Focused Distractions

Puppies and ADHD

Last week, we picked up Harper, our brand new Portuguese Water Dog puppy. Not having had a puppy in nearly 15 years, I'd forgotten how much work is involved. Trying to avoid accidents has been a 24/7 job and has pretty much stopped everything else to a dead halt. I'm waaay behind in my work.

I love Harper and am learning more about myself in the process of taking care of her.

For instance, I finally met my neighbors that live 3 doors away from me. I thought they'd moved in a few years ago, but when I took Harper for a walk the other day, we officially met and I was told they'd been living here 10 years or so. Talk about being embarrassed!

So, if you're a shy type and would like to meet new people, including your own neighbors, I highly recommend you get a puppy and just start...walking.

I've met some really nice people that way and what a great way to expand your social connections!

Is it Mary Ann? Or Ann Marie?

Oh geez. It happened again.

I was up at our little lake house in Canada for the weekend and met our new neighbors, John and...and...Mary Ann. Or was it Ann Marie.

I tried, I really did, to remember their names when we introduced ourselves. I got the John part, but not the Mrs. John part.

I"ve written before how double names always mess me up because for the life of me, I cannot remember them. Was it Ruth Ann? Or LeeAnne? Kathy Lee? Or Kathy Lynn?

Guess I'll have to swallow my pride and ask her. And ask her again.

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Difference Between Inattentive and Hyperactive

Wish I could remember where I read this, as I sure didn't come up with it. But it's simple and right on:

The difference between inattentive ADHD and those who are primarily hyperactive:

Inattentives can't start
Hyperactives can't stop

Or something like that...!

Master the Art of Time Management

My friend and colleague, Jennifer Koretsky, has done it again. Check out this incredible program and then tell her I sent you! More info HERE.

Now You Can Create a Personal, ADD-Friendly
Time Management System in Just 4 Weeks!

Master the Art of Time Management teaches adults with ADD how to create a personal time management system that works with ADD--not against it. You'll take control of your time and tasks...in just 4 weeks!

In this step-by-step guide that is proven to work for adults with ADD, you'll build a time management system specifically for YOU and your ADD. Once piece at a time, you'll:

Custom-create a to-do list that works
Develop a daily planning routine
Put your time management tools to work efficiently and effectively
Determine your "pillars of structure" and plan around them
Develop structure based on your natural biorhythms and energy levels

Use a secret, ADD-friendly trick for getting things done

...and much more.

Check it out HERE.

Ode to Annie

Its been two weeks and only now can I bring myself to write about the loss of my beloved dog, Annie. Its hard to describe to non- pet owners how a dog or cat can be loved as much as a family member and how deeply their death can affect us.

I also think that when you have special challenges, whether its ADHD, anxiety, depression, or whateverthat the relationship you have with your pet takes on more significance. Our vulnerabilities often kick in the minute we leave the house, as we face classmates, co-workers and bosses. We often struggle with self doubt, insecurity, low self esteem and more. Yet when we return home, a snuggly wet kiss from our pet can make us feel whole again. No scrutiny, no judgments. We are loved, no questions asked.

In my case, Annie was the rock that steadied me as I navigated the daily challenges of raising a child with special needs. When the house became too crazed by hyperactivity, moodiness, temper tantrums, frustrations with the school I knew I could briefly isolate myself in another room with Annie or take a break outside with her to catch my breath.

She was totally predictable in my unpredictable day to day life. When Id leave the house, shed wait- for hours- sitting on the couch and staring out the window for my anticipated arrival. Id be greeted at the side door by Annie, with a shoe or phone in her mouth- her gift to me.

Shed only eat when Id eat. I swear this is true. Id sit down for a meal knowing Id only have to get back up to fill her bowl; shed watch me, then bark the minute Id sit down. Annie, therefore, insisted on eating three meals a day.

Always by my side- at my feet- Annie was an extension of my body. Not having her here now is like having lost an arm or leg.

So I am dedicating this blog in her memory. Thank you, Annie, for 14 years of devoted companionship. Ok, well12. Your first two years were total insanity. If a dog could have ADHD, youd be the poster pup. You were also ODD (oppositional defiant), OCD (everything had to be just a certain way). You had issues with food- it took months before I found a kibble youd accept happily. You were also extremely jealous. Though friendly- overly friendly at times- if anyone came too close to me, youd stare at them with dagger eyes. You had separation anxiety, too. When I was out of town, you barely ate and wouldnt leave your station on the couch, watching for me. You also were passive/aggressive. As much as you wanted me back home, youd also punish me for leaving by knocking all the phones off the hook. Every day, without fail. And when you became too weak to get to every room that housed a phone, you still found the energy to whack the one in my office.

You succeeded in breaking my heart two weeks ago, when that tumor gripped your heart, forcing me to make a decision that all pet owners dread.

I miss you Annie.

Continue reading "Ode to Annie"

Basecamp: Manage your Projects

Sometimes I find products that I just want to share with others who, like me, are always looking for ways to become more organized. This web-based program does so many things but basically, it helps you to get things done, especially when you're collaborating with others.

Check it out here.

To-Do Tatoo

So, how cool is this? Instead of writing reminders all over your hands- you know.. your shopping list, telephone numbers or other tidbits, just use these instead. Makes me wonder if someone with ADHD dreamed this one up.

Check it out HERE

First Annual Virtual ADHD Conference

Coming This September 22, 23, 24

Whether you live in Ohio or California, Japan or France...anyone and everyone who would like to hear the top ADHD experts in the world will be able to do so, simply by dialing a telephone number- no need to jump on a plane, pay for a hotel, cabs, food or babysitters. I've partnered with Jennifer Koretsky of The ADD Management Group and we will be sponsoring the world's first annual International Virtual ADHD Conference

Hold on to your seats because these top ADHD authors, experts and presenters are all lined up and are excited to share with you the latest information, resources and tips on living with ADHD...all in the comfort of your own home or office. You can't beat the convenience and savings!

Our experts include:

Dr. Ned Hallowell Sari Solden Dr. John Ratey Dr. Daniel Amen Dr. Patricia Quinn Wilma Fellman Dr. Michele Novotni Wendy Richardson Dr. Thomas Phelan and many more.

Learn about ADD and Addictions, Girls and Women with ADHD, ADHD Medications, ADHD and Anxiety, Decluttering and Getting Organized, Social Skills, Time Management...and lots more. PLUS, you'll be able to network with others- folks just like you- who are learning how to live more successfully with ADHD. Sessions will cover topics on adults and children and will be of interest to parents, adults with ADHD, professionals, educators, coaches and anyone wanting to learn more about how ADHD affects you and the important people in your life.

There's lots more to share and our website isn't quite ready, but watch for upcoming announcements so you can be the first to get the full scoop.

NEW: Online ADHD Consultations

Need help with your or your child's ADHD? I'm available for online consultations.

Online Consultations with Terry: Click HERE

Taking Care of YOU When Your Family Has ADHD

Years ago, I found myself in a conversation with a mom whose husband and two high schoolers had ADHD. This woman, a professional working part time in a highly competitive medical field, obviously had her hands full, keeping on top of things. Yet, when she spoke of her daily challenges, she had a smile on her face. I asked her how she was able to juggle all these things without having a nervous breakdown and she said simply, "I take a vacation ever couple of months to re-charge."

Now, I don't know of many people who can afford the luxury of going on vacation that frequently, so I quizzed her about how she did this. Her response made a lasting impression on me.

She explained that in order to take care of her family, she had to first take care of herself. So...every couple of months, she booked a room at a local hotel, which happened to be connected to a large mall. Since she always "vacationed" on a weekend, her husband was able to take over the parenting duties in her absence.

If the Shoe Fits, Then Why Isnt It On My Foot?

It became another family joke- me searching high and low for my sunglasses, while my youngest daughter is staring at me, her eyes dancing, just waiting for the right time to inform me that they are sitting on my head. Of course, she played it out like a pro, waiting till I had torn apart my car, checked all the kitchen drawers, and ran up and down the stairs, cursing like a madwoman. It wouldn't have become a treasured family story had she told me right away when I'd asked her if she'd seen them. No...

They say that with age comes wisdom, and I think that may be true to some extent. Since being diagnosed with ADHD nearly 15 years ago, and having worked in the field for over a decade, I've learned a few tricks over the years.

Dr. John Ratey Discusses Exercise and ADHD in New Book

Head's up! Dr. John Ratey, co-author of Driven to Distraction and author of some pretty excellent books, has done it again. Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain is out and getting excellent reviews.

With spring here, why not start an exercise regime to see just how much better it will make you feel? It works- it really does.

Terry, slow jogger, but still a jogger none-the-less

Parental Guilt: When Playing with Your Kids is Too Boring

I was thinking about how much I hate board games, card games and the like. The other day, my daughter asked me to do a jigsaw puzzle with her and well...I said I'd LOVE to (I hate jigsaw puzzles- I'm horrible at it; the pieces all look the same to me).

I got to thinking about all the years of raising kids and playing with them and how there were so many activities I did not care for, mainly because I don't tolerate being bored too well. I'd try and redirect the kids to do something that wouldn't make me fall asleep ("bike ride, anyone? Let's get some ice cream in town!").

Now that I'm writing for ADDcentral.com, I figured this would be a great topic- how to handle guilt feelings when you just can't find joy in watching Barney every day.

Read my article on Parental Guilt HERE.

Cogmed Working Memory Training

From time to time I like to pass along ADHD related information, tools and resources that I have found to be helpful and that I think you might enjoy knowing about. Much is happening in the area of brain research and memory training programs; something I personally am very interested in learning more about.

In fact, after talking to a number of highly esteemed colleagues, including Dr. David Rabiner, senior researcher at Duke University, I contacted a company called Cogmed, after hearing how impressed these professionals were with the positive outcomes their clients experienced in using their Cogmed Working Memory Training. Intrigued, I have started my own personal training and have so far become impressed enough to want to share this interesting resource with you.

Cogmed Working Memory Training is a software-based intervention designed to improve working memory in children and adults. Through active and engaging exercises, children and adults train at home five days a week for five weeks. Every participant has a Personal Coach at a Cogmed Qualified Practice who leads the training, analyzes results and provides encouragement through weekly phone calls.

Published, peer-reviewed and controlled clinical studies have demonstrated that, upon completion of Cogmed Working Memory Training, 80% of participants have significantly improved their ability to concentrate and use complex reasoning skills over the long term.

Since beginning my own Cogmed Working Memory Training and noticing early positive results, I have become involved with some small projects involving Cogmed as a paid consultant. Of course, there is always the potential to bias, so though Ive reviewed the research and am excited at what I see both in the research, talking to colleagues and through my own personal experience, I would urge you to draw your own conclusions.

To learn more about the Cogmed Working Memory Training, visit their website at www.cogmed.com