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It’s that time of year when everything is hustling and bustling---it's the holidays! Whether you are celebrating a Happy Hannukah, Kwanza or a Merry Christmas, this is a busy, busy season. If you, your child or your students are challenged with ADHD, then the season may be more chaotic than busy. In some cases, organizational skills may be lacking more than usual, focus and attention could be more significantly diminished, and the ability to listen well might be even more compromised with all the sounds of the season and the activities that accompany them.

So what is a parent, teacher or adult with ADHD to do during this busiest season of all when it comes to helping yourself or others properly attend to conversations, effectively listen to a discussion or absorb instructions for an activity? At other times of the year, these tasks may already be a struggle for those with attention deficiencies, but right now, those challenges can be intensified with the excitement and busy-ness of the holidays.

During the past week, one of our Facebook fans wrote to us and requested tips for listening and remembering facts in a conversation when one is challenged with ADHD symptoms. This same fan inspired us to write this blog article that we thought might help her and other readers during the busiest season of all. We have included some resources here to help ALL readers who experience these listening issues, especially for those children and adults with ADHD or Asperger’s.

Learn to LISTEN so that YOU can experience success---in the classroom, in relationships, on the job and in life! Happy Holidays and Happy Listening, everyone!

Listening Resources for ADHD

Not Paying Attention? Improve Listening Skills in ADHD Children at Home and School
Article from ADDitude Magazine
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/5934.html

Advice for ADHD Wigglebottoms
Blog article from ADDitude Magazine
Book review of selection written by Howard Binkow for ADHD preschoolers, who don't have to sit still to enjoy some basic listening lessons.
http://www.additudemag.com/adhdblogs/4/4929.html

Improving your Child's Poor Listening Skills
Learn the best ways to help your child improve poor listening skills, attention and memory with positive behavior supports.
http://www.child-behavior-guide.com/listening-skills.html

Pay-Attention Tips for ADHD Adults
by Lynn Weiss, Ph.D---Article from ADDitude Magazine
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/5716.html

Listen Up: 9 Ways to Help ADHD Kids Follow Directions
by Sandra Rief--- Article from ADDitude Magazine
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/5152.html

10 Rules of Listening
by Linda Eve Diamond (excerpts from Linda's book, Rule #1: Stop Talking: A Guide to Listening (LP, 2007)
http://www.1000advices.com/guru/listening_10rules_led.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

Image courtesy of: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/5934.html

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

This past week before the Thanksgiving Holiday, we at Brennan Innovators received a call from our area’s Special School District. A representative from the district inquired as to area services for students with dyslexia, namely whom we recommend for dyslexia "testing", diagnosis and treatment.

We should not have been surprised to receive such an inquiry, but it continues to be a concern that this critical referral information is not readily available to every staff member in the district that is the primary provider of special needs services in our region. This further shows the growing need within our schools to appropriately address the reading struggles of ALL students, including those with vision-related challenges like dyslexia.

This one phone call was very telling and caused us to prepare our next blog article here about the much-needed information about support services for children (and adults) with dyslexia---wherever they may live.

Initial Support Services for Dyslexia

Website for the College of Optometrists in Vision Development---Basic information, research and resources to help with the understanding of vision-related reading/learning challenges
http://covd.org/

Locator Tool---Online tool to help locate the appropriate medical professional in your area for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of vision-related reading/learning challenges
From the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD)
https://covdwp.memberpoint.com/WebPortal/BuyersGuide/ProfessionalSearch.aspx

Support Groups for Dyslexia

Dyslexia Support Groups
Access to various online support groups for dyslexia
http://dyslexia.supportgroups.com/

DailyStrength Dyslexia Support Group
Online forum that supports persons challenged with dyslexia
http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Dyslexia/support-group

Supportive Media for Dyslexia (Books, Apps and More)

Online Bookstore for Dyslexia---Books about dyslexia and related materials offered at a discount (Sponsored by the International Dyslexia Association)
http://www.interdys.org/OnlineBookstore.htm

FREE Dyslexia Newsletter---This bi-monthly World of Dyslexia Newsletter is received by over 40,000 people. It keeps readers up-to-date with the latest news and research in the field of dyslexia.
http://www.dyslexia-teacher.com/t23.html

The Seven Causes of Reading Difficulty for Dyslexics---Most children and teens with dyslexia experience difficulties with reading. David Morgan’s article here outlines seven causes of reading difficulty.
http://www.dyslexia-parent.com/mag64.html

Other Supportive Resources for Dyslexia

IDA Reading Literacy & Learning Conferences---Information about upcoming conferences
http://www.interdys.org/AnnualConferenceUpcoming.htm

U.S. Branch Locations of the International Dyslexia Association--by State
https://ww2.eventrebels.com/er/Chapter/OnlineChapterByState.jsp?Token=FYLJ8BKH4PXMYSGQBT6Y9USH3J

British Global Partner Offices of the International Dyslexia Association (2)
http://www.interdys.org/GlobalPartnersBritain.htm

Irish Global Partner Office of the International Dyslexia Association (1)
http://www.interdys.org/GlobalPartnersIreland.htm

Australian Global Partner Office of the International Dyslexia Association (1)
http://www.interdys.org/GlobalPartnersAustralia.htm

Link to Other Global Partner Locations of the IDA
http://www.interdys.org/GlobalPartnersList.htm

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: https://twitter.com/DyslexiaSupport

Recently, we have been receiving some requests and inquiries as to resources and support for improving a child’s working memory. Working memory is one of the executive functions needed in both learning and in daily life. Sometimes, memory issues can develop or co-exist with other challenges, such as ADHD, dyslexia or autism spectrum disorders.

So to respond to these requests for information, we thought it would be a good idea to provide our readers this week with some tips, strategies, apps and other resources to assist parents and teachers in helping children (and adults, too!) improve their working memories.

Info, Tips & Strategies for Working Memory Improvement

What Is Working Memory and Why Does It Matter?---by Anne Stuart from NCLD
Working memory involves a short-term use of memory and attention. Learn more about working memory here.
http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/executive-function-disorders/what-is-working-memory-why-does-matter

Memory and Children with Learning Disabilities---by W.N. Bender from Pearson Allyn Bacon Prentice Hall & education.com
Good explanations and brief definitions for terms used to discuss “working memory” (good overview).
http://www.education.com/reference/article/memory-children-learning/

How to Help a Child with Weak Working Memory---by Anne Stuart from NCLD
Does your child have a weakness with verbal (auditory) or visual-spatial working memory? Fortunately, there are many ways to help -- from teaching ways to compensate to lifestyle changes to brain-training techniques.
http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/executive-function-disorders/how-to-help-child-with-weak-working-memory

Don't Forget: Memory Tips for ADHD Students---by Matthew Cruger, Ph.D. from ADDitude Magazine
15 expert tips for boosting memory in students with ADHD or learning disabilities and improving academic performance.
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/772.html

Latest Working Memory Articles
Access page to ADHD Treatment: The Digital Approach and other related articles
http://learningworksforkids.com/skills/working-memory/

The Memory Toolbox: 75 Tips and Resources to Go from Amnesic to Elephantic---by Daniel Strauss
Comprehensive article offering very practical and do-able strategies to improve memory. Also includes information about learning styles and their relationship to memory improvement. (Presented in bullet format for easy reading AND remembering!)
http://oedb.org/library/features/the-memory-toolbox

Apps & Games to Help with Working Memory

Crazy Copy Games HD Free Lite - for iPad---by Hien Ton
This app uses working memory by having children repeat combinations of colors.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/crazy-copy-games-hd-free-lite/id376779082?mt=8

Build Your Personalized Brain Training Program (Memory)---by Luminosity
For ALL ages--- Help with recalling the location of objects, learning new subjects quickly and accurately, keeping track of several ideas at the same time, and remembering names after the first introduction
http://www.lumosity.com/app/v4/personalization/surveys/training-program/survey_categories/your-memory/user_survey_responses/new

Featured Video Games for Working Memory (Yes, video games--really!)---from Learning Works for Kids
Descriptions, reviews, ratings and more about how the following video games can help improve working memory:

• Okamiden
Recommended Age: 10+
Skills Used: Flexibility, Focus, Working Memory, Reading
http://learningworksforkids.com/playbooks/okamiden/

• Paladog
Recommended Age: 6+
Skills Used: Focus, Working Memory, Mathematics, Reading
http://learningworksforkids.com/playbooks/paladog/

• Tap Tap Revenge Tour
Recommended Age: 7+
Skills Used: Focus, Working Memory
http://learningworksforkids.com/playbooks/tap-tap-revenge-tour/

• Mario Party 9
Recommended Age: 8+
Skills Used: Flexibility, Focus, Working Memory
http://learningworksforkids.com/playbooks/mario-party-9/

GOAL: Let’s “work” to improve our working memories this week!

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.topnews.in/health/human-brain-bigger-chimps-foetal-stage-216954

There is no doubt that our blog visitors are always looking for resources and tools for dyslexia. These are the number one, sought-after items according to our blog analytics' reports. This continues to be the case week after week.

Many of these visitors are teachers who seek practical and usable information about dyslexia not provided by their school districts and professional organizations. Others are parents who desperately want to help their children succeed in school, despite the struggles with reading those children face daily in their classrooms. Still others are adults who have been challenged with reading issues most of their lives and continue to search for tools and strategies to improve focus, concentration, comprehension and retention.

Because of this continuous demand and the increasing number of phone requests we consistently receive, we have gathered again a new list of tools (both low- and high-tech) to manage the symptoms and effects of dyslexia, allowing challenged readers to focus and read with more success. Additional resources for dyslexia are listed immediately to follow. These tools, resources and information are from both Yale University and the University of Michigan.

Low-Tech & High-Tech Tools for Dyslexia

Technology for Dyslexia
Review of several tech devices specifically helpful to persons with dyslexia
From Yale University
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/Technology.html

Software and Assistive Technology
Description and information about various technologies to help accommodate for challenges and increase self-confidence at home, in the classroom, or on the job
From the University of Michigan’s University Center for the Development of Language & Literacy
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/software-assistive-technology

Assistive Technology at School (Info about Low- and High-Tech Assistive Technology)
A Charter School's Journey into Assistive Technology ---article by Joshua Jenkins
From Yale University
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/EDU_schooltechnology.html

The Reading Focus Card to Help Students with Dyslexia & ADD/ADHD (Low-Tech Tool to Help with Dyslexia)
Review from University of Michigan’s University Center for the University Center for the Development of Language & Literacy
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/latest/reading-focus-card-help-students-dyslexia-addadhd

Apps for Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities-(Collection of both Android and Apple-compatible apps)
List compiled by the University of Michigan’s University Center for the Development of Language & Literacy
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/apps

Other Resources for Dyslexia

Tips from Dyslexic Students for Dyslexic Students
by Nancy Hall
From Yale University
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/DYS_Student2Student.html

Book Scanning Services
As dyslexics struggle with reading, pouring over pages of small, tightly-printed text may not be the best option. Luckily, book scanning has become a viable option for transferring printed text into PDFs and e-Book formats to help dyslexics read.
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/book-scanning-services

Learn About It—What is Dyslexia and Debunking the Myths—Quiz
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/primary-links/learn-about-it%E2%80%94what-dyslexia-and-debunking-myths%E2%80%94quiz

Press Release - Patented ADHD Reading Tools Can Help ALL Kinds of Readers
http://www.pressreleasepoint.com/patented-adhd-reading-tools-can-help-all-kinds-readers

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 courtesy of: http://bookivoremidwest.blogspot.com/2010/07/sustained-silent-reading.html

What is Convergence Insufficiency?

Convergence Insufficiency is a common vision problem that can make reading or staying on-task quite difficult for school-aged children. The condition is caused by poor eye coordination (eye teaming), which prevents the eyes from working together, especially when viewing small images or trying to read fine print. Convergence insufficiency can also cause problems such as eyestrain, fatigue (or visual stress), headaches, and sometimes blurred or even double vision when reading. One or more of these conditions can then often result in poor focus and attention as well as poor reading comprehension and retention.

In many cases, the condition is often not diagnosed. Routine school vision screening cannot check for convergence insufficiency, and it is frequently missed in regular (non-comprehensive) eye exams. In fact, many children with convergence insufficiency are often misdiagnosed with a learning disability, dyslexia or ADD/ADHD.

Vision therapy sessions administered by a medical professional such as a developmental optometrist are sometimes part of the solution for convergence insufficiency. In addition, eye exercises conducted at home may be involved in the treatment as well.

Special Note: If for some reason it is not possible to access services as described above here (because of one's location or type of health insurance plan coverage), consider the use of colored overlays or other non-invasive and customizable tools such as the Reading Focus Cards (U.S. Patent 7,565,759) to assist with the symptoms of convergence insufficiency or other issues experienced by some struggling readers.

Important: Please remember that only a comprehensive eye examination can evaluate for vision-related reading and learning problems.

We thought our readers might be interested in accessing a few apps that might help with convergence insufficiency. This week, these apps and resources are here for you!

Apps for Convergence Insufficiency

1. Top 5 Smartphone Apps for Your Eyes---2 are FREE (mostly Apple-compatible)
Compiled by La Jolla Lasik Institute
http://www.lajollalasik.com/blog/top-5-smartphone-apps-for-your-eyes/

2. More Apps for Convergence Insufficiency (for iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch)
From One Place for Special Needs (may need to register on the site to access)
http://www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com/resources_online/resource_online_results.html?category=&words=convergence+apps

Resources for Additional Information:

1. Information AND additional resources on convergence from the College of Optometrists in Vision Development
http://covd.org/Home/Convergence/tabid/89/Default.aspx

2. Information, Symptoms and References for Convergence Insufficiency from the Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/convergence-insufficiency/DS01146

3. Information and Numerous Resources on Convergence from One Place for Special Needs---Vision therapy exercises a child might do in an office setting (Video) and other related information (may need to register on the site to access)
http://www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com/resources_online/resource_online_results.html?words=eye+teaming

4. Information on Research and Treatment for Convergence Insufficiency
http://www.childrensvision.com/CITT.htm

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://www.autism-community.com/reduced-visual-convergence-in-people-with-autism/