#LDchat Archive

Understood holds this weekly Twitter chat that aims to keep the momentum going and raise awareness of learning and attention issues. Follow along with hashtag #LDCHAT and follow users @understoodchats & @understoodorg. Experts will be available to answer your questions and concerns and share resources from Understood.org.

Wednesday February 6, 2019
12:00 PM EST

  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 6 @ 12:01 PM EST
    LIVE NOW Welcome to today's #LDchat! This is Cece with the Understood team. Today, we're thrilled to welcome psychologist and ADHD specialist Sharon Saline (@DrSharonSaline) to discuss #ADHD and #anxiety.
  • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:02 PM EST
    I'm thrilled to be here! This is a very common and important topic. Please join us! #LDchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 6 @ 12:03 PM EST
    Who's with us today? #LDchat
  • BouldinIn Feb 6 @ 12:03 PM EST
    I'm studying social networking in #EDET543 w/ @dianadell We're learning about Twitter chat. #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg, @dianadell
  • ksuding Feb 6 @ 12:04 PM EST
    Hi #LDchat Kelli from Indiana checking in this afternoon!
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 6 @ 12:04 PM EST
    Thanks for joining! #LDchat
    In reply to @ksuding
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 6 @ 12:04 PM EST
    So glad to have you! #LDchat
    In reply to @BouldinIn, @dianadell
  • ksuding Feb 6 @ 12:05 PM EST
    I hope you find that Twitter is one of the best PD opportunities. #LDchat #PLN
    In reply to @BouldinIn, @UnderstoodOrg, @dianadell
  • edielovesmath Feb 6 @ 12:05 PM EST
    Edie, academic therapist in Washington, DC. Building an international tribe of teachers and parents of teens and young adults with ADHD. This is an important, issue, especially for my older ones. #LDchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:05 PM EST
    Hi Kelli. Thanks for joining us! #ldchat
    In reply to @ksuding
  • echamblet Feb 6 @ 12:06 PM EST
    #ldchat Elizabeth Hamblet, learning specialist/consultant @Columbia and @UnderstoodOrg expert on college transition.
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 6 @ 12:06 PM EST
    Great to see you again, Edie! Thanks for joining #LDchat.
    In reply to @edielovesmath
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 6 @ 12:06 PM EST
    Let's get started! We'll use a Q1, Q2… format for questions. Please use the A1, A2… format for answers. Here's the first question… #LDchat
  • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:06 PM EST
  • BouldinIn Feb 6 @ 12:06 PM EST
    That is what I am finding. There are so many opportunities! #EDET543 #ldchat
    In reply to @ksuding, @BouldinIn, @UnderstoodOrg
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 6 @ 12:06 PM EST
    Q1. How are #ADHD and #anxiety related? #LDchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 6 @ 12:07 PM EST
    Welcome back, Elizabeth! Thanks for joining! #LDchat
    In reply to @echamblet, @Columbia
  • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:08 PM EST
    A1: If you think about all of the neg feedback related to #ADHD that you’re kid has heard for years & how often she wondered about falling short again, it makes sense that she carries around a constant low level of worry which primes her for intense bouts of #anxiety. #LDchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 6 @ 12:08 PM EST
    Some of the challenges that come along with #ADHD can make kids anxious. There's often overlap in how ADHD and #anxiety can look in kids as well. Learn more: https://t.co/UwKGenuFHc #LDchat
  • ksuding Feb 6 @ 12:09 PM EST
    What is the percentage of young adults with #ADHD also having #anxiety? #LDchat
    • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:08 PM EST
      A1: If you think about all of the neg feedback related to #ADHD that you’re kid has heard for years & how often she wondered about falling short again, it makes sense that she carries around a constant low level of worry which primes her for intense bouts of #anxiety. #LDchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 6 @ 12:10 PM EST
    "To compensate, I'd give myself fake deadlines to pressure myself into getting things done. I was essentially creating stressful situations to make myself hyperfocus." Read a woman's reflection on growing up with both #anxiety and #ADHD: https://t.co/iySo3I80yn #LDchat
  • echamblet Feb 6 @ 12:11 PM EST
    A1) #LDchat If students know their attention is inconsistent or weak, it can make them anxious about what they're missing, whether in academic or social settings. It especially makes them anxious about making inattentive errors on tests.
  • BouldinIn Feb 6 @ 12:11 PM EST
    A1: I see both in my students. Sometimes I think they have similar stimuli #EDET543 #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • edielovesmath Feb 6 @ 12:12 PM EST
    A1. ADHD and Anxiety manifest in similar ways. Diagnosis is challenging. About 60% of children with ADHD show symptoms of anxiety. 47% million adults are diagnosed with both. #LDchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:12 PM EST
    A1: #ADHD & #Anxiety travel together often because when your frontal lobes are already working hard to manage typical ADHD challenges with executive functioning skills, beating back anxiety can be extra tough. #LDchat
  • ksuding Feb 6 @ 12:12 PM EST
    True & this is a sad statement. Its OUR fault that those kiddos feel that way & not theirs. #LDchat Not taking the time to educate ourselves AND the child on #ADHD is the culprit of feelings of falling short. We should teach them how to OWN it & then facilitate convos on how.
    In reply to @DrSharonSaline
  • lorri1956 Feb 6 @ 12:12 PM EST
    #LDchat A little late, but I'm here!
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:12 PM EST
    About 34 % of kids with ADHD also have anxiety. In my practice that seems higher though. #LDchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 6 @ 12:13 PM EST
    Glad to have you! #LDchat
    In reply to @lorri1956
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 6 @ 12:13 PM EST
    The second question is coming up… #LDchat
  • BouldinIn Feb 6 @ 12:13 PM EST
    #EDET543 #LDchat
    • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:12 PM EST
      A1: #ADHD & #Anxiety travel together often because when your frontal lobes are already working hard to manage typical ADHD challenges with executive functioning skills, beating back anxiety can be extra tough. #LDchat
  • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:13 PM EST
    I think that's bc kids with ADHD walk around worrying or wondering about when they will next do something that gets them negative feedback. This creates persistent anxiety. #LDchat
  • lorri1956 Feb 6 @ 12:13 PM EST
    #LDchat A1 I would having #ADHD could certainly make one have #anxiety!
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 6 @ 12:13 PM EST
    Q2. What are common signs of #anxiety for students with #ADHD? #LDchat
  • ksuding Feb 6 @ 12:14 PM EST
    Do u know if that means that students with #dyslexia also have the high % of #anxiety since #dyslexia is also so closely correlated to #ADHD? #LDchat
    • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:12 PM EST
      About 34 % of kids with ADHD also have anxiety. In my practice that seems higher though. #LDchat
  • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:14 PM EST
    A2: A common sign is avoidance. Avoiding unpleasant, difficult & time consuming chores or assignments doesn’t make them go away, rather, it increases the #anxiety. #LDchat
  • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:15 PM EST
    It can create extra worries and vigilance about one's behavior that increases anxiety and lowers self-esteem for sure. #LDchat
  • assignmenthelp Feb 6 @ 12:15 PM EST
    4 Excellent Tips for Taking Notes in Class https://t.co/z10Z0jmYaK #iolchat #LDchat
  • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:15 PM EST
  • BouldinIn Feb 6 @ 12:15 PM EST
    Wow, and to think those are cases being diagnosed. #EDET543 #ldchat
    In reply to @DrSharonSaline
  • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:16 PM EST
    Since about 70% of kids with ADHD also have LD, I think they frequently travel together. #LDchat
  • ksuding Feb 6 @ 12:16 PM EST
    A2: It often looks like defiance because they do not understand #ADHD & #anxiety & it's the behaviors that get the most attention rather than the CORE of what is actually happening. #LDchat
  • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:17 PM EST
    Sometimes they're diagnosed and sometimes they're not. The statistics reflect people who've sought help and there are so many who haven't. #LDchat
  • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:17 PM EST
    A2: Kids with #ADHD often have issues with working memory, organization and time management that make it hard to follow daily routines. This can lead to chronic stress. #LDchat
  • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:18 PM EST
    I agree Kelli. Defiance or avoidance are often misinterpreted. #LDchat
  • PrincipalSharon Feb 6 @ 12:18 PM EST
    A2: Disengagement. Student is so overwhelmed by what they haven’t started or completed, they can’t take any action. #ldchat
  • BouldinIn Feb 6 @ 12:18 PM EST
    what are some suggestions for teachers to help calm students and help them work through the anxiety? #EDET543 #ldchat
    In reply to @DrSharonSaline
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 6 @ 12:18 PM EST
    Signs of #anxiety in children can be physical, emotional and behavioral. Here are some examples you may see when a student is struggling with anxiety: https://t.co/JvOMwiS2ME #LDchat
  • edielovesmath Feb 6 @ 12:19 PM EST
    A2. Common signs of ADHD: hyperactivity, lack of impulse control, trouble sitting still, challenges completing schoolwork/work., Disorganization is a definite issue for my older kids. Don't forget that girls tend to manifest without hyperactivity. Daydreamers. #LDchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 6 @ 12:19 PM EST
    Hi Kelli, #anxiety can often co-occur with many types of #LD and #ADHD. Here are some insights about the links between them and ways to help: https://t.co/PPMepwOGwj #LDchat
    In reply to @ksuding
  • ksuding Feb 6 @ 12:19 PM EST
    This is why it is SO SO important to teach those executive functioning skills! We often assume that kiddos come to us already having a proficient understanding & are just being "lazy" or "defiant" when they truly just don't know how! #LDchat
    • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:17 PM EST
      A2: Kids with #ADHD often have issues with working memory, organization and time management that make it hard to follow daily routines. This can lead to chronic stress. #LDchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 6 @ 12:19 PM EST
    Many kids with #ADHD experience stress or anxious feelings. It's important to know the difference between typical #anxiety and signs of an anxiety problem: https://t.co/SxAxWzwr6r #LDchat
  • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:19 PM EST
    Overwhelm really does lower student engagement. The best way to beat this is to break tasks down into smaller chunks. #LDchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 6 @ 12:20 PM EST
    Let's move onto Q3… #LDchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 6 @ 12:20 PM EST
    Q3. How can we help students with #ADHD and #anxiety? #LDchat
  • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:20 PM EST
    Helping students feel a sense of competence and momentum reduces anxiety. #LDchat
  • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:21 PM EST
    I believe Q4 will discuss this topic... #ldchat
    In reply to @BouldinIn, @DrSharonSaline
  • BouldinIn Feb 6 @ 12:21 PM EST
    #EDET543 #LDchat
  • ksuding Feb 6 @ 12:21 PM EST
    I agree. When I get totally overwhelmed, I just want to lay face down on the floor and I DO have coping skills. ha ha #LDchat
    In reply to @DrSharonSaline
  • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:22 PM EST
    A3: Avoiding things only makes the #anxiety stronger. Instead, help him learn to talk back to his worry by recalling times when he relied on his inner resources & problem-solving skills to overcome challenges. This helps him turn down negative thinking. #LDchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 6 @ 12:23 PM EST
    An anxiety log can help you spot patterns in your student's behavior and help you choose calming strategies that work. Download our printable templates: https://t.co/ETukpsoQaM #LDchat
  • Spare_Mare Feb 6 @ 12:23 PM EST
    my son was just diagnosed with adhd & anxiety. is it best to do counselling to teach him how to handle his anxiety? he is very argumentative when doing any homework, especially when he gets it wrong. #LDchat
  • echamblet Feb 6 @ 12:23 PM EST
    #LDchat A3) I think Sharon has answered this question!
    • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:19 PM EST
      Overwhelm really does lower student engagement. The best way to beat this is to break tasks down into smaller chunks. #LDchat
  • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:23 PM EST
    A3: Your child won't completely rid himself of anxiety, but by changing how he responds he’ll regain a sense of control. The goal is to access inner resources to feel confident enough to go towards the fear & manage setbacks. #LDchat
  • ksuding Feb 6 @ 12:23 PM EST
    I could not agree more.....Always presume competence. #LDchat
  • edielovesmath Feb 6 @ 12:23 PM EST
    A3. Older stuents with ADHD aren't likely to speak up. Consider emotions (open dialogue). Live in the moment (avoid past failures). Take a chance (trust builds risk-taking). #LDchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:24 PM EST
    Counseling can be very helpful to learn tools to manage anxiety as long as the clinician understands the relationship btn ADHD and anxiety. #LDchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 6 @ 12:24 PM EST
    There are many ways to enlist professional help. From pediatricians and psychologists to teachers and coaches, here are 13 options to consider for your student with #ADHD and #anxiety: https://t.co/EVPTpxaUpE #LDchat
  • BouldinIn Feb 6 @ 12:24 PM EST
    I have a calming area in my room-stress ball, calming jar, stuffed animal, mirror, a timer, & emotion cards #EDET543 #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:24 PM EST
    Treating the anxiety without dealing with ADHD often doesn't work. #LDchat
  • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:25 PM EST
    That sounds like a great classroom. #LDchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 6 @ 12:25 PM EST
    One more question to go… #LDchat
  • lorri1956 Feb 6 @ 12:25 PM EST
    #LDchat A3 Well maybe by letting them talk about what is causing the anxiety. And talk about ways they can handle it.
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • BouldinIn Feb 6 @ 12:25 PM EST
    Every student practices using this area, we talk about breathing, counting backwards, etc... #EDET543 #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 6 @ 12:25 PM EST
    Q4. What are helpful classroom strategies for students with #ADHD and #anxiety? #LDchat
  • MsFrabel Feb 6 @ 12:26 PM EST
    Q3. As someone less than a year from entering student teaching, I am very interested to see what advice is out there for assisting students with LD's. Often times in our "teacher training" I feel the focus is on simple, blanket classroom management strategies. #LDchat
  • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:26 PM EST
    A4: Encourage her to write down something that causes anxiety. Have her name it & the negative thoughts associated with these worries. Now, have her think of a time when she did something similar that required her to overcome hesitation or avoidance. What motivated her? #LDchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 6 @ 12:27 PM EST
    The challenges students with #ADHD face in the classroom, can often cause symptoms of #anxiety. Here are five types of classroom accommodations that may help: https://t.co/dETu50eGkA #LDchat
  • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:27 PM EST
    A4: What’s important with #ADHD students is maintaining eye contact. Eye contact should be considered part of the lesson plan. #LDchat
  • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:27 PM EST
    A4: Signaling the start of a lesson with a timer or bell, listing keywords or activities on the board, telling students what they’re going to learn and what the expectations are when opening the lesson. #LDchat
  • ksuding Feb 6 @ 12:27 PM EST
    A4: Making sure that Ss have the appropriate accommodations in their learning to access themselves and curriculum in the way that is best for THEM. #UDL #LDchat
  • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:28 PM EST
    We want to teach kids who anxious more self-soothing techniques. Help them remember times when they overcame a worry and did something anyway. Anxiety creates amnesia about bravery. #LDchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 6 @ 12:28 PM EST
    If your student is being treated for #anxiety, it's crucial to be in contact with your mental health provider about school strategies. Here are three types of classroom accommodations to consider: https://t.co/Q5MyZqcE0Z #LDchat
  • BouldinIn Feb 6 @ 12:28 PM EST
    #EDET543 #LDchat
    • DrSharonSaline Feb 6 @ 12:27 PM EST
      A4: Signaling the start of a lesson with a timer or bell, listing keywords or activities on the board, telling students what they’re going to learn and what the expectations are when opening the lesson. #LDchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 6 @ 12:29 PM EST
    Any final thoughts before we wrap up for the week? #LDchat