Kelly Williams, LCSW

Positive Discipline is both KIND and FIRM at the same time. ​​​​​​​​
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The most effective treatment for ADHD is a combination of strategies that work together to reduce symptoms and build skills. ​​​​​​​​
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✦ Parent education and training in behavior management have been found to be as effective as medication in reducing symptoms.​​​​​​​​
✦ Stimulant medications have been found to be effective for 80-85% of people with ADHD. ​​​​​​​​
✦ Stimulant medications work by making dopamine more available in the brain. Doctors call it “normalizing dopamine function” it’s the same thing as wearing glasses if your eyes don’t see well. ​​​​​​​​
✦There are only two kinds of stimulants one is called methylphenidate and the other is amphetamine. Most people respond better to one or the other but the only way to know which one is better for your kid is to try both.​​​​​​​​
✦ The school is a necessary part of the treatment plan.​​​​​​​​
✦Academic accommodation for ADHD symptoms is appropriate and beneficial even when grades are good.​​​​​​​​
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➨ This post is based on the American Academy of Pediatrics 2019 update to the Clinical Practice Guideline: Diagnosis and Evaluation of the Child with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.​​​​​​​​
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Did you know that ADHD directly affects virtually all aspects of communication?​​​​​​​​
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Here are the symptoms straight from the diagnostic criteria​​​​​​​​
➺ Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly​​​​​​​​
➺ Often blurts out answers​​​​​​​​
➺ Often talks excessively​​​​​​​​
➺ Often interrupts or intrudes on others​​​​​​​​
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Communication problems result in misunderstandings, reactivity, conflict and increased stress at home, and problems in school 😞​​​​​​​​
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A positive parent-child relationship can reduce conflict and facilitate open, respectful communication. ​​​​​​​​
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♥️ Show interest in your child’s interests and look for easy, joyful experiences with them. ​​​​​​​​
♥️ Be present and listen intently when your child speaks to you. (That means phones away.) ​​​​​​​​
♥️ Normalize communication repair. ADHD or not, everyone makes mistakes. Communication repair grants you and your child the space to acknowledge mistakes, apologize when things go off the rails, and make amends – all of which are important to fostering healthy communication.​​​​​​​​
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In the words of Jim Rohn, one of the greatest gifts you can give to anyone is the gift of attention.