Monthly Archives: September 2019
Links Between Gluten and ADHD
Let’s explore the connections between gluten and ADHD. Did you know a study done in 2006 a study was published about a group of celiac disease sufferers who were tested for ADHD symptoms while on a gluten diet? After 6 months of living on a gluten- free diet researchers discovered their symptoms of ADHD had dramatically reduced.
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Celiac, Gluten Sensitivity and ADHD
It appears the symptoms of ADHD (executive functioning difficulties and mood) can also occur with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. It’s not a one size fits all approach, many with ADHD do not improve with the elimination of gluten while others do. What we do know is that there is a link between the two. Therefore, it’s possible that celiac or gluten sensitivity could be misdiagnosed as ADHD or diagnosed with ADHD while gluten sensitivity or celiac are undiagnosed.
Gluten Sensitivity Identification
It’s not so simple as taking a test. Celiac disease can be present but not show up on testing. There is no test for gluten sensitivity. CD causes damage to the small intestine due to the body’s inability to process gluten properly while GS does not.
Research estimates that approximately 18 million Americans have gluten sensitivity, a figure that is six times greater than the number of Americans who have celiac disease. What stands out is 67% of those with ADHD tested positive for CD. That’s far higher than the incidence of celiac in the general population, which is about 1%.
The symptoms overlap so much that the researchers are suggesting people should be screened for celiac disease symptoms by default along with being screened for ADHD symptoms.
Gluten Elimination Diets
Talk to your doctor about getting a test for CD. Even if it doesn’t show up you can do an elimination diet and see if you or your child improves. One of my students went of a GF and we didn’t think it did much. Mom put her back on gluten and she immediately was short-tempered, angry and less focused. When she went back on a GF diet, she was happier and better able to focus.
It wasn’t a magic cure but it made a significant difference!
Linda Karanzalis, MS
Linda Karanzalis, MS, is a former special education classroom teacher with over 25 years of experience in the areas of learning disabilities, ADHD, social-emotional learning, social skills training, and behavior management
https://www.facebook.com/addvantageslc/videos/516162268957660/
Homework Struggles – Stop the Homework Battle
Are homework struggles causing chaos in your house? Do you dread each night knowing what’s ahead of you? When it comes to kids with ADHD, executive functioning, learning disabilities, and those on the spectrum, traditional methods just don’t cut it. Try some of these out of the box strategies to set your child up for success and alleviate homework struggles.
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10 Minutes of Homework Per Grade Level
It’s not OK for your kids to spend hours on homework! They have to work 100% harder than their peers to achieve the same goals! Spending hours on homework isn’t productive. We all need downtime to be at our best.
Do not allow unfinished classwork to be sent home in addition to homework. The rule of thumb is 10 minutes of homework time per grade level. If this happens on a continual basis write a note or talk to the teacher explaining the amount of time you allot for homework. Pat yourself on the back for not putting your child’s emotional health at risk.
Movement During Homework Time
• Movement helps both hyperactive and frustrated learners to get through homework with less stress. Our brain-body system releases endorphins, the feel-good chemicals during movement. Releasing excess energy increases focus by helping them to get back on track, much like resetting your cable box by turning it on and off. Studies show activity increases blood flow to the brain increasing focus and cognitive processing for better learning.
• Try having your student use a mini-trampoline or rebounder during homework breaks.
If you have an old Wi system set it up and let you child play one game in between homework assignments. If you don’t have one you can find used ones on e-bay or at yard sales.
Homework Procrastination
Think about this, how do you feel when something is difficult for you? Meaning you don’t get any gratification from the experience? Isn’t it hard to get started?
What looks like procrastination is often difficulties with executive functioning. EF skills are controlled by the pre-frontal cortex area of brain. When these skills are weak getting started on tasks is hard. When it comes to procrastination the best way to combat this is with rewards. Simply put your child does something to get something. This doesn’t work if you’re inconsistent. Don’t even attempt this if you can’t follow through. It takes commitment and a willingness to ignore your child’s attempts to have their own way. It won’t be pleasant, but if you endure it the payoff in the end will be worth it.
If you ‘give in’ you have just reinforced and taught your child to act out to get what she wants. However, some kids just don’t care about getting what they want. For these kids it takes a lot of thinking to figure out what motivates them. You will be sure to find something but it will take some creativity. To effectively do this you can contact me for help with setting up a specific plan tailored to your child.
Remember, these are general suggestions to ease homework struggles, not everyone has the same issues so it’s not a one size fits all approach.
That’s all for now folks, be sure to follow my Facebook page to catch my helpful weekly videos.
Linda Karanzalis, MS
Linda Karanzalis, MS, is a former special education classroom teacher with over 25 years of experience in the areas of learning disabilities, ADHD, social-emotional learning, social skills training, and behavior management
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Back to School for Students with Attention & Learning, and Social Difficulties
When it’s back to school time for students with attention, learning, and social difficulties there are many adjustments to be made. Getting back into the groove after the end of summer means making some changes for all involved. As you know, change is hard for those with attention, learning, and social difficulties. Keep in mind it usually takes a month to get back into the swing of things. Be on lookout for some of these following challenges that may pertain to your child and be prepared a with a backup plan!
Top Five Back to School Difficulties
Lonely at Lunchtime
If your child struggles to make and keep friends talk to the teacher to ask the more compassionate students to help by having lunch with your child. This is not only good for your child but teaches others the importance of inclusion for all.
Medication
When your child is on medication you need to know if it’s effective throughout the school day. Ask your doctor for a rating scale checklist to give to your child’s teacher. Have the teacher(s) complete the scale every day for a week in each subject area, noting the time of day. If you see areas that need to be addressed make an appointment with your doctor to share this information for better medication management.
Getting Out of Bed
Many kids whose brains are wired differently have a really hard time getting up in the morning. Try one of the alarm clocks I recommend to get your child up and moving. Place a bottle of water and medication on night table. Set the alarm to go off an hour ahead of time to take meds. If your child isn’t on medication have her drink something with caffeine instead.
Getting Ready
The key to having a good day is to start off the morning on the right foot! Create a written or picture schedule to be followed in the morning. Practice on the weekend getting ready and time your child how long it takes to do each task. Get brightly colored index cards with name of task and how long it takes to do each one. Laminate and place next to where she would do the task. Adhere with velcro or tape. Have her set a timer while doing each task. Buy several cheap timers to keep in each area and Velcro them to the wall.
Water Intake
Many kids don’t drink enough water throughout the day. Put a couple of water bottles in your child’s backpack for the day. Staying hydrated is imperative, it’s not an option! Dehydrations cause focus, mood, short attention span, and tiredness.
Linda Karanzalis, MS
Linda Karanzalis, MS, is a former special education classroom teacher with over 25 years of experience in the areas of learning disabilities, ADHD, social-emotional learning, social skills training, and behavior management
https://www.facebook.com/addvantageslc/videos/2594581273935362/
