People with ADHD are time-blind: myopic as to the future. What to Work On ADHD disconnects the knowing from the doing. It's a performance disorder. These folk know what others know, but they don't use it/can't access it. So the problem is with doing what you know. People with ADHD can't apply what they know. One solution is to change the point of performance and thus change where the problems are. Don't train skills, but instead, when and where to use them. Use medication. Kids on meds have brains maturing faster than kids who aren't on meds. They regress when they go off meds. People working with Cogmed and similar programs show temporary gains while on the program. Like an athlete, the individual needs to continue with training to see continued benefits. Tighten up the consequences and when they happen. Increase accountability across the day. The problem is not the consequences but rather the delay in their appearance. Stop relying on working memory. Instead, make the information physical in the visible (sensory) field. Use cards, stickies, a journal. Externalize time and time periods related to tasks and important deadlines. For instance, use clocks that show time disappearing. (ADD Warehouse.com.) Break big tasks into many small steps. Don't point at the future. Externalize sources of motivation. These folk are dependent on the environment for motivation as they have no internal motivation. Externalize mental problem solving. Draw out a timeline. Use manipulatives. Replenish the fuel tank by offering greater rewards and positive emotions. Statements of self-efficacy and encouragement. Allow 10 minute breaks or 3+ minutes of meditation. Structure working time for these children: 10 minutes working with 3 minute break. Visualize and talk about future rewards. Routine exercise also fills and expands the fuel tank (aerobic). Glucose ingestion helps (i.e., take a sports drink prior to or during exam). Of course, it is harder to arrange the environment for adults. As a result, meds are even more important for adults. ADHD coaches take on the role of the parent: hold you accountable to your goals.
People with ADHD are time-blind: myopic as to the future. What to Work On ADHD disconnects the knowing from the doing. It's a performance disorder. These folk know what others know, but they don't use it/can't access it. So the problem is with doing what you know. People with ADHD can't apply what they know. One solution is to change the point of performance and thus change where the problems are. Don't train skills, but instead, when and where to use them. Use medication. Kids on meds have brains maturing faster than kids who aren't on meds. They regress when they go off meds. People working with Cogmed and similar programs show temporary gains while on the program. Like an athlete, the individual needs to continue with training to see continued benefits. Tighten up the consequences and when they happen. Increase accountability across the day. The problem is not the consequences but rather the delay in their appearance. Stop relying on working memory. Instead, make the information physical in the visible (sensory) field. Use cards, stickies, a journal. Externalize time and time periods related to tasks and important deadlines. For instance, use clocks that show time disappearing. (ADD Warehouse.com.) Break big tasks into many small steps. Don't point at the future. Externalize sources of motivation. These folk are dependent on the environment for motivation as they have no internal motivation. Externalize mental problem solving. Draw out a timeline. Use manipulatives. Replenish the fuel tank by offering greater rewards and positive emotions. Statements of self-efficacy and encouragement. Allow 10 minute breaks or 3+ minutes of meditation. Structure working time for these children: 10 minutes working with 3 minute break. Visualize and talk about future rewards. Routine exercise also fills and expands the fuel tank (aerobic). Glucose ingestion helps (i.e., take a sports drink prior to or during exam). Of course, it is harder to arrange the environment for adults. As a result, meds are even more important for adults. ADHD coaches take on the role of the parent: hold you accountable to your goals.
barkley_nov11.docx