Learning to Slow Learning to Slow Down and Pay Down and Pay

AttentionAttention

Learning to Slow Learning to Slow Down and Pay Down and Pay

AttentionAttention

Kathleen G. Nadeau, Ph.D.Kathleen G. Nadeau, Ph.D.

Overview• Getting along with others• Feeling good about yourself• Learning to understand your brain• Setting goals and reaching them!• Understanding the plus side of

having a “bouncing brain”

A child’s view of ADHDfrom the inside looking

out• I hate to sit still • I have to do boring things all day • I can’t learn all those math facts• It’s hard to listen for so long• I try to do what my parents ask

me to do, but I forget

A thousand negative messages

I’m always in trouble for something

Sometimes everything seems unfair

I can’t finish my school work on time, so the teacher won’t let me go out to play

The “I can’t” Kid• I can’t get started• I can’t remember• I can’t get things

done• Feels like I can’t

get anything right!

Creating a Can-do Kid

The Rapid Rewards Program

Immediate rewards are more effective

To get things done, make it fun!

Think about what is rewarding for a

child. Make learning a

rewarding experience

Divide and ConquerBreak things down

into small parts – then reward and praise a child for

each success

If you want to remember,you need a reminder!

• Notes• Kitchen timers• Visual reminders• Launching pads• Daily calendars

Get your day off to a good start

• Prepare the night before

• Get up on time!• Have a regular

morning routine• Finish your routine

first!• Always eat

breakfast!

Protein boosts performance

Teach kids about “brain fuel”

• Protein• Fish oil• B vitamins

Morning ExerciseOne half-hour of

aerobic exercise each morning provides “Miracle Gro” for the brain

Learning to Pay Attention in Class

• Sit up front• Get involved• Ask questions• Find quiet ways

to fidget

Learning to Remember what you Read

• Get rid of distractions

• Read out loud• Summarize each

paragraph out loud• Tell a parent about

what you’ve read

Getting Homework Done

• Study in short time periods

• Take short timed breaks

• Stand up or even walk while reading

• No TV or internet

Getting along with friends

• Take turns• Share• Talk, don’t yell

when you disagree

• Let your friend choose what to do sometimes

Learning not to Interrupt

• Listen hard• Ask permission if

you need to interrupt

• Apologize if you interrupt without permission

• Wait for your turn

Become a good problem-solver

• Listen to the other person

• Don’t interrupt• Talk – don’t yell

or call names• Look for solutions

that are fair for everyone

Learning to Relax• Do something

quiet• Take a warm bath• Go for a walk• Listen to calm

music• Curl up with your

dog or cat

Learning Persistence• Set reasonable

goals that aren’t too hard

• Keep a chart of your progress

• Earn small rewards along the way

Learning to feel good about yourself

• Look for things you’re good at

• Smile – people will smile back

• Get the help you need to succeed

• Measure small successes every day