ADDA-SR Newsletter 12345 Jones Rd., Suite 287-7 August 2014 281-897-0982 Houston, TX 77070 Website:www.adda-sr.org 1 contents How to be More Organized ............... 2 Recipe ................................................. 3 Bookshelf ............................................ 4 Getting Attention ................................ 5 How a Lifestyle Manager can Help ... 8 Medication Corner.............................. 9 About Testing Series......................... 11 ADHD in Real Time......................... 13 What’s New ...................................... 14 Chapter Information ......................... 15 The Board, Staff and Council........... 16 Friends of ADDA-SR ....................... 17 Contact Us ........................................ 19 From The Director’s Desk Pam Esser, M.Ed. In all 27 conferences we have never had to cope with snow and ice. In spite of weather and missing presenters, vendors and attendees, we made it work. Our keynote speaker, Steven Pliszka, M.D. had a cancelled flight so we enjoyed his presentation by phone and PowerPoint. The evaluations still showed that while small, it was a great event. I am continually grateful for the dedication and support of our volunteers, speakers and vendors and I always know we can pull it all together. With help ADDA-SR has educated thousands. We would like to announce our 2015 Award Winners... Twenty Five Year Service Award – Larna Loeckle Hat’s Off Awards (These 4 started the Memorial Par- ent Meeting and a new teen support group, TAGS) -Elaine Akin - Chloe Akin -Melanie Lemanski - Ed McCullough UPCOMING EVENTS Register now • Coping with Dual Diagnosis in the Family Date & Time: Saturday, April 18, 9:00-12:30 Location: 12955 Memorial Drive United Methodist Church 77079, Wesley Hall 3 CEs for psychologists, LCDC, LPC, LMFT, Social Workers Coming Soon • Houston Utilization of New Technology in the Evaluation and Treatment of ADHD • San Antonio Managing Defiant Children and Teens
Transcript
ADDA-SR Newsletter12345 Jones Rd., Suite 287-7 August 2014 281-897-0982 Houston, TX 77070 Website:www.adda-sr.org
What’s New ......................................14
Chapter Information .........................15
The Board, Staff and Council ...........16
Friends of ADDA-SR .......................17
Contact Us ........................................19
From The Director’s DeskPam Esser, M.Ed.
In all 27 conferences we have never had to cope with snow and ice. In spite of weather and missing presenters, vendors and attendees, we made it work. Our keynote speaker, Steven Pliszka, M.D. had a cancelled flight so we enjoyed his presentation by phone and PowerPoint. The evaluations still showed that while small, it was a great event. I am continually grateful for the dedication and support of our volunteers, speakers and vendors and I always know we can pull it all together. With help ADDA-SR has educated thousands.
We would like to announce our 2015 Award Winners...
Twenty Five Year Service Award – Larna Loeckle
Hat’s Off Awards (These 4 started the Memorial Par-ent Meeting and a new teen support group, TAGS)
-Elaine Akin - Chloe Akin-Melanie Lemanski - Ed McCullough
UPCOMING EVENTSRegister now
• Coping with Dual Diagnosis in the Family Date & Time: Saturday, April 18, 9:00-12:30 Location: 12955 Memorial Drive United Methodist
Church 77079, Wesley Hall 3 CEs for psychologists, LCDC, LPC, LMFT, Social Workers
Coming Soon• Houston Utilization of New Technology in the Evaluation and Treatment of ADHD
• San Antonio ManagingDefiantChildrenandTeens
How to be More Organized
Ellen Delap, Certified Professional Organizer
ADDA-SR Newsletter
Each year we reflect on the last year and want a fresh start. About a third of us want to be more or-ganized this year. There are lots of skills to learn to be more organized. It takes more than just orga-nizing skills and decluttering to be more organized. It takes new perspectives. These perspectives are to be intentional, be mindful, be consistent and be less hurried.
Be intentionalEach purchase you make, each item you bring into your home, and each project you put into motion must be intentional. Be sure your actions align with your intentions this year. If your intention is to be more organized, few items should cross your thresh-old without a specific purpose in your life. By being intentional this new year you will find less paper, stuff and mind clutter.
Be mindful
Keep alert to what derails you this year. As you are proceeding on with new and existing projects, stay in the moment of that project. It’s easy to start but hard to complete or follow through. Those projects include both home and work projects. Distractions of all sorts take you off track. Give yourself the opportunity to be more organized this year by being mindful.
Be consistentIt’s hard to do the same whatever over and over again. But that’s what makes for steady progress and lasting maintenance. You can have the most organized files, home, or office, but it’s the mainte-nance that makes for ongoing organization. Con-sistency comes from having a routine to accomplish your tasks. It is having a structure in your week that gives you a time to get organized and stay orga-nized.
Be less hurriedTime is the most important part of organization. When we are hurried, everything falls apart. We rush in and out of our homes and offices, leaving no time to organize our stuff, let alone put it where it belongs. When we pace ourselves well, we can leave ourselves time to organize our papers before a meet-ing, put away our purchases where they belong and get ready for the next day. Whether it’s with medi-tation, prayer or through physicality, set in motion ways to help yourself to be less hurried this year. The impact on your organizing will be rewarding.
Make this your most organized year ever!
Certified Professional Organizer and Family Manager Coach Ellen Delap is the owner of Professional-Or-ganizer.com. Since 2000, she has worked one on one with her clients in their home and offices streamlin-ing their environment, creating effective strategies for an organized lifestyle and helping prioritize orga-nization in their daily routine.
To learn more about her and her work, email: [email protected] or visit:
www.professional-organizer.com
facebook.com/EllenDelapProfessionalOrganizer
@TexasOrganizer
2
3
ADDA-SR Newsletter
Featured RecipeFeatured in ADDA-SR Cookbook
Available Now! $10
adda-sr.org
• 1 c butter• 1c sifted powdered
sugar• 1/2 tsp salt• 1/4 applesauce
• 1 tsp vanilla• 2 1/2 cups siffted
flour • 1/2 c sugar• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Cream butter and gradually add powdered sugar and salt. Add applesauce and vanilla, gradually add flour. Shape scant teaspoonfuls into balls and place on ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten to 1/4 inch with bottom of small glass dipped in sugar. Bake at 325° for 15-18 min. Mix the sugar and cinnamon and dust or roll warm cookies in it. Yield: 3-4 dozen; Tip: bottom of liqueur or shot glass works well.
Pam EsserADDA-SR Executive Director
Cinnamon Dandies
‘Never A Dull Moment’ DVDLearn from the experts - Parents who have been there!
If your child has ADD or ADHD this DVD will be invaluable. Parents with years of experience discuss vital subjects that will affect you on a day-to-day basis. They include: Getting an ADD diagnosis, Talking about ADD with your child, Medication, School, Discipline, Getting help, How ADD affects marriages and families, and Expectations for the future.
It is hoped that these real-life accounts will help you deal with the difficulties of ADD, and encourage you to learn more. Though an ADD diagnosis may seem overwhelming, you will see on this DVD that doing all that you can for your child will lead to many opportunities for pride, joy, and the satisfaction of making progress.
“I highly recommend ‘Never a Dull Moment’ as a well-rounded discussion of what life is truly like rearing a child with ADHD. It is both informative and sensitive to the common emotional experiences of parents.”
Dr. Leatha Cole, Board Certified General/Adolescent Psychiatrist, Houston, Texas
“As a principal of an elementary school I would urge parents whose teachers have said their child has problems with attention, to watch and learn from this DVD. It answers questions and allays fears.”Carol Kanewske, Principal - Al J. Condit Elementary School, Houston, Texas.
Available Now! $10
adda-sr.org
BookshelfRecommended Books
The publishing segment covering the hottest area of need in American culture is Business and Econom-ics/Careers/Job Hunting. There are hundreds of good books available in this area. However, there are only a few that have been published since the fundamental relationship between people and work has changed. The Life Redirection Handbook: A Guide to Voca-tional Peace and Success includes everything that the job seeker or the person looking for something more in their work life needs. The author, Douglas R. Anderson, is a formally trained life and executive coach who has worked with a large organization that represents the most successful model of executive job search in the new economy.
The job market is changing at a rapid rate as a result of many powerful forces acting on the new economy. An understanding of these forces and how they will affect the job seeker is necessary for success in the new economy. The rate of change that is occurring is above the threshold of pain of most participants. To
find success, change cannot be ignored or reacted to but must be mastered and directed. Since the world is changing, the job seeker must also change. Successful change occurs from knowing yourself, knowing where your discipline is going, and having the skills and techniques to compete.
Systematic social networking will now be the ever-present skill for a successful career. In 15 practical chapters The Life Redirection Handbook provides what any person needs when questioning where they are in their work life. The book starts with where we are as a working society, what tools we need to under-stand ourselves, how we deal with the new economy, what skills we must have, the models most likely to result in success, and how we deal with the spiritual challenge that most job searches present. The amount of time that it takes to find a good job in a highly competitive environment is very wearing on high achievers. Additional issues must be dealt with for job seekers who get stuck in their search.
This book is the result of the author working with hundreds of high-level, successful professionals and executives who have successfully dealt with all the is-sues of finding a job in line with their past experience or who have redirected their lives to new work more in line with their values. No single source today pro-vides more information, insights, understanding, and emotional support than The Life Redirection Hand-book. Now available at Amazon.com, Abebooks.com, Alibris.com and other quality booksellers for $15.99
Douglas R. Anderson will be a speaker at the ADDA-SR 27th Annual Conference on February 28, Doubl-tree Hotel by the Galleria, Dallas, TX
4
ADDA-SR Newsletter
Book Release Announcement
The Life Redirection HandbookDouglas R. Anderson
ADDA-SR Newsletter
5
Getting AttentionInterview with Executive Director, Pam Esser, M.Ed.
*Article originally published in Nside Texas Business Magazine July/ August 2014Jody Joseph Marmel
A “grassroots” movement began in Houston back in 1987 as families began meeting at the invitation of concerned staff of the Texas Children’s Hyperactiv-ity Assessment and Treatment Center in Houston. As a result of this initiative, the ADHD Association of Texas emerged to provide support, education, and self-advocacy for themselves and the community.
Pam Esser, the Executive Director of ADDA-SR explains the growth of this important association. “We continued to grow with memberships, added new sup-port groups and began distributing a quarterly news-letter to members. Volunteers continued to network with other families, professional organizations and experts in the field. The first of 26 annual conferences was held and we began to conduct educational work-shops throughout the region.” Since then, ADDA-SR has participated in the production of an educational video entitled “Never a Dull Moment”, added chapters addressing the needs of adults, became a provider for continuing education credits and initiated a web site.
Esser details the evolution and how ADDA-SR was formed. “We began to have support group meetings and others started new groups in their area. In 1992, we found another organization, The Association for Parents of Hyperactive Children with several support groups and a similar mission. We merged to become the Attention Deficit Disorders Association-Southern Region. While we always try to reach the surround-ing states, it has been hard to do and has varied widely through the years.”
The mission of ADDA-Southern Region is to provide a resource network, support individuals impacted by attention deficit disorders and related conditions, advocate for the development of community resources and services which meet the educational, social and health care needs of all individuals with ADD/ADHD, keep the public informed through the media, newslet-ters, referral services, support groups, educational programs and an annual conference.
“I tell people we offer education, support, referral for resources and self-advocacy. When someone first hears the diagnosis, they want information and action. If they need a healthcare provider, we can help and we can supply information about educational laws or refer them to other organizations if needed. When they are sure it is ADHD they are coping with, we hope they will come to our educational events and become a member to receive the latest news and helpful strate-gies from experts in the field. We strongly encourage attendance at support groups when available. Experi-ence has shown us we must learn to be our child’s or family member’s advocate so they can learn to be one for themselves.”
When someone lets ADDA-SR know that they are interested in starting a group, they send a New Chap-ter Packet with the details such as by-laws, tips to start, sign in forms and more. “We work with them to determine the best time, place and audience. We have some groups designed for adults with ADHD but most groups are for parents. However, we find that every-one can benefit from any meeting and attendees can include teachers, counselors, friends, family members and anyone interested or supporting someone else,” says Esser.
“The mission of ADDA-Southern Region is to provide a resource
network, support individuals... ad-vocate for the development of com-
munity resources and services which meet the educational, social and
health care needs of all individuals with ADD/ADHD...”
6
The new leader starts by spreading the word with the brochures and emails to reach schools, mental health providers, families and all others that would be inter-ested in the new group. Esser and her staff can also offer the contacts for those they already have in the database. ADDA-SR also helps with phone and email support and works to locate speakers and topics until they are more comfortable. The leaders or ADDA Reps share ideas and speakers with each other.
“... One of the most important goals is to demolish the stigma faced by those with ADHD and all mental
health conditions.”
ADDA-SR offers a very wide variety of educational events including at least 4 workshops a year and an annual conference in February of each year which rotates between Houston and Dallas. These are mostly for parents, adults and those seek-ing continuing educa-tion credits. They have also held dinners with a chef sharing recipes, holiday strategies and a dessert gathering with “Laughing your Way through Stress” with the presentations open to anyone. You do not have to have ADHD to come and have a good time! "We are especially proud of our workshops that include a panel of teens. Internationally recognized author and presenter, Chris Zeigler Dendy, is a long-
time friend of ADDA-SR and these events are very well attended. We have had conference attendees from Germany, Italy and Alaska.”
An important aspect of ADDA-SR is the Professional Advisory Council (PAC) which was formed in 1988. The current group of 24 includes psychiatrists, psy-chologists, educators, a nurse, authors, a behavior ther-apist, counselors, life coaches, tutors, a developmental pediatrician, an educational consultant and substance use professional. While new members are added to PAC, others have served since the inception. “We count on them to keep us updated on new information, speak at support groups and events, write articles and serve as a wonderful resource.”
Dr. Fink has been a PAC member since 1988. “As a child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist that has been involved with ADDA-SR since its inception, I am proud to help the organization educate the community
about this relatively common, but serious and fre-quently misunderstood disorder.” Dr. Fink concludes, “I have been privileged to help ADDA-SR in its mission to educate the community by talking at work-
Getting Attention Continued...
ADDA-SR Newsletter
7
ADDA-SR Newsletter
Getting Attention Continued...
shops and conferences, writing for the newsletter and advising regarding proposed presentations by other professionals.”
Robbie Sharp, Ph.D. adds, “ADDA-SR provides a great referral service for me, for the patients I am working with, for the parents of patients I am work-ing with and new clinicians and clinicians-in-training that I supervise. The conference provides excellent training for all of these groups as well as for seasoned professionals who might not be working specifically in ADHD. It also provides an opportunity for those of us in the Houston or Dallas areas (especially) to network and get to know each other. Since both Houston and Dallas are such huge cities, having referrals that I trust in various parts of the city is important. The support groups are wonderful places for parents or for patients to connect to others who may be encountering the same problems with school, work, relationships, or other areas in their lives, as well as opportunities to learn more about different approaches that have been effective for them. As a ‘grandparent’ of the organiza-tion, (I was around when the group was first formed) I am proud of what ADDA has accomplished in terms of educating the public and mental health profession-als in our part of the world.”
“It is imperative that someone that is struggling receive evaluation and
treatment.”
Looking ahead, ADDA-SR has plans that include increasing their referral list, starting new groups in areas that do not have one and to increase membership as well as write grants to expand their projects. Esser says, “We are pleased about plans for our next event addressing dual diagnosis when a person has a mental condition in conjunction with a substance use prob-lem. Plans include workshops on money management, behavior plans and for the first time, one especially for Dad-others are welcome too. We will be back in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for our 27th conference in February, 2015.”
Esser and the staff and members of ADDA-SR feel that one of the most important goals is to demolish the stigma faced by those with ADHD and all mental health conditions. It is an ongoing journey for many organizations and their constituents. The overall goals remain the same since they started in November, 1987. ADDA-SR plans to be here for a long time, provid-ing resources, teaching self-advocacy, supporting and serving as many as possible that live with, treat and teach those with attention deficit disorders and related conditions. “We want to continually develop resources and services which meet the educational, social and health care needs of all individuals with ADHD.”
There are still many myths and misunderstandings about those with ADHD. “I often say that they are thought of as 4 letter words; for children it is BRAT and for adults, LAZY. They are neither! This is not willful behavior. Most are very bright and creative people that have to cope with often overwhelming traits such as difficulty focusing, lack of ability to discern essential facts and the dangerous trait of im-pulsivity. They do not think different thoughts but lack the filter to keep them to themselves. These character-istics can cause misunderstanding, annoyance and can lead to problems with learning, relationships, keeping a job and can even lead to trouble with the law and self-medication.”
It is imperative that someone that is struggling receive evaluation and treatment. This can include study and social skills training, training for their parents to learn skills to cope with behavior and learning issues, use of modifications and accommodations and knowledge of the educational laws and the Americans with Disabili-ties Act (ADA). Esser concludes, “Those with ADHD may have very moderate symptoms, very severe ones and may even be coping with an additional comorbid disorder such as anxiety or depression. We encourage seeking out a qualified professional in the field, seek-ing counseling or skill training as needed, a support group and learning all that they can to self-advocate and be able to live the life they want.”
8
ADDA-SR Newsletter
How a Lifestyle Manager can Help your Family
Arlene Brunn, CCS
How a lifestyle manager can help your familyADHD is the most frequently diagnosed behavioral disorder in children. Its impact can be widespread, affecting not only school and academic performance, but home, peer relationships and social-emotional de-velopment. Families are faced with a larger number of behavioral, development and educational disturbances requiring more time, logistics and energy to be spent. These demands cause more stress on marriages and the family as a whole. This also causes the financial bur-den of treating the disorder and its associated psychiat-ric disorders. When the family is chronically stressed, both the children and adults are at a higher risk for other physical and mental health issues.
How can a lifestyle manager/concierge help?
Lifestyle managers/concierge are showing up in al-most every industry these days (automotive, medical, credit card companies, department stores, you name it!). Personal lifestyle managers are being utilized by families– turning more and more of their lives over to others. Families have a big range of problems to deal with – kids, carpools, dogs, homes. Lifestyle managers are not just a fringe benefit for the wealthy and celebri-ties anymore; people are hiring them to help them with their busy lives.
Lifestyle managers are here to do the things that you have to, giving you time to do the things you want to, like spend more time with your family and friends, relax or just get through the week!*
Some of the things they can do to help your family:
• General errands – dry cleaning, pharmacy pick-ups, grocery shopping, gift shopping/wrapping/ship-ping, wait for services (utility, cable, contractors), taking car to get serviced
• Special projects – contractor referrals, oversee remodels, assist with events, organizing, home watch services, pet services
Check out our blog articles on our website at: www.westhoustonerrandservice.com/blog for ex-amples of some of the things we have done for our clients.
*(Adapted from “52 Ways to Use a Concierge” by Katharine Giovanni, CCS).
Arlene Brunn, CCS, is the owner/lifestyle manager of West Houston Errand Service. “If it’s legal, moral and ethical, we’ll do it.” “When you can’t be there, we can!” 281-989-0502 www.WestHoustonEr-randService.com
Let Me Take Care of Your “To-Do List” For You!
Between your career, family, and long list of errands, is your TIME account always overdrawn? Do you put in a full day at work and just can’t bear the thought of stopping at the grocery store, paying bills or banking?
Don’t have TIME to wait for the contractor? These are just a few things West Houston Errand Service can do for you.
In this article I will follow up from my previous Psychopharmacolgy Newsletter on the physiologi-cal psychological and social changes in middle age to beyond. As previously noted there are a number of changes that occur naturally as we age that can mimic ADHD. The aging process effects us cogni-tively some more than others. ADHD however is not associated with any increase of Alzheimers, Demen-tia, Parkison’s Disorders. However the normal Mild Cognitive Disorder of older age may have a greater impact because of the difficulty with organizing, working memory, and distractibility of ADHD. The long-term effects of alcohol and drugs use can also lead to similar impairments. The uses of certain Vi-tamins and nutrients have been shown to improve these aspects of cognition. Some people seem to need extra methylated forms of Vit B12 and Folic Acid. A special enzyme is needed to methylate Folic Acid and
“The aging process effects us cog-nitively some more than others.
ADHD however is not associated with any increase of Alzheimers,
Dementia, Parkison’s Disorders.”
Vit B12 so that these can go over the Blood Brain Barrier into the brain so that neurotransmitters can be made. Some people do not make enough of the enzyme genetically or this enzyme wears out and the person loses cognitive capabilities or becomes de-pressed. Omega 3 which is high in fish oils, flax seeds, nuts are necessary for normal brain function. They increase the speed of transmission of signals in the brain. Some research has shown that taking these oils improves cognition, ADHD, working memory. How-
ever do they reach the brain? The use of a phospho-lipid serine improves the flow into the brain. I have used Vayacog to improve memory and Vayarin to im-prove ADHD symptoms. The use of Aricept or _Me-mantadine has had mixed results in Mild Cognitive Impairment, but have not shown to improve ADHD symptoms in this age group. There is minimal evi-dence that these medicines help Mild Cognitive Im-pairment.
“The medicines we use in child-hood ADHD are still effective
in this age group, however some risks need to be monitored for. Adults are more susceptible to rising blood pressure and pulse
rate.”
Jay Tarnow, M.D.
Introducing LAB-18 an intensive approach to treating ADHD
18-Week ADHD Program Includes: ADHD Coaching Therapy for Emotional Regulation Social Skills Training Parent Education
Weinberger, Black and Associates6565 West Loop South #750 Bellaire, TX 77401713.839.9500www.weinbergerblack.com
ADHD Testing
Available
LAB-18
The medicines we use in childhood ADHD are still effective in this age group, however some risks need to be monitored for. Adults are more susceptible to rising blood pressure and pulse rate. Stimulants are still the most effective for symptoms of distractibil-ity, disorganization, and poor detailing. These need to be carefully monitored in this population. As you can imagine telling someone with ADHD to moni-tor anything can be frustrating. Adults of this age group are starting to have cardiovascular symptoms. Caution needs to be exercised since these medicines cause vasoconstriction and can worsen hypertension, poor circulation, and chest pain. Stimulants also can decrease sleep, which is often already a problem in Middle to old age. It would not be a good idea to use a benzodiazepine for this problem since they are associ-ated with dementia in older age. I suggest a trial of Melatonin. Loss of appetite can also be a problem for the older generation. This can often lead to a vitamin or protein deficiency.
“Stimulants are still the most effective for symptoms of
distractibility, disorganization, and poor detailing... Caution
needs to be exercised since these medicines cause vasoconstric-tion and can worsen hyperten-
sion, poor circulation, and chest pain.”
Guanfacine or Clonidine will help with ADHD symp-toms and lower Blood Pressure. These are particular-ly helpful when anxiety is present. Intuniv is a long acting guanfacine that can be very helpful since it can be given at night minimizing daytime sedation. I will use these agents in combination with stimulants to control high blood pressure caused by the stimulants. There are antidepressants, which have been shown to have effects on ADHD symptoms. They work on a 24
hour basis and need 3 weeks to build up. Bupropion has been shown to be helpful in ADHD to a minor degree in adults. It is a dopamine reuptake inhibi-tor and a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. I also use Imipramine, Desipramine, or Amitryptilline, all of which can cause sedation. These have multiple ef-fects on neurotransmitters.
As one reaches Middle age the needs for ADHD meds may be greater but can be more complicated by medi-cal conditions.
“As one reaches Middle age the needs for ADHD meds may be
greater but can be more complicated by
medical conditions.”
Jay D. Tarnow, M.D. is a board certified child, ado-lescent, and adult psychiatrist and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychi-atry and of the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Tarnow is considered a leading national expert on childhood and family stress as well as on neuro-psychiatric disorders. He has spent the last 30 years developing his model for the treatment of Self-Man-agementsm Disorders (i.e., ADHD, Tourette’s Syn-drome, PDD). Dr. Tarnow has served as Executive Director of the Houston Child Guidance Center and as Director of Child Psychiatry Training at the Uni-versity of Texas Medical School in Houston. He is currently a Clinical Associate Professor at both the Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Texas Health Science Center. Dr. Tarnow is the Direc-tor of the Tarnow Center for Self-Managementsm, an integrative mental health practice of psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers who work collab-oratively to promote a patient’s growth.
Visit the Tarnow Center at http://www.tarnowcenter.com/
continued...
ADDA-SR Newsletter
10
Psycho-educational evaluations are formal procedures performed by a licensed psychologist that assess a per-son’s cognitive and emotional development, learning, intellect, memory, academic achievement, behavior, and mental health. Testing contains different assess-ment tools and procedures depending on the referral question, past testing, and presenting concerns. The tests may include valid and reliable measures, inter-views with the client and parents, checklists and self-reported ratings, observations and review of client’s history and development, and forms to be completed by parent and teachers.
Children and teens are often referred for testing by their school, physicians, and therapist, but parents may also make referrals for their children. Below are various types of concerns and questions for which a psycholo-gist might use testing to help determine the answers.
Scenario One: “My 11-year-old son is getting in trouble at school for getting out of his chair, not completing school work, talking out of turn, and bothering other students. He says he is bored with school and his grades are suffer-ing. Is this a behavioral problem, learning issues, or possible ADHD?”
Testing: A Psycho-Educational Evaluation would be conducted to assess for possible problems in one’s ability to sustain and maintain focus or be able to stay still. Teachers and parents are often asked to complete observation forms about the child’s behavior. Intellectual and academic achievement testing may evaluate the student’s abilities and performance in order to determine if any learning differences or intellectual difficulties may be impeding academics or social relationships. The child’s emotions
and behaviors are often evaluated through an interview, observation, and self-report measures.
Scenario Two: “My six year old daughter does not interact with other kids, tends to stay to herself, has problems starting con-versations with others, doesn’t speak often, and seems interested in few activities? Are these developmental or social issues? Is my child on the Autism Spectrum Disorder?”
Testing:The testing would likely fall under an Autism Spectrum Disorder/ Developmental and Social Psychological Evaluation. The testing will involve a thorough devel-opmental and social functioning history, Autism Spec-trum Disorder specific measures, intellectual testing, academic achievement testing, as well as observation report measures from the parent and teachers.
Scenario Three: “My brother is a sophomore in college and his room-mates called to tell me that he is not attending class, does not take showers, and tends to stay bed all day. He was always around his friends, upbeat, and passionate about school. Could this be depression? Is he suicidal? Are there other factors going on such as drugs or alco-hol?”
Testing: College is often a stressful transition and students tend to experience a number of changes and increased re-sponsibility, which can equal stress. A Psychological Evaluation assessing his mood, attention, thought pro-cess, personality, and substance use would likely be conducted. In addition, historical and medical informa-tion would be gathered in order to evaluate any other
ABOUT TESTING SERIES(Part 1 of 3)
What is Psycho-Educational Testing and What Is It For?
Barbara Martinez Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist
11
causal factors into his current functioning.
WhatarethebenefitsofPsycho-educationalTesting?
Psycho-educational testing can identify specific and significant learning differences, intellectual abilities and deficits, attentional issues, developmental and so-cial abilities, academic strengths along with specific areas where the client can improve. Even more impor-tant, testing can provide specific recommendations, which will help level the playing field and support the student by enlisting academic accommodations. The accommodations are utilized to support the student’s performance within their educational and learning envi-ronment, thereby raising achievement, self-esteem, op-portunities, and motivation. Strategies can be learned by which information can be processed (inside one’s head, outside of one’s head) in a more efficient manner, thus reducing the amount of effort required during test-ing and the stress this causes.
Such academic accommodations may include one-on-one tutoring, testing in a distraction free room, modi-fication of classroom work and tests, individual tutor-ing, or use of adaptive aides for classroom work such as calculators, audio-transcription programs, and colored laminate sheets. Medication and behavioral strategies might also be recommended, and these may produce tremendous results.
Each child deserves the best learning environment, despite learning differences, intellectual difficulties, physical limitations, attentional issues, or developmen-tal and social delays. Psycho-Educational assessment and testing is a first step in formulating a plan for the child to help their personal and academic achievement growth.
The option for accommodations and success of the stu-dent is supported by Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabili-tation Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, Amendments Act of 2008.
Tune in for the next article, Making Sense of the Re-sults and Recommendations in a Test Report and What to do with Them.
Dr. Barbra Martinez, Chief of Testing Services of Wein-berger, Black & Associates (Bellaire), is a licensed psy-chologist offering ADHD, psycho-educational and oth-er testing services. She may be reached at Weinberger, Black & Associates. (713) 839-9500 or by email at [email protected]. Please visit our website at weinbergerblack.com for additional testing information and treatment offered.
Testing Series Continued...
Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice.
Support Attention Deficit Disorders Association- Southern Region by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com.
12
ADHD in Real Time Over the Top!
An ADDA-SR column written by Barbara Beard
Observing the behavior of children is always a blast for me. I love interacting with them and watching them learn. My Dad believed they are the most un-predictable creatures on earth and therefore you can never let your guard down. We have certainly found that to be true with Ben, but I have also been fortu-nate to spend some time with wonderful and creative children at our church. Their capacity for joy and for surprising the adults around them seems nearly limitless.
“I’ve been waiting my WHOLE LIFE to live in a house like this!”
A year after we married, my husband and I were house hunting and bought a small “starter” home in an older neighborhood in Beaumont. Our small “starter” home suddenly and unexpectedly became very tiny, and even cramped, when Ben came into our lives. We loved our neighborhood so much that when we wanted a bigger house, we upgraded to a larger home on the same street. Shortly before moving in Ben and I (he was all of 5 at the time) walked down to the “new” house (empty at the time) to just look around and dream together about what life would be like for our family with 800 more square feet, a big-ger yard, a tree house in the back yard (woo hoo!) . . . As we neared the “new” house, Ben says “Mom, I’ve been waiting my WHOLE LIFE to live in a house like this!” He was so expressive, so very seri-ous, happy and tremendously excited. His reaction was partly the result of his exuberant and talkative temperament, and probably also the result of the fact that many children with ADHD have reactions which are more “over the top” than those of a neuro-typical child.
More recently I’ve had the privilege of teaching some classes at church where there are two little boys, younger than Ben, that also have ADHD. They are both highly intelligent children and both quite ex-pressive, just like Ben. Last year during this sea-
son we decided the “shut-ins” at church would enjoy receiving home-made Christmas cards from the kids. The cards would not be prepared with a specific per-son in mind. In other words, the children would simply prepare a card – and these would be given to the shut-ins randomly. I faithfully gathered supplies together for the children. Class began and I asked the children if they knew what a “shut-in” was. It was a term completely unfamiliar to these 3rd and 4th graders, so I began explaining that the word usu-ally referred to an older person who was rarely able to leave their home. “Why would they never leave their home?” the children asked. My explanation was “They usually have problems with their health that prevent them from doing very much at all. Perhaps their legs don’t work well, or they have some kind of illness that keeps them close to home.” The children completed their cards and as I was looking over them, I realized that I had forgotten how very literal ALL children can be at that age. One of the very smart little boys with ADHD had completed a card with snowflakes on the front. At the bottom of the front of the card he had written, “I know your legs aren’t working.” Oh no . . . then on the inside of the card he drew a picture of a house with a yard, trees, sun and then this caption: “Well I know how to cheer you up. Look at these pictures and learn about the outside world.”
Barbara Beard, a resident of Beaumont, is Mom to 12 year old Benjamin and wife to Michael D. Beard. She is a librarian at Beaumont Public Library System and manages their adult literacy programs. Her in-volvement in ADDA is the result of having cared and advocated for Benjamin and Michael, both of whom have an attention deficit disorder. As Ben is adopted and not biologically related to his parents, the fam-ily thinks it’s an interesting coincidence that both Daddy and Son have ADD/ADHD. Barbara and Michael are learning to laugh through the hard days and remind one another of all the blessings they’ve experienced in 17 years of marriage.
ADDA-SR Newsletter
13
14
ADDA-SR Newsletter
What’s New
Eye Test May Diagnose ADHD, Predict Treatment Response
New research suggests that a simple test examining involuntary eye movements may tell if someone has ADHD and whether stimulant medication will be an effective treatment. Investigators from Tel Aviv Uni-versity in Israel observed increased microsaccades (small, jerk-like, involuntary eye movements) and blink rates in adults with ADHD. These reactions were normalized with methylphenidate treatment."We had 2 objectives going into this research," lead investigator Moshe Fried, PhD, from the Gold-schleger Eye Institute, said in a statement. "The first was to provide a new diagnostic tool for ADHD, and the second was to test whether ADHD medica-tion really works — and we found that it does. It is certainly not a placebo, as some have suggested."
Investigators recorded involuntary eye movements in 22 adults with ADHD with and without methyl-phenidate and 22 control individuals while they per-formed the test of variables of attention (TOVA). The results showed that unmedicated ADHD pa-tients had significantly higher rates of eye blinks and microsaccades compared with control participants. Additionally, they report that stimulant medication had a "striking effect" on involuntary eye movements,
with full normalization.
“In my opinion, a diagnostic strategy, accessing the eye to find a diagnostic tool, has a
lot of potential to reach clinic and is a promising tool for the
future”
Dr. Bubl, an expert in this field said, "In my opinion, a diagnostic strategy, accessing the eye to find a diag-nostic tool, has a lot of potential to reach clinic and is a promising tool for the future” .
The study was published in the August issue of Vi-sion Research.
Chapter Information
15
ADDA-SR Newsletter
Chapter MeetingsDALLAS - FORT WORTH AREADFW Information and ReferralMelissa Petty, LMSW, 972-458-9226, [email protected]
FORT WORTHMeets 2nd Sundays, 4:00 to 5:30 pm, Life Church DFW, 7850 Davis Boulevard, North Richland Hills, TX 76180, Susan Melton, [email protected], 682-622-1634 or 817-812-2799, Janet Brammer, 817-770-3492, [email protected]
MESQUITE Meets every other month, 2nd Tuesdays, 7-8:30 pm, Septem-ber 10, November 11, Mesquite ISD Professional Develop-ment Center, 2600 Motley Dr, Mesquite, TX 75150 , Opal Harris 972-467-9299, [email protected], Ron Mart, 972- 240-3259, [email protected], Kelly Smith, 972 882-7519, [email protected]
HOUSTON AREABAY AREALarna Loeckle, 281-332-3300, [email protected]. Larna is seeking a volunteer to work with her to start meetings again.
HOUSTON ADDults Meets 3rd Thursdays, year round, 7:00-8:30 pm, Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Drive, Room D 216, Martha Class, [email protected]
KATYMeets 2 Sundays, year round, 6:30-8:30 pm, St. Peter’s Unit-ed Methodist Church, 20775 Kingsland Blvd., Room S201. Check before attending, may be co-sponsoring a presentation and therefore meeting on a different night. Laura Peddicord, 281-392-6064, [email protected]
KINGWOOD / HUMBLE / ATASCOCITA Meets one Thursday each month, 7 pm, Good Shepherd Epis-copal Church, 2929 Woodland Hills Dr., Susan MacHugh, 281-812-3182, [email protected]
MEMORIAL Meets 2nd Saturdays, 9:30-11 am, Ages 14 thru adult, Educere Tutoring, 9032 Gaylord Dr. #302, 77024, Ed McCullough, 713-465-0522, [email protected]
NORTHWEST HOUSTONMeets 2 Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, Foundry United Methodist Church, 8350 Jones Road, The Parlor Room, Liz Jarvis, 281-955-2518, [email protected]
OTHER TEXAS GROUPSTYLER Suzanne Brians, 903-581-0933, [email protected] No monthly support meetings, still offering special events. Su-zanne is seeking a volunteer to work with her to start meetings again.
PLEASE NOTE: We recommend that you call before attending any meetings as they may be moved to accommodate holidays. Many chapters do not meet in June, July August, and December.
No meetings but contacts available for resources and re-ferrals
BEAMONT AND SURROUNDING AREABarbara Beard, 409-291-9722, [email protected]
BRAZOS VALLEY Karan Marko, 979-823-1614, 979-412-3768,
Board of DirectorsCarlye Read, PresidentCarol Hess, Vice PresidentOpal Harris, SecretaryJudy German, Treasurer & Spanish LiaisonChristina Valdez, Spanish LiaisonBarbara Beard, Member at LargeMarian Bryant, Member at Large Bill Harris, Member at LargeLaura Peddicord, Member at LargeAmy Toreson, Member at Large
StaffPam Esser, M. Ed., Executive DirectorLena Valdez, Administrative Assistant
Administrative Volunteer StaffMelissa Petty, LMSW
Professional Advisory Council
Stewart Ater, M.D. Houston, TXRobin R. Binnig, Ph.D. Dallas, TXCarla Crutsinger, M.S. Carrollton, TXChris A. Zeigler Dendy, M.S. Cedar Bluff, ALTommy Dendy, B.S. Cedar Bluff, ALElizabeth Dybell, Ph.D. Houston, TXNancy Eisenberg, LCSW, LMFT Houston, TXJoel Farb, M.A. Houston, TXAaron H. Fink, M.D Houston, TXMyron Friedman, Ph.D. Houston, TXBrian T. Goonan, Ph.D. Houston, TXSusan Istre, Ph.D. Dallas, TX Michael S. Kramer, M.D. Dallas, TX
Gold Donors· Chris & Tommy Dendy· Tom & Carolyn Hamilton· Robbie Sharp, Ph.D.
Silver Donors· Paul E. DeRoulet· Nancy Eisenberg, M.S.W., LMSW - ACP, LMFT· Susan Istre, Ph.D.· Michael & Melissa Petty· Robbie Sharp, Ph.D.
Bronze Donors· All Products· John & Sandra Calpakis· Jimmie Sue Siptak, MS LPC· West Houston Errand Service
Copper Donors· Michele Arnold· Arlene Brunn · Rhonda Darkins· Nancy & Norm Eisenberg· Aaron H. Fink, M.D.· Kimberly Harrison· Beth Hearn· William E. Hess & Louise A. Hess Charitable Fund· Susan Istre, Ph.D.· Nancy Kling· Audrey Libka· Jack McHone· Gina R. Novellino, Ph.D.· Bob & Laura Peddicord· Thomas & Susan Pignetti· Theresa Stojan· Jay D. Tarnow, M.D.· Taffi Tippit· J. Mike White, M.D.
Grants· Hamilton Family Foundation· Texas Council For Developmental Disabilities
Pals· ATT United Way/ Employee Giving Campaign· Douglas & Janet Anderson· Ray & Kathleen Autry· Kathy Baker· Lisa Breech· Sheila Coleman· Deborah Fisher· Alexandra M. Harmon· Robert Hughes· Bridget Kippels· Jeneen Joseph· Marci Knabe· Michael Kramer, M.D.· Mr. & Mrs. Nathan Kvinge· Live More Simply· Susan & Ken MacHugh· Debbie Meinwald· Donna & Bob Northway· Allen & Karen Priputen· Peter Ray, M.D.· Stone Creek Psychotherapy and Wellness· Debra Thompson· Weinberger, Black & Associates· Jamie Williams· Ruth Woody
Gifts In Kind· Pat Calelly· Martha Class· Chris & Tommy Dendy· Joe Lum· Michael & Melissa Petty· Robbie Sharp, Ph.D.· Mike & Sheila Young
We would also like to thank the donors who choose not to be listed. We are proud to acknowl-edge and express our deepest thanks to our supporters.
Visit our online store at:www.adda-sr.org/Online-Store
Available online:Focus on Food Cookbook
Teach and Reach
Never A Dull Moment
Sucessfully Managing Strong Willed and Defiant Children and Teens
I’ve Had it with that Kid!
Next, we meet students where they are through positive relationships that unlock opportunitis for academic and life achievement.
First, we uncoverwhat really keeps students from reaching their potential.
Fusion is a completely different type of private school. In one-to-one classrooms, our teachers listen, support, engage and empower students. Each student finds his own potential through a fully customized program created just for his current educational and emotional status. The outcome? The collaboration between student, teacher, and parent yields a potential for students that makes them unstoppable.
fusionacademy.com
Vayarin. A whole new way to manage symptoms of ADHD.Vayarin is different from every other ADHD approach out there. Here's why.
It has been clinically shown to manage ADHD symptoms in children.With virtually no side effects.
Vayarin isn't a drug. It's a clinical dietary ADHD management approach, avail-able by prescription only. So you don't have to worry about the potentially dan-gerous side effects associated with prescription drugs.
It's what you've been waiting for.
Stuart N. Robinson, Ph.D. Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology
Aspergers, ADD, Learning Disorders, and Anxiety in Adults
Live More Simply, Inc10260 N. Central Expressway, Suite 274, Dallas, TX 75231
Goodshop is an online shopping mall that donates a percent of your purchase price to your cause when you shop at one of 3,000+ partner stores including top retailers like Amazon (1.5% donation), Expedia (up to 5% dona-tion), and Staples (2.5% donation). You can also find 25,000+ active discounts and money-saving coupons so
you can save money and give back at the same time!
When you sign up to use Goodshop and click on the shop button or on a coupon or deal, we notify our partner stores that we referred you to their site. We are given a referral fee when you make a purchase and we split the
referral fee 50/50 with the cause you’ve chosen.
Dailygood members have raised millions of dollars for causes through the simple act of shopping online with Goodshop. Put simply: you shop, we give!
Please spread the word.Go to www.goodsearch.com/goodshop.aspx to get started.
ADDA-SR does not endorse, vouch for or accept any responsibility for the materials or treatments advertised in the newsletter. The ADDA-SR Board strongly recommends that you consult trusted and known professionals of your own choice prior to implementing any treatments or initiating any therapies recommended by a display, advertiser or exhibitor.
19
Contact Us12345 Jones Road, Suite 287-7 Houston, TX 77070
