tween: Latest News

For students with ADHD, studying for a quiz or test can be daunting, frustrating, and fatiguing. It doesn't have to be that way. Luckily, new research shows that students with attention deficit don't need to spend more time studying; they just need to study differently.Reading is a challenging way for the ADHD brain to learn.

It is the best of times; it is the worst of times. Middle school is a rite of passage that brings with it new friends, new academic challenges, and — of course — puberty.

FREE UPCOMING WEBINAR Click here to register for “Social Skills and Executive Functions in Teens with ADHD: Interventions That Help” with Steven W. Evans, Ph.D., on July 24 at 1 pm ET.

The summer slide is real — and real hard on kids with attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD) and learning disabilities, who work diligently and tirelessly for each and every academic gain they make. The last thing anyone wants is to waste three months re-teaching and re-learning all of the lessons from last spring. Yet you’re not sure where or how to begin a summer learning program.

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) — formerly referred to as sensory integration dysfunction — is a neurological condition that interferes with the body’s ability to interpret sensory messages from the brain and convert those messages into appropriate motor and behavioral responses. It's not uncommon to feel occasional sensory overload — that is, to feel overwhelmed by distracting noises or crowded spaces or strong odors once in a while — but for children with SPD, these sensations disrupt and overwhelm everyday life.

Teen boys face their share of obstacles at school: They are often restless in the classroom, and their verbal skills lag behind those of girls. As a result, they can fall behind young women with ADHD (and girls without the disorder) in standardized test scores and rates of college admissions.

All parents of children with ADHD have heard the routine about routines: Kids need structure, and children with attention deficit need even more. The keys to getting the ADHD organization help you need: belief in the power of family routines and a long-term commitment to them.You’ve heard it before: Set up a morning routine for kids with ADHD to get out the door on time. Make sure homework happens at the same time and in the same setting daily.

It depends. For children with attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD) who are ruled by their impulses, calling out in class or pushing to the front of the line comes naturally.

Despite the many differences among children and adults with attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD), there is one similarity shared by virtually all of them. Although they have considerable chronic difficulty in getting organized and getting started on many tasks, focusing their attention, sustaining their efforts, and utilizing their short-term working memory, all of those diagnosed with ADHD tend to have at least a few specific activities or tasks for which they have no difficulty in exercising these very same functions in a normal or an extraordinary way.The inconsistency in motivation and performance is the most puzzling aspect of ADHD.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not gender biased. ADHD symptoms exist almost as often in girls as they do in boys, and the majority of kids with ADHD never outgrow it.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends treating ADHD in children and adolescents with FDA-approved medications, plus parent training in behavior modification and behavioral classroom interventions. Likewise, research confirms that “stimulant medications are most effective, and combined medication and psychosocial treatment is the most beneficial treatment option for most adult patients with ADHD.” Still, many individuals seek to augment their ADHD treatment plans with natural therapies ranging from nutrition and vitamins and herbs and fish oil.“Parents and adults see me either because the ADHD medication isn’t doing the job, or they want more improvement and can’t increase the dosage without increasing side effects,” says Richard Brown, M.D., associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and co-author of the recent book How to Use Herbs, Nutrients, and Yoga in Mental Health Care.Here are 10 of the most popular natural ADHD remedies — including foods, ADHD supplements, and herbs — and research findings for each.All ADHD treatment decisions should be made in consultation and coordination with a licensed medical provider.Poor nutrition can cause a child or adult with ADHD to become distracted, impulsive, and restless.

The idea of reading for pleasure is laughable for many tweens with ADD, who struggle with the skill. But the fact remains, it’s the best way to improve her language skills, critical thinking, and imagination.If your child isn’t too keen on reading, try the five ADHD books for kids in this video that will keep him turning the pages.Your child insists he “hates reading” and squirms at the sight of a book.But you don’t want his brain to turn to mush over the summer months.The solution: These 5 books make reading exciting, and help keep skills sharp.1. The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian SelznickAge: 9-12 yearsAn engaging story told mostly through images.This in-depth novel is masquerading as a picture book, and it will grip your child from the very beginning.2. Squish by Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew HolmAge: 8-12 yearsThe story of a Twinkie-loving amoeba just trying to make it through elementary school told in short, accessible sentences.Plus, your child will learn some science along the way!3. Goth Girl by Chris RiddellAge: 7-11 yearsA story about a lonely girl living in a creepy Victorian estate where she stumbles on a ghostly mouse.The jokes and fast-moving plot will keep your child entertained to the end. 4. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff KinneyAge: 8-12 yearsThese graphic novels are accessible for children of any reading ability.They have simple, comic-style illustrations and a down-to-earth writing style.Plan to watch the movies afterward as a reward!5. Horrid Henry by Francesca SimonAge: 7-10 yearsHorrid Henry is endearingly evil on his action-packed, delightfully illustrated adventures.The book is four short stories, which help to reduce overwhelm.Free Download: 10 Books You Need to Read (and Pass On)Reading

LOS ANGELES – As a parent, Yalda Uhls found herself immersed a decade ago in TV series including “Hannah Montana,” “iCarly” and “Victorious,” and uneasy about the message they sent to her 9-year-old daughter and other youngsters.