Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)/oral organization in the ADD child

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Expert: Christine D. DeLoatch, MA CCC-SLP - 9/9/2008


Question
I am also an SLP and found this site while doing an internet search for this exact question.  I am a mother of an ADD high school daughter (who didn't get recognized until early sophmore year after high school grades started dropping) so have a personal understanding of this, BUT am asking the question as a professional.  We are getting more and more referrals for "he/she has a hard time expressing him/herself" in our school setting.  When we do any form of structured language testing (needed to qualify), almost all do very well.  I understand that when the ideas are disorganized, it is difficult to communicate effectively (not to mention missed details in comprehension along the way)--BUT do you know of any good resources for eligibility guidelines and/or effective intervention programs/strategies?

Would love your insight and experience--THANKS!

Answer
Dear Grace,

Thanks for asking me your question.  This is wonderful.  First tell me what city and state you are in so I can have a better country view.  Also let me give you my business e-mail soulspeech@bellsouth.net.  If you send me your phone number or individual e-mail address, I can address this better.  

Your better bet will be word finding tests, narrative tests, tests of problem solving and things like that.  

I also find that the TARPS - that requires verbal reasoning is sometimes challenging.  I also take my testing 2-3 steps further.  I calculate latency time with regard to responses.  If a child takes longer than say 5-10 seconds to respond to questions, then I note is and may work on processing speed.  

You can also incorporate some OT type exercise into your work or mental exercises for memory to help this area - one is a Morning Workout that I found in a book, that can be easily adapted and you also can pair some movement before or during the activity to help with organization.  You can also teach mind-maps which are a little different than the Webs they use in school.  

I hope I have helped you some.  Do write to me so we can discuss this further.  

Blessings to you and your Daughter, I hope she is doing well.  

Christine
Christine DeLoatch, MA  CCC-SLP
soulspeech@bellsouth.net

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

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Christine D. DeLoatch, MA CCC-SLP

Expertise

My expertise is both personal and professional. I am an adult with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, and I am an ASHA certified Speech-language pathologist. I worked in the school system, giving direct theraputic servies to children with both language difficulties and attention deficit disorder. (I am very familiar with the IEP process and the IDEA.)I have consulted on-line, in person and via the telephone with a number of parents of children with ADD.

Experience

My area of expertise lies in my holistic approach to ADD and other similar neurologically-based conditions including Non-verbal learning disorders. I am a researcher of medical treatments, studies regarding concrete documentation of the geographical differences in the "ADD" brain (PET scans, SPECT scans, etc.) herbal treatments, functional organizational strategies for children and adults (stuff that'll get you through the day; sensory techniques for relaxation and stress relief; and organizational tools - from the technological to the home-grown type. I am also a researcher of other conditions that are frequently co-existing with ADD. I have read extensively about women's issues and am an empathetic individal who would like to share strength, hope, experience and education.

Organizations
I hold a Certificate of Clinical Competency issued by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association.

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