rd1963
asks:
In Topics:
School and Academics, Teen issues, ADHD & attention issues
Q:
Ok my twelve year old has adhd and I've tried to look around for things that she can keep her mind focused on and it is hard?
> 60 days ago
What the Expert Says:
Additional Answers (4)
Adhd despite what any doctor says is a nutritional on set problem! Get her off all sugar, sodas & high fructose cornsyurps. Switch to all natural foods. Veggies, fruit & proteins they are the best for her. Get off any meds! I 100% believe they are not the answer. If you get her on a good diet you will see she will she can focuse better and her Adhd will not be a problem for much longer. I added link about Adhd. I hope you can listen to it and it can help you :)
> 60 days ago
Hello and thank you for writing to JustAsk!
Like your daughter, I have had my share of experiences with ADHD. Some may consider it a "disability", yet I consider it a learning style and sometimes a challenge. The good news is that once you figure out what is the most helpful for keeping you on task, then it is easier to stay focused. This may be of help:
1- Some people with ADHD need to switch tasks - often. A few minutes here and a few minutes there. I found that chewing gum actually helped keep me on task. And having a good planner helped, too!
2- Others may find music or TV disrupting, but I found it comforting and helpful. Especially if it wasn't a program that drew in my interest but something mundane like the weather channel.
3- Color coding helped to keep me organized. Folders of different colors helped me to know which subjects were which. I also would switch off different color pens.
4- Use of a voice recorder helped for me to learn multimodally. And now with smartphones and computers it is really easy to use a variety of online and technology oriented methods for learning and focusing.
GOOD LUCK!
Louise Sattler
Psychologist
Like your daughter, I have had my share of experiences with ADHD. Some may consider it a "disability", yet I consider it a learning style and sometimes a challenge. The good news is that once you figure out what is the most helpful for keeping you on task, then it is easier to stay focused. This may be of help:
1- Some people with ADHD need to switch tasks - often. A few minutes here and a few minutes there. I found that chewing gum actually helped keep me on task. And having a good planner helped, too!
2- Others may find music or TV disrupting, but I found it comforting and helpful. Especially if it wasn't a program that drew in my interest but something mundane like the weather channel.
3- Color coding helped to keep me organized. Folders of different colors helped me to know which subjects were which. I also would switch off different color pens.
4- Use of a voice recorder helped for me to learn multimodally. And now with smartphones and computers it is really easy to use a variety of online and technology oriented methods for learning and focusing.
GOOD LUCK!
Louise Sattler
Psychologist
> 60 days ago
You might try a "Sit and Move" cushion from www.theraproducts.com to help her stay more focused while sitting. It allows gentle movement just like some of us adults need (we shake our leg or tap our fingers!)
Ask her what helps her stay focused. Often kids her age can tell you. Chewing gum, sucking on candy, and doodling while they listen often helps.
Ask her what helps her stay focused. Often kids her age can tell you. Chewing gum, sucking on candy, and doodling while they listen often helps.
Resources:
> 60 days ago
In working with students such as your 12 year old, I've noticed that some are what I tend to call 'pressure kids' while some are 'stretch kids'. Try to determine what can help her focus - something like a text book on her lap while she reads (if she's pressure), or do a series of stretches - hanging from monkey bars or just a good all body stretch before starting a project. The stretching might even have to be done a couple times during the project, but she may be able to pay more attention as it progresses. Hope that helps!
> 60 days ago
