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  Hug

  From Dorthy23lk Saturday

  Dont Give Up!!!

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  Hug

  From luvsclrwtrbeach Friday

  Hi!
  I'm a former teacher who worked extensively with ADD/ADHD students, and I'd like to commend you on your motivation and persistence. The fact that you've gotten this far despite the challenges you face is an impressive accomplishment!
  What you need to keep in mind is that ADHD isn't a learning disability - it's merely a learning difference. It just means that you have different learning needs than other students, and unfortunately, the average classroom isn't set up to accommodate those needs. So you have to try to compensate, and the fact that you've been successful in school until now is proof of your intelligence and drive. Another thing to keep in mind - once you're out of school and working in a job you like, your ADD can actually be an advantage. I've found that ADD students tend to be creative and able to "think outside the box". Their ability to multi-task is also something that works in their favor. My middle child has mild ADHD, and he's now a very successful chef who owns his own restaurant. Most of the chefs I've met are ADHD. (In that profession, being able to focus on lots of things at once is a real plus!) Lots of successful entrepreneurs have ADD too.
  In the meantime, you should seek out your teachers' help. If you explain to them what you're dealing with, I think you'll find that most will be willing to work with you. As far as things you can do yourself, try to work on organizational skills as much as possible. Write EVERYTHING down, and try to keep your papers separated by subject. It also helps to keep a calendar on your wall or desk where you record assignments, due dates, etc. and cross things off as you finish them. I know kids like to use devices like Blackberries, but the old-fashioned calendar serves as a constant visual reminder of what you need to do.
  When you study class notes, it might help to chunk the information into common topics and study one topic at a time, taking a 10-15 minute break between each one. When you review information you've already studied, see if you can put the info into a rough outline by topic. It's often easier to understand that way. Large blocks of info can be overwhelming, so try to break things done into manageable parts. When you're working on an assignment, finish the most difficult parts first while you're still fresh, and work your way down to the easiest. Another trick I used to teach my ADD kids: when taking a multiple-choice test, try to change the question to a "fill-in-the blanks type". Then cover up the answers, and try to answer without looking at the answer choices. Choose the choice closest to the answer you filled in. For ADD students, the answer choices in a multiple choice test can be distracting or confusing, but if you change to a fill-in, it allows you to focus on the correct response that's in your head. (Hope I explained that clearly - if not, let me know and I'll send you an example.)
  Another thing - it's EXTREMELY difficult for ADD students to focus when they're feeling stressed or pressured. If you get frustrated with an assignment at home, take a break - do some stretching, get a snack, listen to some quiet music - and go back to work when you've decompressed. If you're in class, try some relaxation breathing: deep inhale for three seconds; hold, exhale slowly.
  Hope this is helpful. Keep in touch, and if there's any way I can help, please drop me a note. Good luck!
  PS - I've written a novel about a teacher working with an ADD/ADHD student. It's called Project June Bug, and it might be something you'd enjoy. If you're interested, you can check it out at my website: www.jackieminniti.com. You'll also find some helpful links about ADD/ADHD.

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  Funny Face

  From 5boys October 27

  I saw your big fat frowny face and thought you could use a bit o silly ;) All we have tried so far is some melatonin which is helping him fall asleep, and this stuff out of Canada called Focus Formula. They are called Native Remedies, and they have all sorts of different natural cures. There were some for anxiety, mood stabilizers, and even like bed wetting and stuff. I have only given it to him for one day and so far no change, but they say it needs time to get through the system, so we will see! What other stuff do you do to pass the time besides school?

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  Ray of Sunshine

  From NoFear October 27

  just cause

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  Prayer

  From 5boys October 26

  Hi there.. Just thought you could use a hug and a prayer. I do not have ADD, but I have a 10 year old son who does, and I see the daily struggle he goes through. I have such a hard time not getting frustrated until I remind myself that his frustration has to be higher than mine. I can't give you advice since I am on the other end of it, but I can ask you to please not give up. When I hear that you are at college, it gives me hope that my son may have a successful future. We are trying things the natural way, and it's very new, so I am not sure where he will be as he gets older. Hang in there sweetie, and if you ever just need a listening ear, I have been getting on here daily for support as well, so I check in frequently ;)

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