The Importance of ADHD Relaxation Techniques for Your Child

The Importance of ADHD Relaxation Techniques for Your Child

ADHD Relaxation Techniques for Your Child | Psychologists | Toms River, NJ | Manahawkin, NJ | Freehold, NJ – Ocean County NJ

The Importance of ADHD Relaxation Techniques for Your Child

As a parent with a child with ADHD, you might struggle to find ways to help your child calm down and relax. Many with ADHD have difficulty paying attention to one task or activity, jumping from one thing to the next, and struggling to follow through with tasks until completion.

Research also shows how ADHD and stress are closely linked, meaning your child may have trouble with feeling overwhelmed or anxious. And this is why relaxation techniques and strategies are so important for individuals (and children) with ADHD. So, let’s dig into this a little bit further. What should you know?

Why Explore Relaxation Techniques for ADHD?

Relaxation techniques offer a helpful tool, allowing your child to self-soothe and relax. This can help your child find ways to reduce stress in their daily life and potentially even enhance their concentration and attention. In fact, learning ways to relax is a crucial piece in ADHD management and treatment plans.

So, what kind of relaxation techniques should you and your child consider exploring?

1. Deep Breathing Techniques

Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the rest-and-digest system) and switches off the stress response. It’s also really simple!

For an easy go-to deep breathing strategy, inhale for four counts, ensuring it’s a full belly breath. Then, hold for four counts and exhale for another four counts. Continue to do this for 5-8 rounds.

2. Journaling

Journaling can offer a way to get your child’s thoughts out on paper and help them de-stress, as well as organize them. The key is just to write down whatever comes to their mind. Set a timer for 5-10 minutes, and allow them to “brain dump” onto the paper.

3. Practice Gratitude

Gratitude practice helps foster a positive mindset and prevent negative spirals, which can happen when your mind jumps quickly from one thought to the next. Like journaling, set a timer and have your child jot down everything and anything they are grateful for. Make sure you emphasize the importance of truly feeling that sense of appreciation!

4. Move!

Yes, exercise can offer a way for your child with ADHD to relax and de-stress. Try performing some quick jumping jacks or go for a quick and brisk walk around the block. This can bump up endorphins and decrease cortisol (the stress hormone).

5. Do a Five Senses of Mindfulness Exercise

This involves having your child point out five things they can see, the farthest sound they can hear and the closest sound they can hear, something they can smell, something they can taste, and how their body feels. This can further nurture a mind-body connection early on for your child, helping them grow into a healthy adult.

For more strategies to manage ADHD, Pathways Neuropsychology Associates is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

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At Pathways Neuropsychology Associates we use evidence-based evaluation instruments and treatments to get you, your loved one, or your child on the path to success. If you or someone you love are struggling with the symptoms of ADHD, call now and get started!

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The Importance of ADHD Relaxation Techniques for Your Child

Partners in crime: The Two A’s, Anxiety and ADHD

Partners in crime: The Two A’s, Anxiety and ADHD

Anxiety and ADHD

Partners in crime: The Two A’s, Anxiety and ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety are true partners in crime. While they are two different diagnoses, they are intimately linked. People with ADHD experiencing tardiness, shortcomings, stigma, procrastination, and uncertainty often experience situational anxiety at the very least. This means that their ADHD symptoms are directly causing stress and feelings of anxiousness. If you have difficulty concentrating in school or if you are forgetful at work, of course you may be anxious and uncertain about the future. 

General anxiety can also occur in those with ADHD, perhaps up to 50% of the time. In fact, when it comes to ADHD, general anxiety is the number one comorbidity. In those individuals, severe chronic anxiety interrupts normal tasks with relentless anxiousness and nervousness. While symptoms of ADHD can promote anxiety as described above, the link between ADHD and general anxiety are not completely understood. We do know, however, that the severity of anxiety symptoms can be enhanced by ADHD and vise versa. 

Some symptoms of anxiety and ADHD overlap. For instance, restlessness and difficulty concentrating are common to both. Therefore, it is important to seek a professional evaluation to differentiate between the two diagnoses (Pathways Neuropsychology Associates has many experts that can help!). However, there are some tricks and whistles that can help point you in a general direction: ADHD inattention occurs in almost any situation whereas anxiety-related inattention usually occurs while experiencing anxiousness.

Understanding one’s diagnoses is very important when ADHD and anxiety occur at the same time. For instance, emotional regulation and executive function are typically deficient in those with ADHD. Consequentially, those with ADHD may have difficulty in organizing tasks and may become fixated on shortcomings and uncertainties, ruminating over emotionally distressful thoughts. This is a recipe for disaster when it comes to anxiety. It is therefore imperative to address the symptoms of ADHD to also prevent severe anxiety symptoms from flaring up.

The treatments of ADHD and anxiety sometimes go together and sometimes oppose one another. For instance, stimulants such as amphetamines are a typical treatment for ADHD. Alleviating symptoms of ADHD may help with anxiety, but it is also important to note that anxiety itself can often be a side effect of stimulants. Therefore, it is important to strategize best with your healthcare provider to address everyone’s case. Most likely, a combination of medication and therapy will best help tackle the double threat of ADHD and anxiety.

If you suspect you or a loved one is experiencing ADHD and anxiety, contact Pathways Neuropsychology Associates today to get a professional evaluation. At Pathways, we have experts in both ADHD and anxiety that can help address both diagnoses.

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Partners in crime: The Two A’s, Anxiety and ADHD

Depression and ADHD: Partners in Crime?

Depression and ADHD: Partners in Crime?

Depression and ADHD Psychologists | Toms River, NJ | Manahawkin, NJ | Freehold, NJ - Ocean County NJ

Depression and ADHD: Partners in Crime?

Trouble focusing, eating habit changes, and trouble sleeping can all be signs of both ADHD and major depression. However, the two are not the same. While sometimes they can be confused with one another, they can also sometimes both co-occur. When ADHD and major depression co-exist, we call them comorbid or coexisting conditions. How are the two disorders linked and how can we tell them apart?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the brain’s executive functions, which helps us plan, focus, and execute tasks. It is most often diagnosed in male children, but it can also affect young girls and adults as well. You can think of ADHD as a deficit in the “management headquarters” of the brain, which depends on the regulation of the neurotransmitter called dopamine. 

Major depressive disorder, on the other hand, is persistent sadness, helplessness, and low self-esteem that lasts at least two weeks and affects daily functioning and possibly sleep. Unlike ADHD, major depression is a mood disorder and not a deficit in executive function.

While ADHD and major depression are different diagnoses, they both feature symptoms that can overlap. Up to 30% of patients with ADHD also have a serious mood disorder such as major depression. Moreover, ADHD symptoms can help promote major depressive disorder. For instance, if a young student with ADHD is feeling hopeless and insecure about school and their future, then they may have an increased likelihood of developing major depression. When this occurs, it is called “secondary depression.” What makes matters more difficult is that those with ADHD have difficulty with emotional regulation due to cognitive function impairment. Therefore, negative thoughts that help contribute to depression may be harder to “shake off” with those with ADHD.

It is important to get proper evaluations in order to answer the question “ADHD, depression, or both?” While symptoms overlap in both diagnoses, the root problem is different. Therefore, the treatment and management may be different as well. 

The good news for those with both ADHD and major depression is that the medications for both can usually be taken together. Moreover, cognitive behavior therapy might be a good option that can help with both diagnoses. However, it is important to talk to your physician about the best treatment plan. Moreover, when both symptoms of depression and ADHD are present, it is important to prioritize based on the severity of symptoms. For instance, suicidal ideation can be a feature of major depression and should be treated right away. 

If you are or your loved one is experiencing symptoms of ADHD and/or depression, contact Pathways for a professional evaluation today to help make the best shared decision with your doctor. 

The Pathways team of professionals has helped thousands of people with ADHD. We are Dedicated to effective and compassionate care for individuals with neurological challenges.

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Source: Pathways Neuropsychology
Depression and ADHD: Partners in Crime?

Times Report: TikTok Users Providing Help for Adult ADHD

Times Report: TikTok Users Providing Help for Adult ADHD

Times Report: TikTok Users Providing Help for Adult ADHD

Times Report: TikTok Users Providing Help for Adult ADHD

The diagnosis, research, and treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have long been biased towards young white boys. Often, women of color have been ignored and left undiagnosed until adulthood. According to a recent article in New York Times, the neglect of adult women with ADHD may be changing.

Through social media efforts, many influencers are now bringing attention to adult ADHD, exposing misconceptions and providing descriptions of ADHD symptoms and subclasses. While social media platforms such as TikTok are not replacements for professional testing and diagnoses, the posts are bringing to light much needed awareness for those who have been struggling with symptoms without knowing why or what to do. Although ADHD is largely considered a developmental disorder, many may not be diagnosed until adulthood due to medical biases and lack of patient understanding.

Feeling empowered with new knowledge, women are now becoming their own advocates and seeking professional assistance. The support, community, and encouragement are especially important for women of color who have long faced implicit bias from the medical community. 

While social media might be a first step in awareness, it does not replace professional diagnostics and therapeutics. If you believe you have symptoms of adult ADHD, reach out to Pathways Neuropsychology Associates at (732) 930-2242 to set up a comprehensive evaluation. With an impressive multidisciplinary team, Pathways can offer a wide range of interventions and strategies to help you improve your personal, professional, and social lives. 

Check out the article

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Source: Pathways Neuropsychology
Times Report: TikTok Users Providing Help for Adult ADHD

Overview of Adult ADHD

Overview of Adult ADHD

Overview of Adult ADHD | Psychologists | Toms River, NJ | Manahawkin, NJ | Freehold, NJ - Ocean County NJOverview of Adult ADHD 

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental condition in children and adolescents. More recently, ADHD has been diagnosed frequently in adults as well. Although the symptoms used for diagnosing ADHD are the same across the lifespan, it is common for ADHD to manifest differently in adults than in children. Thus, understanding the typical presentation of adult ADHD is important for the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. 

Overall, adults with ADHD typically present with cognitive and behavioral difficulties. From a cognitive perspective, the most prominent features of this condition are inattention and executive functioning difficulties. Executive functions include a wide array of higher-order cognitive functions including working memory, multitasking, cognitive inhibition, planning, reasoning, and judgment. In adults with ADHD, executive functioning difficulties can adversely impact their functioning in a variety of ways. For example, these individuals may be “time blind,” in which they are unable to manage their time efficiently (e.g., running late due to distractibility, underestimating the amount of time a task will take, and losing track of time once they become engrossed in a task). 

Further, behavioral difficulties are a common feature of adult ADHD. Specifically, adults with ADHD often demonstrate cognitive impulsivity, which includes being prone to making decisions on a whim. Motivational impulsivity is also typical of this condition, in which the individual is unable to find the drive to complete a task when the reward is too far in the future. Finally, emotional impulsivity occurs when the individual demonstrates difficulty with regulating emotions (e.g., demonstrating irritability, low frustration tolerance, or mood swings). 

Given the complex presentation of ADHD in adults, it is important this condition is diagnosed using a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation.

If you have concerns that you or your child might have ADHD, please contact Pathways Neuropsychology Associates at (732) 930-2242 to inquire about a neuropsychological evaluation. 

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Overview of Adult ADHD

School-Based Interventions for the Treatment of ADHD in Children and Adolescents

School-Based Interventions for the Treatment of ADHD in Children and Adolescents

School-Based Interventions for the Treatment of ADHD in Children and Adolescents | Psychologists | Toms River, NJ | Manahawkin, NJ | Freehold, NJ - Ocean County NJ

School-Based Interventions for the Treatment of ADHD in Children and Adolescents

Children and adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often exhibit cognitive and behavioral symptoms that adversely impact their academic performance. Children with ADHD may experience difficulty with staying on task, fidgeting, poor impulse control, or emotion dysregulation that serve as barriers to their ability to learn. Given this, school-based interventions are imperative for promoting the academic performance of individuals with ADHD. 

School-based interventions for ADHD may include behavioral strategies, modifications to the learning environment, or special education services. Behavioral interventions for ADHD within the academic environment may include having the teacher utilize positive reinforcement throughout the school day. For example, the teacher may implement a reward system for the child, which serves to increase the occurrence of desired behaviors and reduce disruptive behaviors. 

In addition, modifications to the learning environment may be provided under a 504 Plan. Environmental modifications in a 504 Plan may include extended time on testing, receiving a copy of the class notes from the teacher, or cuing from the teacher to assist with staying on task.  

Finally, special education services for ADHD may be provided under an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Specific accommodations and modifications listed in an IEP may include participating in a smaller classroom setting for particular subjects, receiving extra breaks throughout the day, or having an aide present in order to reduce the occurrence of disruptive behaviors. 

If you have concerns that you or your child might have ADHD, please contact Pathways Neuropsychology Associates at (732) 930-2242 to inquire about a neuropsychological evaluation. 

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Source: Pathways Neuropsychology
School-Based Interventions for the Treatment of ADHD in Children and Adolescents

Can You Outgrow ADHD?

Can You Outgrow ADHD?

adhd evaluation & testing

Is It Possible to Outgrow A.D.H.D.?

Doctors typically advise a combination of behavioral interventions, counseling and medication to address a child’s symptoms. A child who can manage the symptoms of A.D.H.D., allowing for a more successful experience in school, may reach a point when A.D.H.D. is far less of a problem. So facilitating success in school and ultimately in life may be the path to “outgrowing” the diagnosis.

Excerpt From NY Times  – Read Full Story Here

The Pathways team of professionals has helped thousands of people with ADHD. We are Dedicated to effective and compassionate care for individuals with neurological challenges.

ADHD EVALUATIONS

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Can You Outgrow ADHD?

Overview of Neuropsychological Evaluations for Diagnosing ADHD in Pediatric Patients

Overview of Neuropsychological Evaluations for Diagnosing ADHD in Pediatric Patients

Neuropsychological Evaluations for Diagnosing ADHD in Pediatric Patients | Psychologists | Toms River, NJ | Manahawkin, NJ | Freehold, NJ - Ocean County NJ

Overview of Neuropsychological Evaluations for Diagnosing ADHD in Pediatric Patients

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents. ADHD has a behavioral and cognitive presentation that may be similar to other conditions, including learning disorders, depression, anxiety, or impulse control disorders. Given the overlapping symptoms among these disorders, it is important to employ diagnostic procedures that can parse out whether the child meets criteria for ADHD, or whether the difficulties are better accounted for by another neurodevelopmental or psychological condition.   

Neuropsychological evaluations are a comprehensive procedure commonly used for diagnosing ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults. Within the pediatric population, neuropsychological evaluations begin with an initial consultation, in which the clinician has an in-depth interview with the parents and the child in order to determine whether a neuropsychological evaluation would be appropriate.  

Once the determination has been made to proceed with a neuropsychological evaluation, the testing is typically completed during two in-person sessions. During the testing sessions, the child will be asked to complete various tasks that tap into a wide array of cognitive functions (e.g., intellectual functioning, attention, learning, memory, speed of information processing, and visuospatial skills), psychological factors (e.g., depression, anxiety, and behavioral difficulties) and adaptive functioning. Examples of neuropsychological tasks include having the child solve visual puzzles, learn and recall new information, fill out paper-and-pencil measures (when age-appropriate), or complete academic exercises. In addition, collateral information will be obtained from parents and teachers in order to develop a richer understanding of the child’s behavior within the home and school settings. 

Once the testing has been completed, the child’s performance is scored and compared to a normative sample of age-matched peers. A profile of cognitive strengths and weaknesses is developed, which helps to determine whether the child meets criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD, a psychological condition such as depression or anxiety, and/or another neurodevelopmental disorder. 

Finally, a feedback session is held, in which the neuropsychological findings are reviewed in detail with the parents and child. During this session, the parents are provided with an overview of the child’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses, diagnoses, and recommendations that are tailored to meet the specific needs of the child. Examples of recommendations for a child diagnosed with ADHD may include academic accommodations, behavioral strategies to be used within the home, participation in executive functioning coaching, psychotherapy to address behavioral and/or cognitive difficulties, or a referral to a psychiatrist to discuss pharmacological interventions. All diagnoses and recommendations are provided in a written report, which can be shared with the school at the discretion of the parents.

If you have concerns that you or your child might have ADHD, please contact Pathways Neuropsychology Associates at (732) 930-2242 to inquire about a neuropsychological evaluation. 

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Source: Pathways Neuropsychology
Overview of Neuropsychological Evaluations for Diagnosing ADHD in Pediatric Patients

Gender Differences in ADHD

Gender Differences in ADHD

Gender Differences in ADHD | Psychologists | Toms River, NJ | Manahawkin, NJ | Freehold, NJ - Ocean County NJGender Differences in ADHD

A new study in the Journal of Attention Disorders sheds light on gender disparities in ADHD. The most striking difference is demonstrated in the physical manifestation of the disorder, where girls with ADHD are less hyperactive and show fewer motor responsive issues than their male counterparts. This was supported by observations from teachers who took part in the study, who reported more impulsive and inattentive behavior among boys. Girls also exhibit greater inhibition and cognitive flexibility (although this may be correlated to their faster brain development). Symptoms did overlap in their working memory and attention, where no significant differences were found among gender. 

These important findings help clinical psychologists better understand why girls get diagnosed less often than boys and bring to question whether current ADHD diagnostic practices are suitable for both genders. As girls may not outwardly display their attention deficit, they may go undetected in current ADHD screening processes and therefore miss out on helpful treatment. This study is a hopeful step in the right direction. With more research conducted on gender specific ADHD differences, psychologists are better equipped with more accurate information and tools to best address ADHD. 

If you are concerned your child may have ADHD, Dr. Gordon and his staff are highly trained in thorough, comprehensive ADHD evaluations. With expert and compassionate care, they will address your questions and concerns while providing proven, research based treatment. Call today to schedule an appointment!

Source: Attitudemag.com

The Pathways team of professionals has helped thousands of people with ADHD. We are Dedicated to effective and compassionate care for individuals with neurological challenges.

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Gender Differences in ADHD

Racial Bias in ADHD Evaluations and Diagnosis

Racial Bias in ADHD Evaluations and Diagnosis

Racial Bias in ADHD Evaluations and Diagnosis | Psychologists | Toms River, NJ | Manahawkin, NJ | Freehold, NJ - Ocean County NJ

Racial Bias in ADHD Evaluations and Diagnosis

As our society continues the conversation on racial disparities, it is important to acknowledge and address its place in the psychology profession. Taking a look at ADHD evaluations and diagnosis, specifically, it becomes evident that there is great variance in treatment rates among racial and social groups. Black and BIPOC (Black, Indeginous, or Person of Color) children are diagnosed and treated for ADHD less often than white children. While there is currently not enough research to explain causation completely, there are several factors that unequivocally affect the diagnosis process, research, and social context. Understanding the factors that contribute to these disparities can help clinical care professionals administer more accurate and effective treatment. 

Methods and practices for ADHD diagnosis and treatment begins with research, and as it stands, research on ADHD that includes racial variation is scarce and limited. The vast majority of research is based on white male children of European-Caucasion descent. Lack of data on black and BIPOC children and ADHD results in limited understanding of the best ways to serve their communities. From the research that does exist, there are some trends psychologists are beginning to understand between ADHD and race. Prolonged exposure to prejudice, discrimination, and stereotyping can lead to trauma and stress, which are both linked to the onset ADHD-like symptoms. This can make differentiating between the behavioral and emotional contributions to ADHD like symptoms from actual ADHD symptoms challenging. Furthermore, parenting techniques for handling the challenging behaviors of children with ADHD vary across different cultures. What is commonly practiced and accepted by some cultures, may not be seen as appropriate by others. Understanding different parenting practices among cultures is an important focus of current research.

As the psychology community takes steps moving forward, it is important to acknowledge and be aware that even well meaning clinical care professionals may impart implicit bias in their diagnosis and treatment or may not fully understand some of the biases from past research. Here at Pathways NA we are committed to understanding and addressing these biases and advocating for equality.  

Source: Attitudemag.com

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Source: Pathways Neuropsychology
Racial Bias in ADHD Evaluations and Diagnosis