Parenting

31 10, 2022

ADHD Interventions: How ADHD Or Executive Function Coaching Can Fit In

By Diane Sottile PhD|2022-10-27T19:35:28+00:00October 31st, 2022|

When parents decide that they need to seek help for their child who has ADHD or executive function challenges, they have a lot of decisions to make. Where do parents get help? Who do they ask? What help does their child need? The choices are varied, so the process can add even more stress to an already difficult situation. ADHD is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder. Individuals with ADHD have an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with daily life. ADHD may also result in difficulties with executive functions - the mental processes used for planning and execution. There are three types [...]

17 09, 2020

Your Child has ADHD: Don’t Try To “Fix” Things

By Diane Sottile PhD|2020-09-17T01:44:05+00:00September 17th, 2020|

When your child is diagnosed with ADHD or executive function deficits, it is natural to try to jump in and "fix" things for them. This is a common reaction. It’s tough to see our children struggle. After all, one of our primary tasks as parents is to protect them from harm. As parents, we often jump at the ready to save our children. Here is the thing, there is nothing that needs to be fixed or saved. Children with ADHD or executive function deficits perform differently, but this does not mean that their way is wrong. There is no right way for [...]

5 06, 2020

Distance Learning and ADHD During the Pandemic: What Are the Takeaways?

By Diane Sottile PhD|2020-09-29T23:57:21+00:00June 5th, 2020|

The pandemic has certainly turned the world upside down. With schools across the nation just completing their first try at distance learning, parents have had to deal with challenges they could never have imagined. Working from home while managing their children's schooling has certainly been overwhelming for some parents. For parents of children with ADHD or executive function challenges, there are added levels of concern. This is especially true if the parents also have ADHD. It wouldn’t be an understatement to say that just about everyone is looking forward to the day when schools can re-open. I think we’re all hoping that [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

12 07, 2016

10 Summer Tips for Adolescents/Teens with ADHD

By Diane Sottile|2020-02-25T02:47:59+00:00July 12th, 2016|

It is mid-summer! Where did the time go? It has been a nice break for both of you from homework, getting to school on time, or any other struggles that your child may experience. But, as the school year approaches, you may find yourself worrying that your child is losing valuable time to work on skills. No need to worry. Students with ADHD can continue to work on strategies that can lead to success in the coming school year. Here are 10 tips for summer skill-building: LEARN SOMETHING FUN Think science camp, art camp, or other places where fun and learning are [...]

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 [...]

12 04, 2016

HOMEWORK AND ADD/ADHD: What is the Parent’s Role in Elementary School?

By Diane Sottile|2020-02-25T02:51:49+00:00April 12th, 2016|

Here it is – that awful word! HOMEWORK! So often dreaded by students. If a child has ADD/ADHD, homework can be more than just an annoyance. It can be a source of stress, frustration, and self-esteem issues. When a parent sees their child struggling with homework, the natural inclination is to jump in and help out. But, sometimes, the help turns into more than just assistance. Despite the best of intentions, parents can soon find they doing more than assisting. They may be carrying the heavier burden and they watch helplessly as their child becomes overly reliant on [...]

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 [...]

8 10, 2015

Fall Break Begins and The Honeymoon Phase Ends. Coaching the ADD/ADHD College Student Through the Semester

By Diane Sottile PhD|2020-02-25T03:03:18+00:00October 8th, 2015|

Remember that week in August when you sent your student off to school? Everyone was optimistic about the new school year. This year your student was going to better manage the deficits that come with ADD/ADHD. Promises were made to study harder, attend all classes, and get better grades. If problems arose, the tutoring center would be used, meetings with the professors would be had, and all would be well. Sound familiar? […]