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It’s Labor Day Weekend, and at its end, students will begin a new school year, if they have not already done so. With this new year, there will be new issues for the families of children and teens challenged with AD/HD.

We already know that the rate or prevalence of AD/HD is increasing. We also know there is technology to help the children and adults affected. However, what about the availability of reliable information, resources and other tools to help manage this condition? Also, how does one know which information is really current, credible and potentially beneficial to those who greatly need it?

Once again, we are here to help. We have assembled the best and most up-to-date information to assist parents, teachers, and other adults needing this critical information that can make a real difference in the life someone challenged with AD/HD.

We hope you find these tools, resources and supportive organizations to be beneficial for a child, student or adult you know with an attention deficit disorder.

ADHD Tools to Help with Daily Life

FREE Graphic Organizer Templates-Use this collection of visual organizers to structure writing projects, to help in problem solving, decision making, studying, planning research and brainstorming. Select a specific graphic organizer from the list to suit the needs of a particular task, job, or other project.
http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/

TeachTimer-Time-Management Tool
http://orton-gillingham.com/frmShoppingCatalog.aspx?intCategoryID=17&intProductID=207

The MotivAider-An ingeniously simple electronic device that enables people of all ages to stay focused and change behavior and habits quickly, easily and privately. (A 30-second flash video is available at link to follow here.)
http://habitchange.com/

The “Invisible Clock”-Reminder device for setting up to 12 reminders per day. Choose silent vibrate or different beeps.
http://www.thrivewithadd.com/products/useful_resources109

TIME SENSE EXERCISE©-A simple pen and paper tool that can help individuals use time more effectively.
http://www.thrivewithadd.com/products/useful_resources109

Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759)-Customizable and sensory-appealing solutions for struggling readers of all ages. Especially helpful for children and adults with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, as well as low vision, stroke recovery and TBI issues.
www.FocusandRead.com/products

ADHD Resources for Help & Support

CHADD-The leading, non-profit national organization serving people affected by AD/HD
http://www.chadd.org/?gclid=CK344_H-krICFYkWMgodeXUAiQ

National Resource Center for AD/HD (A Program of CHADD)-The nation's clearinghouse for science-based information about all aspects of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
http://www.help4adhd.org/

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)-Information such as symptoms, causes, methods of diagnosis, etc. provided on this site. A FREE copy of a detailed booklet describing ADHD symptoms, causes, and treatments, with information on getting help and coping) is provided through this link (FREE download OR hardcopy available.)
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/complete-index.shtml

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-This official site offers resources, statistics, and other information about AD/HD.
http://www.cdc.gov/Features/adhdresources/

ADDitude.com-Site with many articles, information, and resources (printables and downloadables, too) realted to AD/HD (official site for ADDitude Magazine)
www.additudemag.com

The ADDitude Directory-A complete resource for living with AD/HD & learning disabilities
(provided by ADDitude Magazine)
http://directory.additudemag.com/

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-03.html

In 2005, mental health experts determined that approximately 3.5 million school-aged children in the U.S. had been diagnosed with some form of attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD, now often represented by “AD/HD”). It is estimated that this number has grown exponentially each year since that determination was made.

All too often, the first thing considered when trying to manage attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders (AD/HD) is the “M” word---medication. Yes, sometimes medications are indicated for a particular child or adult. However, in many cases, it is often a good idea to first try non-invasive and/or more natural approaches to help manage the symptoms of AD/HD.

There are quite a few websites available to help with information and resources for various approaches. I have assembled here a few of these resources (almost all FREE) that might offer some assistance in dealing with everyday tasks, school, home life, relationships and other things. I hope you find them helpful for your child, teen, or you.

http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/7507.html Summer Activities for ADHD Kids, Preteens Combine FUN and structure to give AD/HD children the best summer ever!

http://www.childrensvision.com/reading.htm Important information about WHY your child may be struggling with reading

http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/8698.html Let these apps, available for the iPod Touch, the iPhone, and the iPad, make short work of your, or your child's, to-do list.

http://www.brennaninnovators.com/strategies.html FREE strategies and tips to help with attention issues at school or when doing homework at home. Also, check out the “background color changer” feature on this website. Eliminating the white background on a page of text can help a struggling reader with AD/HD.

http://www.additudemag.com/resources/printables.html FREE printable resources for ADHD/ADD; Downloadable (Adobe PDF) handouts about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) symptoms, medication, treatment, school, help, info, parenting, teen driving, and organization resources and advice for adults and parents of children AD/HD, etc.

www.chadd.org National organization with information and support for children and adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD)

www.ADHDSupport.com (Sponsored by Shire US, Inc.) ADHD Support, Help for AD/HD

www.ADDConsults.com ADD Consults, This is the place to find ADHD Professionals, Resources, Consulting Services, and Products

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/adhd.cfm National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD

http://www.adhd1.net/ Help for Families of Children with AD/HD -Samuel R. Caron, Ph.D.

For more information:

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For ADHD focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For ADHD info and support
314-892-3897

Graphic courtesy of: http://www.school-clip-art.com/

Happy New Year to all! As we turn another page on the calendar, it seems appropriate to provide you with some free resources that just might help your struggling learners have a great start to their new year, too.

So, here is a list of links that cover a variety of issues for challenged readers and learners. It is hoped that these resources will help them as well as their teachers and parents.

Please let me know how these various resources help your student(s), child(ren), or you. Feel free to contact me at joan@brennaninnovators.com. I will welcome your comments!

http://www.senteacher.org/Print/ Many FREE resources for teachers can be found here. There are numerous downloads and printables for immediate classroom use!

http://www.autismbuddy.com/ Aims to provide a FREE user-friendly website that provides high quality printables and resources for teachers and parents for use with children with special educational needs

http://www.watchknow.org/ Free educational videos categorized by age of viewer and content area

http://www.additudemag.com/adhdblogs/4/7181.html Comic Books ADHD Children Will Love to Read (and Learn from, Too)

http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/6608.html ADHD Adults Raising ADHD Children: Parenting Strategies

http://www.addresources.org/adhd_friends.php A wonderful and extensive list of ADD/ADHD resources!

http://www.addresources.org/adhd_reading.php ADHD reading materials

http://www.foniks.org/ Learn to read, write, spell & speak English with phonics & Instant Sound. The layout is in a step-by-step format, complete with hearing the sounds (turn your sound “on”!) and printables.

http://www.smarttutor.com/home/reading_menu.asp Free reading lessons and educational activities for K-5

http://www.softschools.com/language_arts/phonics/ Learn to Read: Free Phonics games, worksheets and flashcards

http://connectability.ca/visuals-engine/ Create visual supports for your child with FREE online templates!

http://www.ldresources.com/ A collection of resources on various aspects of learning disabilities with comments from community members.

http://www.ldonline.org/ One of the world’s leading websites for learning disabilities and ADHD

http://www.ldonline.org/parents “Parent page” of above website

http://www.virtualnerd.com Assistance with math and science content and challenges

http://www.additudemag.com/RCLP/sub/7059.html Safe Driving for ADD/ADHD Teen Drivers

http://www.FocusandRead.com For focusing tools that help children and adults with reading challenges

http://www.BrennanInnovators.com For info and support about reading challenges, ADHD, dyslexia and other issues

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For ADHD focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For ADHD info and support
314-892-3897

Graphic courtesy of: http://www.school-clip-art.com/

Strategies and Accommodations for Challenged Learners

Learning does not come easily for every student. Sometimes because of learning differences, disabilities and even learning styles, individual students learn differently and at different rates. Parents and teachers often look for specific strategies and resources to assist struggling readers and learners, especially those with ADHD, dyslexia, or other issues that can affect student reading ability.

Here are just a few that you might consider for the challenged student(s) in your life:

1. Have the course and book content available via audiotape.

2. Use a portable, hand-held spell checker (such as the Franklin Spelling Ace) for unknown words.

3. Use graph paper or other tools like the Reading Focus Card for math to promote accurate placeholder work.

4. Use interactive computer reading programs that require only a limited number of tasks at a time.

5. Underline or highlight important key words in a set of directions BEFORE beginning an assignment.

6. Fold a worksheet so that only a small amount of text, information, or problems is visible at one time. Using individualized tools can help with this as well.

7. Allow for moving to optional work areas with less distraction.

8. Allow for the experience of a variety of sensory learning techniques such as those from the use of a computer, tape recorder, projector, and manipulatives. The more senses you appeal to in the learning process, the more success the student will experience.

9. Use word processors or computers to complete written work, especially when writing is a struggle.

10. Allow for kneeling or standing at a desk (if needed), as long as it does not cause problems or distractions for others.

11. Have access to a copy of prepared notes, especially after a teaching session or discussion.

12. Arrange for a second set of textbooks at home so that materials are always at hand when needed.

13. Use very low-volume music (instrumental) or environmental sounds (seashore or other nature sounds) while doing independent work.

14. Work cooperatively at times with others as part of a "buddy" system of support.

15. Use colored paper for all printed materials including worksheets, outlines, notes, etc. Experiment with pastels as well as bright shades. One particular color may produce the best results for an individual.

16. Consider colored overlays or the Reading Focus Cards for focus and reading challenges because the white background of a page of text can be visually “offensive” to some readers/learners.

Copyright 2010 Brennan Innovators, LLC

For more information:

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For ADHD focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For ADHD info and support
314-892-3897