android jelly bean update

At the time of this writing, a growing number of states in the U.S. either have passed or have pending legislation for the appropriate identification and the timely treatment of dyslexia. Unfortunately however, many states, have yet to develop such laws and guidelines. To date, this state-by-state process has been very slow and time-consuming for those whose lives are affected by some form of dyslexia.

On January 10, 2014, however, Congressmen Bill Cassidy, M.D., the Co-Chair of the House Dyslexia Caucus, submitted a resolution (H.Res. 456, 113th Congress) calling for the U.S. House of Representatives to acknowledge the impact of dyslexia and urge schools and educational agencies to address its impact on students. Dr. Cassidy released the following statement:

Dyslexia affects millions of Americans, including many students. We know that many with dyslexia are among our brightest and most successful. If dyslexia is identified in elementary school and the appropriate resources are given to these children, America can produce more teachers, more scientists and more entrepreneurs. This resolution pushes schools and educational agencies to address this challenge and provide evidence-based solutions for dyslexic students.

Rep. Cassidy’s resolution represents a giant step forward for the many who care about dyslexia — parents, teachers, dyslexic children and adults. This Resolution has the potential to impact the country, not just one state. For this reason and others, the effects of this legislation would be historical---and so helpful to many. Science has brought understanding and clarity to dyslexia in recent years. This Resolution by Representative Cassidy now calls for educators and testing agencies to catch up and put this powerful knowledge to work so that the 15-20% of U.S. children with dyslexia, their families and our entire nation may benefit. Please contact your local congressperson to express your opinion on this issue. (See the Find Your Representative link to follow.)

With the potential for passing such a resolution with national implications, there would arise an even greater need for more assistive technology---both low-tech AND high tech solutions for helping students with dyslexia and other reading challenges. However, these solutions will be required to provide evidence of appropriate research and proof of the technologies' successful use in the field. In other words, they will need to be research-based tools, strategies and methods.

On a related matter, the most current statistics from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, November 2013) indicate that approximately 11% of children 4-17 years of age (6.4 million) have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2011. In addition, the percentage of children with an ADHD diagnosis continues to increase, from 7.8% in 2003 to 9.5% in 2007 and to 11.0% in 2011. All too often, children challenged with the symptoms of ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) experience focus, tracking, comprehension and retention problems when reading. For them as well, the need for appropriate, research-based tools and strategies is growing.

One such group of these research-based tools is called the Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,859). With 2 independent studies of the tools completed, they have been shown to not only improve focus and tracking for students but also measurably improve some students' reading rates, a surprising outcome of the formal and more recent focus study conducted in a Central Missouri high school. In addition, the Reading Focus Cards have shown that they help many readers with ADHD, dyslexia and other issues that impact reading success (Apserger's, autism, stroke/TBI recovery, low vision, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's).

For more detailed information about the 2 independent focus studies of the evidence-based Reading Focus Cards, visit http://www.focusandread.com/page/481317852.

For actual, unsolicited testimonials for the Reading Focus Cards, please visit http://www.focusandread.com/rfc-testimonials.

Sources & Resources

Urge Your Congressional Rep. to Support House Resolution on Dyslexia, #456. Contact Your Representative Now! by Sally Shaywitz, MD & Bennett Shaywitz, MD of The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/CassidyHResJan2014.html

Cassidy Calls For Schools To Help Dyslexic Students---Jan 10, 2014---Press Release (Link to a copy of the Resolution is included here.)
http://cassidy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cassidy-calls-for-schools-to-help-dyslexic-students

Find Your Representative (in the U.S. House of Representatives)
http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/

Dyslexia Laws in the USA by Martha Youman & Nancy Mather
http://www.academia.edu/3075019/Dyslexia_Laws_in_the_USA

The International Dyslexia Association
http://www.interdys.org/

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)---Data & Statistics (in the U.S.)
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html

For information on customizable reading tools for ADHD & other reading challenges:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
Devereaux Cannon and Dave Martucci: http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/us-16.html and
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

We’re saying “good-bye” to October and LD Awareness Month. At the same time, we’re also concluding the busiest month in our company’s history! More Reading Focus Cards were ordered by parents, teachers and catalog distributors in the past month than in any other month on record for Brennan Innovators. There is increasing evidence that many children, teens AND adults continue to struggle with reading.

For this reason, we thought we would begin this month’s articles with one that includes resources for a variety of challenged readers. Because we receive many requests for Android tech resources to help these readers, we are providing here a current and sizable list of Android apps for struggling readers of various age groups.

From the many parent phone calls, emails and orders we receive for our research-based Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759), most involve a request or concern for a young, challenged reader that is between the ages of 8 and 11 years. As stated in a previous article in this blog, prior to this age range, children are “learning to read”. From age 8 or 9, children are “reading to learn” and must utilize skills (hopefully developed earlier) to learn the content and information presented via printed media. However, if those reading skills have not been developed properly---or at all, focusing and tracking issues can be just two of the ramifications. For this reason, the first resource listed below here should be helpful to some of these readers (Apps (Android) by Bugbrained---from AppsZoom.com)

The other links provided here may be helpful to other age groups. The second resource listed will provide an extensive list of some of the very best Android apps for challenged readers in various age levels, including those for adults. Many resources throughout the listing are FREE.

We hope that what is provided here will help you or someone you know who struggles daily to read with more success. Happy reading---EVERYONE!

BEST Android Apps for Struggling Readers

Apps (Android) by Bugbrained---from AppsZoom.com
Reading apps for children (up to & including the Grade 3 reading level)
http://www.appszoom.com/android_developer/bugbrained_cmcef.html

100+ Top Apps for Struggling Readers (Android)---from AppCrawlr
Excellent listing of the top 100+ Android apps for challenged readers of all ages
http://appcrawlr.com/android-apps/best-apps-struggling-readers

Blackberry Playbook and BB10 Android Apps---from Good e-Reader
Good e-Reader has over 6,000 apps and games for Blackberry 10 and the Playbook. Download the latest BAR Files for Blackberry 10 and the Playbook
http://apps.goodereader.com/playbook/playbook-android-apps/?did=348

FREE Kindle App for Android Devices---from Amazon (NO Kindle device required!)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?docId=165849822 (via Amazon.com + FREE e-book links!)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?hl=en&id=com.amazon.kindle (via Google Play Store link)

Go Read (Android)---from Bookshare
A FREE, accessible e-book reader for people with print disabilities; based on the open-source FBReader project.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.benetech.android&hl=en

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: techradar.phones at http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/70-best-free-android-apps-2013-687252 and Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

The first in a series of 5 articles with specific special needs resources

Most visitors to our website and those who know us at Brennan Innovators are familiar with our Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759), solutions for struggling readers. However, not everyone knows that we also provide consultation services and educational resources for parents, teachers and adults with reading challenges.

We especially enjoy connecting individuals with information and tools that can help improve reading focus, concentration, comprehension and retention for an increase in overall reading success for persons of all ages. This includes individuals with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, low vision, stroke recovery or TBI (traumatic brain injury) and other issues that can impact reading ability.

This week, we are beginning a new series of articles that will give our readers separate lists of websites with each specific to a particular special need. These lists will be current and hopefully helpful for parents, teachers and adults looking for assistance with reading issues.

To coincide with the beginning of ADHD Awareness Month (beginning October 1), the topic for the first installment here is AD/HD, attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorder. This is the notation used for either ADD (no hyperactivity) or ADHD (with the hyperactivity component). Both children and adults can be affected by the condition, and it can occur in varying degrees of severity from one individual to another. There really is no “cure” for AD/HD, but it is very possible to successfully “manage” the symptoms of the disorder. This management may include the use of assistive tools, strategies, coaching and other helpful resources.

To follow here are some of the best websites available to help with AD/HD (both ADD and ADHD). These are the go-to sites we use time and again to refer parents, teachers and adults for the AD/HD information they need. You might consider bookmarking this page for easy access for a time when these resources might be needed.

BEST AD/HD Websites for Children & Adults

• CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a national non-profit organization working to improve the lives of affected people through education, advocacy and support. From lobbying to local support groups, CHADD is a leader in the field of ADHD.
http://www.chadd.org/

• National Resource Center on AD/HD (Sponsored by CHADD) is the center funded by the CDC. It has much science-based information about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
http://www.help4adhd.org

• ADD Resources is another non-profit serving the ADHD community. It has an extensive directory of workshops, conferences, publications, and articles for parents, teachers, adults, and medical professionals. The organization supports itself through memberships. (A fee to access some content)
http://w3.addresources.org/

• ADDvance.com is a site where Kathleen Nadeau, Ph.D. and Patricia Quinn, M.D. (Edge Foundation board member) provides answers to questions about AD/HD for families and individuals at every stage of life from preschool through retirement years.
http://www.addvance.com/index.html

• ADDitude Magazine is the site that provides numerous resources for parents and teachers of children with AD/HD as well as for adults challenged with the condition. Printable downloads, many informational articles, an AD/HD community forum and more are readily available on the site at no cost.
http://www.additudemag.com/

Next week’s article: BEST Websites for Dyslexia & Dysgraphia Stay tuned! Follow our blog and have next week’s article delivered right to your inbox as soon as it is published! (Please see Email Box to the right on this page to register. Thank you!)

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC

Focus Strategies for ADHD, Dyslexia & Other Issues

Is your child overwhelmed each time a new written assignment is due? Do you have one or more students in your classroom who can’t seem to finish a math worksheet---or any worksheet, for that matter? Well, perhaps the issue is not a lack of motivation, but in the fact that there is just too much printed text or content for them to process. So, what should you do to help?

This was one of the problems mentioned most often at a very recent educational conference we attended here in St. Louis. Again and again, we offered some simple tips to parents and teachers wanting to help children FOCUS and READ with more success.

This week in our blog article, we thought it might be a good idea to provide just a few of the ideas offered to those at the conference. These tips can make work much more manageable, especially for children and teens with AD/HD or dyslexia who sometimes say, “There’s just too much text!” We hope you’ll find them simple yet helpful for your child or students who need help with focusing and for those times when there is “just too much text.”

Focus and Reading Tips for Too Much Content

1. Fold worksheet into sections so only content needing immediate attention is visible.
-Fold so that only 1 paragraph/question/portion of the worksheet can be viewed at a time.
-With math worksheets, fold paper into fourths (or even eighths) so that only 2 problems (or even 1 problem) can be seen.
-When the content section has been read, question answered, or problem(s) completed, re-fold for the next section or problem(s), etc. until all work in the assignment has been completed.

2. Cut worksheet into meaningful sections.
-Cut worksheet so each cut section contains only 1 paragraph or 1 question.
-Cut math worksheets so each part will contain only 2 problems (or 1, if needed).
-Then, in sequential order, staple all sections together at the upper, right-hand corner.
-As each section is read or completed, tear off that section and set it aside. The student will feel like he is making progress with each “tear-off” and the sense of being overwhelmed will melt.

3. Use simple tools to help break up the content into manageable parts.
-Use a ruler placed below each line of text that is to be read. This will place emphasis on the reading matter needing immediate attention. Move the ruler down the page as each line is read.
-Use a piece of colored paper or cardstock to place under lines of content about to be read, covering all text or problems yet to be given attention. This will provide emphasis on what needs immediate attention.
-Use graph paper to properly align math problems into correct place holder columns.
-Use a customized, cut card or the Reading Focus Cards to isolate 1 or 2 lines of text and block out a significant amount of surrounding text. For some math problems, turn the card 90 degrees to isolate place holder columns, allowing only the one column of numbers needing to be added, etc. at the moment.

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: http://www.kidslearningstation.com/math/math-help-worksheets.asp

Many of us here already know that when a child or adult is challenged with ADHD, issues with inattentiveness, hyperactivity, impulsivity or a combination of these are present. Very often, other developmental or behavioral problems may co-exist with the ADHD, such as depression or bipolar disorder. Many may also know that appropriately prescribed medications are recommended for a large number of affected individuals. However, a combination of medication and behavioral treatment can most often work best.

When mentioning such medications, it is always recommended that parents of children with ADHD or adults affected with the condition discuss all options with the attending medical professional, deciding TOGETHER on the BEST option for a particular individual’s needs. At the same time, when talking about behavioral treatment or therapy, we can offer some points to consider as you begin to help develop the best treatment plan with your or your child’s health care professional.

We are including in our article this week a list of tips that will give you a good idea of what you might expect in the way of behavioral therapy. Some of these tips may work for some individuals. For others, a combination of the strategies may be required to achieve more successful results. Most likely, it will involve a process of trial and error, arriving at the best strategy or combination thereof.

Behavioral Therapy Tips and Strategies for ADHD

Something called “talk therapy” can be very helpful for both the child and family to understand and help manage some of the stressful feelings related to ADHD. (Please see Additional Behavioral Therapy Resources for ADHD below here for more information on talk therapy for children with ADHD).

A system of rewards and consequences can be an effective tool for parents to use in order to help guide their child's behavior. (Please see FREE Behavior Charts for Different Age Levels in the list of Additional Behavioral Therapy Resources for ADHD at the end of this article.) It will be very important for parents to learn how to handle disruptive behaviors-effectively.

Other tips to help a child or adult with ADHD include:

• It is important to communicate regularly with the child's teacher. For affected adults, it will be helpful and more productive to meet often with educational instructors or with supervisors in the workplace, clarifying expectations and defining one’s job responsibilities as well as progress made.

• Keeping a consistent and structured daily schedule, including regular times for homework, meals, and outdoor activities can make all the difference for someone with ADHD. Remember to make any changes needed in the daily schedule ahead of time---not at the last moment.

• Along those same lines, clear and consistent rules should always be provided (prior to an activity or event) for a child, teen or young adult with ADHD.

• In a child’s environment, limit or eliminate distractions such as pets, non-essential tech devices and television, etc. Even adjusting the lighting, temperature and type of seating can contribute to more focus and concentration for an individual.

• A varied diet, with plenty of fiber and basic nutrients can actually go a long way to promoting more focusing success.

• Allowing for enough sleep can be a very significant factor in achieving a good result.

• Parents will want to keep in mind that praise and reward go hand-in-hand with good behavior.

There are some alternative treatments for ADHD that have become popular, which include the use of herbs, supplements, and chiropractic treatments. Unfortunately, however, there is currently little or no solid evidence that these treatments are in any way effective. At the same time, there are often support groups that can help affected adults or parents of children with ADHD to connect with others who have similar problems.

Source: Adapted from PubMed Health site: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002518/

Additional Behavioral Therapy Resources for ADHD

General Overview of ADHD from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)---Causes - Symptoms - Tests - Treatment - Prognosis - Prevention – Resources for ADHD (FREE materials available here)
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/

ADHD Behavior Therapy: Promoting Discipline & Focus in Kids
Article from ADDitude Magazine http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/860.html

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder---General information for ADD, ADHD & Childhood Hyperkinesis from PubMed Health
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002518/

Talk Therapy for ADHD Children?---The differences between psychotherapy and behavioral therapy for children with attention deficit disorder.
by Nicole Sprinkle
Article from ADDitude Magazine
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/1759.html

FREE Behavior Modification Charts for Teachers---Website providing numerous links to various types of printable behavior charts for classroom use
http://www.reference.com/motif/society/free-behavior-modification-charts

FREE Behavior Charts for Different Age Levels---Downloadable in PDF file format
http://www.freeprintablebehaviorcharts.com/

ADHD Support Group Information

DailyStrength's Online (Forum) Support Group for Parents of Children with ADHD
http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Parents-of-Children-With-ADHD/support-group

CHADD Resources for Local ADHD Chapters (of Support)
http://www.chadd.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Find_Local_CHADD_Chapters

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

If you are the parent of a child or teen with ADD, you may often fret over the challenges your child faces at school and at home with the family, concerned about the child's future. If you are an educator in a classroom having one or more students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, you may find that you spend considerably more time thinking about how to address the negative behaviors associated with the ADHD than you do about how to teach these students. If you are an adult challenged with ADHD, you may find yourself spending a great deal of time thinking about your daily struggles and weaknesses. These are not unusual situations; however, there is a way to “turn the boat around” in thought and action for children or adults with some form of ADHD.

It is almost always easier to think about the “negative side” of a situation. It takes little energy and no productive thinking to “give in” mentally to “The Dark Side” when thinking about a situation, rarely if ever arriving at a good solution. This can certainly be true when we talk about ADHD. However, you might remember an old song with the lyrics:

“Accentuate the positive. Eee-lim-inate the negative. Latch on to the affirmative. Don’t mess with Mr. In-Between.”

Well, that’s certainly the advice we have to share with you here.

You might find it a little difficult to do, but consider your child, your students or yourself challenged with ADHD as persons with strengths in addition to the struggles associated with attention deficits. It is even a good idea to make a list of the strengths of each individual, and that may mean YOU. Yes, you DO have strengths. These may be special talents or gifts such as a great sense of humor, the ability to talk or interact well with others or special artistic skills. There are other talents less tangible but very valuable that are gifts as well: honesty and integrity, the ability to be a team player or to be compassionate and generous when others are hurting.

Whatever those gifts are, they are a person’s strengths. When that person is challenged with ADHD, acknowledge those strengths, gifts and talents and celebrate them. Then focus and build on them, diminishing the weaknesses associated with the ADHD. That is not to say that those symptoms are to be ignored or forgotten. No, it means that the emphasis of thinking is on what is positive.

Get involved with or provide activities that will capitalize on those strengths. Allow yourself or the person with ADHD to “shine” as a result of using those special gifts in a carefully chosen activity or exercise. You will find that your child, your students or you will experience increased self-esteem, which in turn will positively impact learning, achievement and daily life experiences. In other words, ACCENTuate the POSITIVE---with ADHD!

Positively GOOD Resources and Apps for ADHD (to Help Build on Strengths)

Resources for Supporting Students with ADHD---List of supportive links to access resources and support for adults challenged with ADHD as well as parents and teachers of children with ADHD
http://www.pbis.vcu.edu/2010/12/resources-for-supporting-students-with-adhd.html

Adult ADHD: 50 Tips of Management---Tips for adults with ADHD that help instill hope and re-establish a positive attitude (includes insight and education as well as self-management strategies)
by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D. and John J. Ratey, M.D.
http://www.addresources.org/?q=node/253

Parents of Children with ADHD---Some positive tips for parenting an ADD or ADHD child (includes a planner designed by a mother for her son with ADHD)
http://www.addresources.org/?q=node/2014

ADD/ADHD Resources for Teachers---From assessment accommodations and FAQs, these articles and resources will support and help teachers work with the special nature of students with ADD/ADHD.
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/add-and-adhd/resource/5348.html

Apps for Teens and Adults with ADHD---Supportive apps for improving organizational skills, weight loss and self-esteem among others are available via this link (FREE and low-cost apps)
http://appfinder.lisisoft.com/ipad-iphone-apps/add-adhd-teenagers.html

Image courtesy of: http://www.addresources.org/?q=node/2014

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: http://www.addresources.org/?q=node/2014

At the literacy and vision conferences attended during the past two weeks, we were asked many questions about dyslexia. In fact, we received more questions from teachers, tutors and parents about dyslexia than about any other topic at both events.

Current statistics show that nearly 15% to 20% of school-aged children in the U.S. may be affected by some form of dyslexia. Yet only 5% are recognized (often because the dyslexia is severe) and receive assistance.

Approximately 60% of individuals diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) also have dyslexia. However, their learning and language differences are often unrecognized because only the behavioral aspects of ADHD are addressed. Without the proper diagnosis and help, many of these individuals with dyslexia and ADHD are only functionally literate, and are part of the 44 million adults with only the lowest level of literacy. This limits their ability to find jobs and function independently in their communities. (Source: The Dyslexia Research Institute)

With this data, it is easy to see why we received so many recent inquiries relating to this particular reading challenge. We felt it was just the right time to offer some updated information and a few more resources for these teachers and parents as well as for our regular blog readers here.

Animation Video---To Help Explain Dyslexia
From BrainPOP
http://bpopne.ws/OYPAyt

7 Activities Affected by Dyslexia (Blog article)
From ChromaGen Vision’s blog
http://wereadbetter.com/7-activities-affected-by-dyslexia/

The Upside of Dyslexia (Opinion Article)
By Annie Murphy Hall---Published: February 4, 2012
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/05/opinion/sunday/the-upside-of-dyslexia.html?ref=dyslexia&_r=0

Signs of Dyslexia Start Before Reading, Study Finds (from ABC News--& VIDEOS)
By Mikaela Conley (@mikaelaconley)---Published: April 5, 2012
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/visual-attention-lead-dyslexia-children/story?id=16078380#.UHh7oK61ySo

Online Dyslexia Testing
From Lexercise---Company in Raleigh, NC, offers services to help children with reading, writing and spelling disorders such as dyslexia and dysgraphia.
Disclaimer: This is a FREE dyslexia test to see if your child is having trouble reading and processing words. This online test determines if your child needs a full evaluation in order for the best individualized treatment plan to be developed. This online test is NOT a replacement for such an evaluation.
http://www.lexercise.com/dyslexia-services/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Microsoft%2BPPC

10 Top Tips for Helping Your Child with Dyslexia
From Teach Our Kids
http://www.teach-our-kids.co.uk/10-top-tips-for-helping-your-child-with-dyslexia/

Spell Trekking in Schools: the New App for Literacy Tuition---New, multi-sensory iPad literacy app
From CENTRA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LIMITED
Blog article about the app: http://centradyslexia.wordpress.com/2012/08/07/11-using-the-new-app-for-literacy-tuition-in-schools/
Access to app: FREE download at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/spell-trekking/id547625622?mt=8
Website: http://www.spelltrekking.com/

Dyslexia Research Institute Information and resources about dyslexia
http://www.dyslexia-add.org/

Happy reading, everyone!

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image provided by: http://classroomclipart.com/clipart-search/page-189/all-phrase/school/

It is no surprise that as children and teens head back to school this fall, ADHD is very much apart of many American family life. The statistics for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder) in the U.S. were updated last December (2011) by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Here are just some of the statistics collected and provided by the CDC from parent surveys:

• Parents report that approximately 9.5% or 5.4 million children 4-17 years of age have ever been diagnosed with ADHD, as of 2007.

• The percentage of children with a parent-reported ADHD diagnosis increased by 22% between 2003 and 2007.

• Rates of ADHD diagnosis increased an average of 3% per year from 1997 to 2006 and an average of 5.5% per year from 2003 to 2007.

• Boys (13.2%) were more likely than girls (5.6%) to have ever been diagnosed with ADHD.

• Rates of ADHD diagnosis increased at a greater rate among older teens as compared to younger children.

• The highest rates of parent-reported ADHD diagnosis were noted among children covered by Medicaid and multi-racial children.

• Prevalence of parent-reported ADHD diagnosis varied substantially by state, from a low of 5.6% in Nevada to a high of 15.6% in North Carolina.

(From Data & Statistics in the United States, December 2011: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html)

So it is obvious that as this new school year begins, ADHD is a condition that more and more U.S. families are facing. What can parents and teachers do to help students manage this disorder so that academic success is possible for them?

We have just compiled a new list of ADHD apps that should especially help families with ADHD management this school year. We hope our readers will take a look at them and decide which ones might work best for their children, their students or perhaps even for themselves.

Apps for Families Living with ADD/ADHD

The Social Navigator by Lorraine Millan---Social skills guide and brain trainer app
http://www.socialnavigatorapp.com/social_navigator.php

iHomework by Paul Pilone---Homework tracker
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ihomework/id302786560

iStudiez Pro by iStudiez Team---Convenient study planning tool
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/istudiez-pro/id310636441

Routines by Coopla---Chores and daily living planner
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/routines/id370297791

Home Routines by Wunderbear---Create checklists and reminders
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/homeroutines/id353117370

ReQall from reQall, Inc.---Record your reminders by voice and see them in text
http://www.reqall.com/

IEP Checklist ---IEP Checklist for parents and educators
http://www.peatc.org/peatc.cgim?template=IEPChecklistiPhone

Sources and References:

Apps for Families Living with ADD/ADHD (from The Social Navigator)
http://www.socialnavigatorapp.com/add_adhd_apps.htm

CDC---Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html

SPECIAL NOTE: Smart Apps for Kids is giving away its 16th iPad 2! To enter the giveaway, visit http://www.smartappsforkids.com/2012/09/ipad-no-16.html

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Clip art courtesy of: http://www.ace-clipart.com/school-clipart-07.html

Do you need some organization in your life? We all know that this can be a challenge whether ADHD is a part of our lives or not. With our kids’ and our own schedules to manage, due dates for bills to remember, deadlines for projects at work and other responsibilities, we need a GOOD plan, the best strategies, and appropriate tools to help us get everything accomplished---on time. However, when ADHD is added to the mix, well, there may very well be a need for special tools to help us AND our families stay focused, on track, and organized.

We have gathered here this week a collection of apps to help you and the family to GET organized and STAY organized. You might want to try these over the summer break so that when fall arrives, and with it the new school year, you and the whole family will be pros at the organizational game!

To-Do List Apps for Kids and Adults with ADHD---A collection of apps that will help you put order into your life with ADHD
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/8698.html

Students with ADHD Get Help from iPad App---Created to help users with ADHD improve executive functions of memory, concentration, and organization
http://thejournal.com/articles/2012/03/02/adhd-students-get-help-from-ipad-app.aspx

ADHD Organizer App for iPhone---This app lets you set goals and record your success in achieving them. It also lets you discover any weaknesses that need attention and improvement.
http://www.disabled-world.com/assistivedevices/apps/adhd-organizer.php

ADHD and iPads: 5 Apps to Make Life Easier---from the Reader’s Digest Editors
http://www.rd.com/health/adhd-and-ipads-5-apps-to-make-life-easier/

The 5 Best iPhone/iPad Apps for ADHD---by Mark Kawate
http://www.appsforadhd.com/appsforadhd/5bestiosapps.html

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Clipart courtesy of: http://classroomclipart.com/clipart/page-18/Clipart/Family.htm

Don’t like to study? Feel overwhelmed with the amount of reading you need to cover? Can’t concentrate when it is time to study? You are not alone! However, you might benefit from some new tips, strategies, and resources that could make your study routine ---less routine and MORE productive. How? Just take a look at what we suggest.
Arrange for the following needs to be met BEFORE a study session begins:

A. Study Environment: Create a space consistent and conducive to good study and that satisfies your learning style. To do this, consider one or more of the following:

1. Lighting---Low lighting can actually be appropriate for some learners.

2. Seating/study surface---A desk and chair with good support are recommended, but some learners can study more effectively with soft furniture such as bean bag chairs, etc.

3. “Comfort colors”---Soothing colors in the immediate surroundings can be therapeutic and induce relaxation. However, bright colors can be stimulating and promote more attention to work.

4. Structure & organization---Keeping to a set time for study is usually a good idea. Storing completed written work in folders or binders with dividers can help with organization and keep you current with assignments.

5. Sound---Wordless, instrumental music or nature sounds conducive to study can be effective.

6. Short breaks with water and/or healthy snacks---For some younger students, 5-minute breaks at 15 minute intervals can be beneficial. For older children and teens, a break of a few minutes every hour or so is usually helpful.

B. Study Tools: Consider one or more of the following items when attention is an issue:

1. Appropriate supplies---Have the proper supplies needed to study---sharpened pencils, good erasers, enough paper, pocket folders or binders, etc. should always be kept at hand for a good and productive study session.

2. Appropriately charged/connected hardware---Be sure to charge up your tech devices prior to study time.

3. Index cards—manually and/or digitally created---Keep a supply of 3” x 5” index cards (lined or unlined) for making quick study tools that are customized to the student’s learning style.

4. Overlays---If visual stress caused by white page backgrounds of printed media is an issue, try overlays (colored, transparent sheets). A particular color may produce better results and help you experience more reading comfort and success.

5. Focusing tools---If focus and concentration are issues, try tools that isolate a line(s) of text and block out surrounding text. Focus cards will provide this assistance for many distracted readers.

6. Tactile manipulatives---Having something soft (or firm, depending on personal preference) in one’s hand to manipulate during study times can be soothing and promote better concentration and retention of the content studied. These tactile manipulatives help with relaxation and concentration (good for tactile and kinesthetic learners.

7. Recording device---Recording history facts, dates or other content, especially when memorization is involved can be very beneficial. Listen to the recordings at times that are not mentally taxing (while preparing for bedtime, dressing for the day, taking a walk, driving/riding in the car, etc. (This can be especially helpful for auditory learners.) The results of this can be surprisingly beneficial.

In addition, you might find the following online resources to be helpful for improving your study strategies:

Resources and Strategies for Effective Study

10 Tips for Good Study Skills
http://www.familycorner.com/education/study_habits.shtml

Good Study Tips for College Students
http://www.cod.edu/people/faculty/fancher/study.htm

Tips on How to Study---from Dartmouth College (includes printable handouts)
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~acskills/success/study.html

Thinking about these aspects of a student’s study environment, use of the right tools to enhance the study experience, and strategies for good study can mean all the difference in the world when test time approaches. Having prepared completely will yield great results. All the best for study success, students!

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Clip art courtesy of: http://school.discoveryeducation.com/clipart/category/stud2.html