpful as one of the components of a comprehensive treatment plan. Read the article in its entirety in Pediatrics.
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 Dr. Hallowell 10 Tips on Forgiveness - Do yourself a favor and practice forgiveness, is Dr. Hallowell's advice during a Sunday Service in Charlotte. Read all the tips here. The Role of Neuropsychological Assessment in the Evaluation and Treatment of ADHD - Find out what should go into an ADHD evaluation, who should be doing it, and how to pick the right professional? Listen to the audio file and view the accompanying PowerPoint at CHADD NYC.
Was Your Valentine's Day "Picture Perfect"? - Too many couples find that Valentine's Day is a yearly reminder of what they don't have - the "picture perfect" marriage. Read the four tips for reinforcing that you care every day of the year at adhdmarriage.com.
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The Importance of a Good Night's Sleep
 According to the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, your body requires sleep the same way it needs to eat, drink, and breathe. Extensive research has been done on the effects of sleep and shows that it plays a vital role in promoting physical health and emotional well-being. This explains why, after a good night's sleep, you feel better, your thoughts are clearer, and your emotions are less fragile. Without adequate sleep, judgment, mood, and ability to learn and retain information are weakened. HOW MUCH SLEEP DO YOU NEED? * Pre-schoolers (3-5 years old) 11-13 Hours * Children (5-10 years old) 10-11 Hours * Teens (11-17 years old) 8-9 Hours * Adults 7-9 Hours Chances are you are you are like most Americans and aren't getting the recommended amount.
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Quote of the Month:
"I can think of no more precious resource than the spirits of our children. Life necessarily breaks us all down somewhat, but to do it unnecessarily to our children in the name of educating them -- this is a tragedy."
- Edward M. Hallowell, M.D., Driven To Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood Through Adulthood
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