A PICTURE PAINTS A THOUSAND WORDS!

Written By Applied Techniques Training

In the late 90’s, after my daughter received a diagnosis that required her to start on medication, I joined a local support group and went on to take place as an Executive Member of the Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support (ADDISS) committee for many years.

I have just rediscovered an extract of a letter written, in 1989, to the group after one member’s son was diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed Ritalin.

SESSION BEFORE MEDICATION

During an early session with the speech pathologist, my son’s ability to recall spelling words from the previous week was tested. His actual behaviour was OK, he was “likable”, but his hyperactivity and impulsiveness tended to make him look lazy; his writing was untidy and oversized; and his ability to remember the spelling of words was appalling!

SESSION AFTER TAKING MEDICATION

During a future visit, which was 30 minutes after taking a dose of his now prescribed medication, my son’s writing was neat and even sized. This was a remarkable change. His attitude to the task at hand, his understanding of how he spelt words and his interest in spelling had undoubtedly changed. His mind was ticking over keen to discover the next word. We were amazed at his transformation.

IMPORTANCE OF USING MEDICATION CORRECTLY

After seeing the changes during the session, I was more aware of the fine-tuning of dose and timing of taking a 4-hour medication to get the most out of leaving the house and giving the best coverage at school and after school. I spoke with my son’s specialist about adjusting the dose as the day progressed to get through the morning/school and homework/dinner routine to make his life more balanced.

WHAT I LEARNED AS A MUM

  • Medication is a tool to assist with the symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsiveness and distractibility; medication is not a cure.

  • He also had some intolerance to certain foods that I needed to investigate.

  • Medication does not make a person any smarter; it just helps those with ADHD to focus more easily.

  • Short-acting ADHD medications seem to take about 10 mins to work and continue for about 4 hours.

  • Working with the specialist as to when to give the next dose before the first wears off completely to avoid “rebounding” is essential.

  • The benefits we saw were not just for during school hours but night-time and weekends become “fun” again without going through constant battles. 

  • The medication does not stay in the system and needs to be taken at the nominated times each day, including weekends.

  • There were some side effects, such as a change in sleeping habits and food intake as first.

  • We were able to establish routines for the whole family to follow that took in these changes by offered healthy snacks when he was hungry.

  • We were able to parent more effectively with less effort.

BRIGHTER OUTLOOK

My son went on to nominate as School Captain in Year 7 and receive the role of House Captain as voted by his peers. ADHD medication helped my son reach his full potential and form life-long friendships.  

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ADHD / ASD and to receive your free copy of “Elements of ADHD/ASD” Workshop please subscribe to: www.appliedtechniques.net

Note: Original author of extract unknown. Ritalin has been used in Australia to treat the symptoms of ADHD since 1962. This information is not considered medical advice and must not be used to self-diagnose or treat ADHD. Not all people who take this medication for ADHD have the same results. There are a number of short and long acting preparations prescribed for individuals today. Please consult a professional practitioner if this article has raised any questions.

EXAMPLE OF WRITING BEFORE AND AFTER TAKING MEDICATION FOR ADHD.

EXAMPLE OF WRITING BEFORE AND AFTER TAKING MEDICATION FOR ADHD.

Applied Techniques Training

About Sue Suchocki - Applied Techniques Training (2010).

Applied Techniques Training (ATT) delivers professional coaching, training, and consultation across digital governance, Body Corporate operations, human behaviour, emotional wellbeing, parent and carer support, education, and community services.

ATT is the developer and licensed training provider of the Applied Techniques Quick Response Digital Governance System — AT QRDGS, providing professional coaching to Body Corporate Committee Members, Resident Managers as Body Corporate Caretakers, and Strata Managers within a Scheme.

ATT also provides personal and professional training in human behaviour and emotion coaching, including evidence-based EFT, Emotional Freedom Techniques, Tapping, ADHD and ASD support, parent and carer behaviour support, face-to-face workshops, online workshops, and consultation for early childhood educators and community services.

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The Applied Techniques Quick Response Digital Governance System — AT QRDGS is a structured digital workflow management system developed by Applied Techniques Training and delivered under licence to Body Corporate Schemes.

AT QRDGS creates one workflow across the Body Corporate Committee, Resident Manager or Body Corporate Caretaker, and Strata Manager. It supports clear reporting, recording, registering, contractor management, maintenance tracking, approvals, compliance processes, and communication between Owners, Contractors, Committee Members, Resident Managers, and Strata Managers.

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Applied Techniques Training also provides evidence-based personal and professional coaching in human behaviour, emotional regulation, EFT/Tapping and disability support for ADHD, ASD, parent and carer, early childhood education, and community services consultation.

Services are available through individual consultations, workshops, online workshops, staff training, and in-house support for organisations, families, educators, carers, clients, and community service teams.

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