In the blue rectangle is a link to my 4th radio interview (3rd not up yet) from August 24 on the Mix Matters show
In the green rectangle is a link to my 2nd radio interview from July 15.
In the red rectangle is my 1st radio interview from June 1
Every few weeks, I will showcase a video about something in the book. Please contact me if there is a certain topic you want more detail, and I will keep that topic in mind! Scroll through the video gallery to see past videos.
IN THIS VIDEO UPDATE (#11): Kids with ADHD could be in time-out ALL the time. Find out why less time-outs is actually better- but when it IS crucial to give a time-out (safety break). Find out HOW to administer the safety break and what to do with the child after the safety break is over.
Articles/Interviews- Below are articles I have written for professional magazines, journals, and websites. Most asked for specific titles/information, so I had to stick with the information they requested. In addition, there are interviews that newspaper journalists have done about me and my book. (Some articles that I have written are not up yet, but they will be published soon. There is also one more radio interview and a TV Fox National News interview and a WTTO TV interview I have yet to put up). I have written articles on other topics- several on Selective Mutism for the publications of Counseling Today & Choosing Therapy, and on counseling teens in Choosing Therapy. For these, please check out my other website :)
In chapter 12 of Toddlers & ADHD, I talk about how to maneuver effectively in public. This includes professional photo-shoots. This was the only picture that was taken of our family at this photoshoot becuase of the twins and running around the studio, tearing down the backdrop. (I have permission from Lifetouch to use all professional photos).
At the twins' third birthday, Makenzie finally sat down for the last 5 seconds of the 'Happy Birthday' song. Katie was not able to sit down at all during the song. In chapter 12, I have ways of getting through your toddler's birthday party (as well as other toddlers' parties).
Is this Normal,
or is this ADHD?
Many parents question their toddler's behavior and ask, "Is that normal? Or is this ADHD?" Most likely, the answer is "This is normal!" Toddlers will explore their environments with their bodies in space! It doesn't mean they have ADHD! In this particular picture, my twins used what is called 'divergent thinking' to figure out how to get the car to stabilize. At first, Katie (left) tried to get on top and realized that it would tip over, so she ordered Jorie to get in the car so the car would not topple over! Of course, an activity like this needs to be supervised so they don't get hurt. Let toddlers play! It's how they learn best! There is more on this in chapter 1 and chapter 6.
Parent Child Interaction Therapy for ADHD and Anxiety Disorders (Counseling Today- Article #13)
This page also has pictures that relate to different topics discussed in my book. The text below each picture tells what chapter you will find the info in for each photo.
As you can see, this photoshoot went much better! It was also 18 months later, so that played a part. Read chapter 12 of Toddlers & ADHD to find more tips and things to keep in mind when getting professional pictures taken of toddlers with ADHD!
For the their fourth birthday party, they sat still when people sang to them, and they stood for pictures! Check out chapter 12 to get some ideas for birthday party success!
Children with ADHD can present as irritable, demanding, and intrusive on a regular basis....especially with parents or siblings. The truth about intrusive behavior is that these people want to be loved and accepted more than anything. However, they lack in social skills, or they struggle with consistantly using expected social skills. When children with ADHD receive love, they are more apt to give love. This is why chapter 13 will be crucial to read!
Shortly after being on an ADHD medication regimen, my twins sat down with me (stood at the table actually) and completed 14 puzzles. Previously, it had been a struggle for them to complete one! It brought tears to my eyes to see them actually get enjoyment out of an activity and start and complete something. This also meant we could start focussing on some educational things, such as learning letters and numbers, through the use of toys, like these puzzles. ADHD medication options are discussed in chapter 11, and the controversery over medicating toddlers is discussed in chapter 5. There are other treatment strategies to consider before medication, which are discussed in chapter 7, chapter 8, chapter 9, chapter 12, chapter 13, and chapter 14. However, there are a few reasons medicating a toddler should be considered, which are presented in Toddlers & ADHD. (If on medication, I cannot guarantee your child will expereince these same type of "I can now do puzzles" results).
Most families want to do "typical family stuff," which may include celebrating holidays and attending community events. For the Fourth of July, there can be many hazzards because of ADHD toddlers' impulsivity...grabbing for a sparkler without looking where they are grabbing, running away from the group at the local fireworks display, etc. I have a funny story in chapter 6 about how the Fourth of July was a pivotal moment in recognizing my girls' ADHD at 14 months old.
Playing in nature has benefits for ADHD (not only because of the movement involved) but because of just being in nature. This nature concept is discussed in chapter 9. Also, the risk taking behavior associated with ADHD (a 4-year-old jumping out of a tree) is discussed in chapter 2.
Swim lessons are important, and I don't know anyone who disagrees with that. However, toddlers with ADHD attendnig swim lessons can be equally as dangerous. In chapter 12, I cover some things to take into consideration before signing up toddlers with ADHD for swim lessons.
Many people think that more exercise will "cure" ADHD. In chapter 4, I talk about why that is not possible. Although, cardiovascular exercise does bring blood to the frontal lobe, which can have great benefits for ADHD, it won't cure it all together. In this particular photo, you see Katie landing a jump on the balance beam. Gymnastics is not cardiovasular exercise, but it is balance- and there is research behind balance activities that can help keep the brain more focussed, such as in gymnastics, yoga, martial arts, biking, scootering, etc. This topic is covered in chapter 9.
The swinging motion can be very soothing to children with ADHD. Read Toddlers & ADHD to find out how much swinging can prodcue positive effects and the science behind the reasons why. There are many different types of swings, some that will provide vestibular and proprioceptive input, depending on the type of swing. Read chapter 8 to see how swings can benefit ADHD in terms of irritability, attention, or hyperactivity.
Kids with ADHD tend to get injured more freqeuntly than kids without ADHD. This is actually documented information; it's not just my opinion based on the "research study" in my own house! This particular twin has already had two ER visits by age 4. Kids with ADHD get injured for several reasons: They novelty seek, play carelessly & chaotically, and take more risks. You can read about reasons behind these behaviors in chapter 2, chapter 6, and chapter 12. Both my twins have so many bruises up and down their legs, as I did when I was a kid. I remember my doctors asking my mom to leave the exam room to see if I was being abused, which I was not.
Stay Tuned!
Kids with ADHD can have difficulty following directions in addition to maintaining themselves in a car for longer durations. Combining those two concepts together can make for a recipe for disaster on the roads! Read chapters 9, 12, and 14 to find out more details on how to make car trips more successful!