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So far Diane Sottile PhD has created 31 blog entries.

22 02, 2020

25 Facts About ADHD in Students That Parents Should Know

By Diane Sottile PhD|2020-02-28T04:15:47+00:00February 22nd, 2020|

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V), there are three types of ADHD: predominantly inattentive type (formerly known as ADD); predominantly hyperactive-inattentive type; combined type In order for a person to be diagnosed with ADHD, very specific criterion must be met. The criteria is listed here. The prevalence of ADHD has increased in recent years: A 2016 study show 6.1 million children in the US have been diagnosed with ADHD. ADHD is not a boy only disorder: 1 in 7 boys are diagnosed and 1 in 11 [...]

2 02, 2020

Does a Student With ADHD Really Need To Use a Planner?

By Diane Sottile PhD|2020-06-04T19:27:07+00:00February 2nd, 2020|

In a word, yes. When I meet with students to coach them through their ADHD or executive function challenges, one of the first questions I ask is, “Do you use any type of planner?” In almost every instance, the student says, “No”. Their reasons for not using a planner make complete sense. Many schools, both K-12 and colleges, have some sort of online “blackboard” that lists all of the homework assignments. The student has easy access to the assignments, so why spend valuable time on rewriting their homework assignments into a planner? Here’s why. Homework time is valuable. For many students with ADHD and [...]

18 01, 2020

ADHD Coaching: How Long Does It Take?

By Diane Sottile PhD|2020-02-25T02:36:00+00:00January 18th, 2020|

When parents decide that they need to seek the help of an ADHD coach for their child, one of the first questions they ask me is, “How long will this take?”. As much as I would like to give them a straightforward answer, I cannot. ADHD is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder. Individuals with ADHD have an on-going pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with daily life. ADHD may also result in difficulties with executive functions (the mental processes used for planning and execution). There are three types of ADHD: inattentive (often referred to as ADD); hyperactive-impulsive; and combined inattentive & hyperactive-impulsive. ADHD has [...]

23 03, 2019

What Is The Difference Between ADHD and Executive Function Deficits?

By Diane Sottile PhD|2020-02-23T16:43:13+00:00March 23rd, 2019|

As an ADHD and Executive Function coach, I am often asked to explain the difference between ADHD and executive function deficits. It is important to note that ADHD, which stands for Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, is a defined disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5thEdition (“DSM-5). The DSM-5 is used by health care practitioners to diagnose a variety of mental disorders. The DSM-5 provides a list of symptoms and criteria that practitioners can use to provide an accurate diagnosis and to determine the appropriate treatment. Although problems with executive function are often termed as Executive Function Disorder, it [...]

9 06, 2018

The “Puzzle” of ADHD

By Diane Sottile PhD|2020-02-25T02:45:19+00:00June 9th, 2018|

I love jigsaw puzzles. The 1,000 piece or more kind. The harder the puzzle, the better. Right now, I am working on a puzzle where the mountains and the sky are only slightly different in color. All the pieces look the same. There are no distinguishing colors or pictures that would allow me to look at a piece and say, “it fits there”. Instead, I have to resort to looking at each shape, and trying to find another piece that will interlock with it. This puzzle is so frustrating. I have many times said, “I give up”. Yet I go back again and [...]

21 11, 2017

Let’s Talk Turkey: How to Talk to Your ADHD College Student About School

By Diane Sottile PhD|2020-02-25T02:46:09+00:00November 21st, 2017|

Your college-aged child is coming home for Thanksgiving! You may not have seen them since they left for school in late summer. In the few short days that they are home, you are anxious to hear how the school year is going. This can be a difficult conversation, especially when your child has ADHD or another complex issue. Until now, you may feel that you are in the dark about your child’s college performance. Guess what? So are they! The week before Thanksgiving is usually my busiest time of the year. Students realize that they are heading home, so they know “the [...]

30 09, 2016

ADHD: 5 Back to School Tips for Parents

By Diane Sottile PhD|2020-02-25T02:47:09+00:00September 30th, 2016|

Every year, when school begins, I write an ADHD blog on how your child should prepare for school. This year, I decided to turn the tables: let’s talk about how YOU can manage the school year. You know those commercials where the parents dance along in the school supply store while the child is looking miserable? I would watch those commercials with a little bit of envy. As a parent of a child with ADHD, I wished I could be excited about the new school year. For parents of children with ADHD, the “back to school” thoughts may look [...]

1 06, 2016

Mindfulness, Meditation and ADHD

By Diane Sottile PhD|2020-02-25T02:48:49+00:00June 1st, 2016|

I am a big fan of the television show Mad Men. One of my favorite moments on the show (SPOILER ALERT) was the season finale. The series ends with Don Draper in a yoga pose at a New Age camp in California. He smiles, and for the first time in the duration of the show, he looks happy. We have come a long way since the 1960s. There is probably not a day that goes by that I don’t read something about mindfulness. The movement that started 35 years ago is now mainstream. Mindfulness and meditation are practiced by [...]

11 05, 2016

ARE YOU A “TAKE AWAY” PARENT?

By Diane Sottile PhD|2020-02-25T02:49:40+00:00May 11th, 2016|

“Can I PLEASE have my phone back?” Have you ever taken away your ADHD child’s phone, computer, or tablet? You are not alone. Parents often use this tactic. Why? There are many reasons. Here are just a few: As a form of punishment Because the child is spending too much time on screens As an incentive to complete a task The data overage charges are costing a fortune As an ADHD coach, I see many parents confiscate screens. When a student tells me the phone or other screen has been taken away, I always ask, “What do you have to do to get it back?” More often than not, the answer is “I [...]

26 04, 2016

WILL THE TIDE REALLY TURN FOR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS?: A View From An ADHD Coach

By Diane Sottile PhD|2020-02-25T02:50:54+00:00April 26th, 2016|

As an ADHD coach, I often get calls from parents of high school juniors. These parents are extremely concerned about their children’s academic performance and their ability to get into college. Junior year is difficult for any high school student. This year is no doubt a marathon of endurance. College is suddenly a reality. Extra time must be devoted to studying for the myriad of standardized tests. Grades really matter. College visits begin. As a parent of a junior myself, I find it all overwhelming. Imagine what it must be like for the student! For the ADHD student who struggles with organization skills, time management, procrastination, and focus, junior year can be the perfect storm. When I [...]

17 02, 2016

ADHD and Girls: It’s not only about boys

By Diane Sottile PhD|2020-02-25T02:52:31+00:00February 17th, 2016|

ADHD is often thought of as a boys’ disorder. While the percentage of boys who are diagnosed with ADHD is greater than for girls, it is by no means a disorder only for boys. In December 2015, The Journal Of Clinical Psychiatry published a study on the prevalence of ADHD [1] The researchers in this study found a 43% increase in the prevalence in all children from 2003 to 2011. Notably the prevalence of ADHD in girls was the most dramatic – an increase of 55% from 4.7% to 7.3%. Why then do we often still consider ADHD for [...]

17 01, 2016

Getting Back Into the School Mindset: Create an ADHD Success List

By Diane Sottile PhD|2020-02-25T02:53:14+00:00January 17th, 2016|

Returning from an extended school break can be a drag for students with ADHD. Challenges with organization, prioritization, management, focus, or procrastination make it hard to look forward to going back to school. How can you change this type of thinking? Instead of looking at the return to school with foreboding, try changing your mindset and look at it as a fresh start. There is still plenty of time in the school year to make changes and take the first steps toward managing your ADHD. An effective method for dealing with ADHD in school is to establish routines and habits that will eventually [...]

2 11, 2015

3 Signs Your High School Student Needs an ADHD Coach

By Diane Sottile PhD|2020-02-25T02:56:00+00:00November 2nd, 2015|

I am often asked, “How do I know if my high schooler needs an ADHD coach?” The short answer is – if you are at the point where you are asking if your child needs an ADHD coach, then you have answered your own question – YES!”. ADHD is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder. Individuals with ADHD have an on-going pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with daily life. ADHD may also result in difficulties with executive functions (the cognitive processes used for planning and execution). There are three types of ADHD: inattentive (often referred to as ADD); hyperactive-impulsive; and combined inattentive & hyperactive-impulsive.[1] [...]

20 10, 2015

The IEP or 504 is in place. Now what?

By Diane Sottile PhD|2020-02-25T03:01:09+00:00October 20th, 2015|

This article addresses the educational accommodations and modifications provided to P-12 students. If you are interested in college accommodations, see my article “College Accommodations: How to Make the Most of Them” The IEP is in place. The 504 plan is complete. Is your child off to a good start? When I meet with parents this time of year, I always ask, “ Do you understand your child’s modifications and accommodations?” In answering this question, parents almost always assure me that they have a firm understanding of their child’s plan. After all, they spent numerous hours attending child study team meetings, or speaking with the [...]

20 10, 2015

College Accommodations: How to make the most of them!

By Diane Sottile PhD|2020-02-25T10:31:03+00:00October 20th, 2015|

This article addresses the educational accommodations provided to college students. If you are interested in reading about educational accommodations and modifications for the P-12 student, see my article “The IEP or 504 is in place. Now what?” The long arduous process of acquiring college accommodations is complete. College has started and you are ready with an arsenal of support. Right??? Perhaps not. In my practice, I often find that college students don’t use the accommodations that the school has provided. What is going on? When I ask my clients about this, they often tell me “I don’t really know how to use them” or [...]

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