“Consistent inconsistency” is one of the hallmark features of ADHD that very few people talk about. The most consistent thing about the child or adult with attention challenges is that we are inconsistent. Day-to-day, hour to hour, we can be highly unpredictable. Sometimes, if we are dealing with something that involves our passion in life, […]
Using “Cue-Cards” as an Accommodation
A “cue-card” is a tool that can be used to recall the multiple steps in multiple-step activities. In school, a cue card might list out the steps in division or working with fractions and decimals. At home, a cue card might list out the steps for the child to clean her play room. For the […]
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How Can I Help My ADHD Child or Student Learn?
Researchers at the Brain and Behavior Center in Toronto have found that children with ADHD struggle with learning in very specific ways and they require very specific types of remediation. Based on current research, the child or teen with ADHD benefits most from an education plan that addresses two specific needs: structuring and flexibility. (1) Structuring aimed at helping […]
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Flexiture in Action: Classroom Accommodations
Although flexible structuring works well to address consistent inconsistency at home and in many other situations, structured flexibility is most helpful in the classroom. “What’s the difference?” you may ask. A speech-language pathologist I know would say, “It is purely semantics.” While children with attention and learning disorders do well with structure applied in a flexible way, […]
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Positive Behavior Management in the Classroom
Difficult classroom behavior is often difficult to manage. “Behavior” as it is used here includes not only over-activity and impulsiveness, but also distractibility and day-dreaming. For example, embarrassing a day-dreaming child in front of his peers is not positive behavior management. Consider these alternatives. Structuring Instead of confronting students continually on behaviors that are inappropriate, point […]
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Improve Consistency in the Classroom
One of the most frustrating aspects of attention challenges for teachers is “consistent inconsistency.” Day-to-day, even hour-to-hour, our attention to task can vary significantly. Teachers are reminded one of the hallmark characteristics of attention problems is the variability of work performance across settings. Students with attention problems perform more consistently on tasks they find interesting and stimulating. […]
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Flexible Structuring for Optimal Attention in the Classroom
Classroom accommodations are a vital part of the management process for children who struggle with attention problems. Teachers are encouraged to remember that most inattentive, hyperactive, or impulsive behaviors seen in children with attention problems are not intentional. Accommodations should be used to assist children in managing these behaviors while facilitating success in their academic and personal […]
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Seven Steps to Synergize Your Child’s Education Plan
Stephen R. Covey says “synergy” happens when respectful people collaborate and produce creative solutions that are much better than any of them would have proposed individually. He goes on to say that when you get into synergistic communication, you understand basic underlying needs and interests of all involved and you can find solutions to satisfy […]
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Educational Rights for Public School Students with ADD / ADHD
In the United States, two federal laws provide for public school services or accommodations to eligible students: Special Education and Section 504. Special Education Children with ADHD may qualify under the special education category “Other Health Impairment” (OHI). To receive services, the child must (1) have a diagnosis of ADHD and (2) demonstrate educational need that […]
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Two Thoughts about “Labels”
Recently, I’ve talked with a number of folks who say they don’t like “labeling” children. I agree with their concern: I have seen far too many people misuse and abuse “labels.” Here are my two thoughts about this: 1. We should NEVER label a child! All kids tend to generalize their challenges to who they […]
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Tips for Dealing with Transitions at School
It is important that your child’s educators are aware of the struggles she has during transitions and non-structured situations. If they are aware, teachers can positively cue and target transition activities when your child needs extra support and assistance to be successful. Suggestions for transitions at home can easily be adapted for school. If your child struggles […]
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Six Tips for Dealing with Changes in Routine
Change is hard! Because they thrive on routine, many children with attention difficulties struggle to cope with changes in their daily routines. Resulting behaviors can vary from thunderous silence to a screaming-banshee temper-tantrum. If your child struggles with changes in her routine, try these five suggestions: (1) Keep her daily schedule visible and up-to-date so she […]
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Flexiture* for Student Success! 
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