#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 December 14, 2016
12:00 PM EST
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:00 PM EST
    Welcome to today’s LD Chat! This is Dan with the Understood team. #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:00 PM EST
    We’re excited to have @drhallowell with us today, chatting about #ADHD and the holidays. #ldchat
    In reply to @drhallowell
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:00 PM EST
    Who’s with us today? #ldchat
  • drhallowell Dec 14 @ 12:01 PM EST
    Hi, Ned Hallowell here #ldchat
  • drhallowell Dec 14 @ 12:02 PM EST
    I wonder if Santa Claus has joined us #ldchat
  • BillWongOT Dec 14 @ 12:02 PM EST
    Hello folks! #ldchat
  • edielovesmath Dec 14 @ 12:02 PM EST
    Edie, Academic Therapist from Washington, DC. I dig my teens and young adults with ADHD. @UnderstoodOrg #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:03 PM EST
    Hi Bill! Thanks for joining. #ldchat
    In reply to @BillWongOT
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:03 PM EST
    @So great to have you, Edie! #ldchat
    In reply to @edielovesmath, @So
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:04 PM EST
    We'll start in just a couple of minutes... #ldchat
  • kerriYWG Dec 14 @ 12:05 PM EST
    Hi all! Kerri, freelance blogger, #ADHD, enjoy listing words. #LDchat
  • lorri1956 Dec 14 @ 12:05 PM EST
    #ldchat Hi from Lorri out here in Santee, Ca
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:06 PM EST
    Hey Kerri! How are things in Canada? #ldchat
    In reply to @kerriYWG
  • UnderstoodJennO Dec 14 @ 12:06 PM EST
    Jenn here, in freezing cold Iowa. #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:06 PM EST
    Great to have you, Lorri! #ldchat
    In reply to @lorri1956
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:06 PM EST
    I doubt it's much warmer here in NYC! Always great having you, Jenn! #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodJennO
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:06 PM EST
    Okay, first question coming up... #ldchat
  • haswell_tim Dec 14 @ 12:06 PM EST
    Hi All #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:07 PM EST
    We’ll use a Q1, Q2… format for questions. Please use the A1, A2… format for answers. #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:07 PM EST
    Q1. What are some holiday stressors when one or more family members have #ADHD? #ldchat
  • kerriYWG Dec 14 @ 12:07 PM EST
    More and more snow in Winnipeg, and -28*C (-18*F) with the windchill today! #LDchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • drhallowell Dec 14 @ 12:07 PM EST
    chaos, confusion, conflicts galore #ldchat
  • drhallowell Dec 14 @ 12:08 PM EST
    but all manageable if you keep humor and common sense #ldchat
  • kerriYWG Dec 14 @ 12:08 PM EST
    A1. Think of the gifts, buy the gifts, hide the gifts, remember where I hide the gifts/do not lose in my room, and wrap them! #LDchat
  • drhallowell Dec 14 @ 12:08 PM EST
    and remember the good parts that ADHD brings to the scene! #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:09 PM EST
    What are some of those good parts? #ldchat
    In reply to @drhallowell
  • GRASPAlly Dec 14 @ 12:09 PM EST
    We're here #ldchat #TeamGRASP
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:10 PM EST
    10 Holiday Stressors for Kids with Learning and Attention Issue: https://t.co/fM9KX0mCfr #ldchat
  • GRASPAlly Dec 14 @ 12:10 PM EST
    Excited to hear your thoughts @drhallowell #ldchat
    In reply to @drhallowell
  • drhallowell Dec 14 @ 12:10 PM EST
    creativity, originality, humor, energy, spontaneity, big-heartedness, generosity, sparkle #ldchat
  • lorri1956 Dec 14 @ 12:10 PM EST
    #ldchat A1 So much running around and stress for everyone, can cause more stress for those with #ADHD
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • UnderstoodJennO Dec 14 @ 12:10 PM EST
    A1: Overstimulation, lack of schedule/routine, interacting with family members who aren't used to ADHD #ldchat
  • edielovesmath Dec 14 @ 12:10 PM EST
    A1. The #1 holiday stressor for my older folks with ADHD is exams. All or nothing. Try meditation @UnderstoodOrg #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • GRASPAlly Dec 14 @ 12:11 PM EST
    A1: Last minute shopping- time management, thinking everything can get done in ONE day #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:11 PM EST
    Very good point. Has meditation worked well for your folks? #ldchat
    In reply to @edielovesmath
  • inventivesrise Dec 14 @ 12:11 PM EST
    Humor is so important. As is acceptance and support. #LDChat
  • UnderstoodJennO Dec 14 @ 12:11 PM EST
    A1: As a teacher, I always see my biggest behaviors between Thanksgiving and Winter Break. #ldchat
  • UnderstoodGinny Dec 14 @ 12:11 PM EST
    A.1 Kids are amped up about getting presents! #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:11 PM EST
    Great points! I think that would stress ANYONE! #ldchat
    In reply to @GRASPAlly
  • drhallowell Dec 14 @ 12:12 PM EST
    remember that the most important present is each other. cliche but so true! #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:12 PM EST
    7 Common Behavior Triggers at Formal Celebrations: https://t.co/ogIiA2XeGS #ldchat
  • DaddyFiles Dec 14 @ 12:12 PM EST
    Nice piece, @AmandaMorin. When you don't have a child with LAIs it's so easy to overlook these things. #parenting #ldchat
  • smartkidswld Dec 14 @ 12:12 PM EST
    Strengths during holidays? @drhallowell: creativity, originality, humor, energy, spontaneity, big-heartedness, generosity, sparkle #ldchat
    In reply to @drhallowell
  • KarleanH Dec 14 @ 12:12 PM EST
    A1 One stressed would be a change in routine and having less structure at home. #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:13 PM EST
    Q2. What can parents do when friends and family aren’t supportive of their child’s #ADHD and the behaviors associated with it? #ldchat
  • BillWongOT Dec 14 @ 12:13 PM EST
    I am a warm weather baby. I will not work in those conditions. #ldchat
    In reply to @kerriYWG, @UnderstoodOrg
  • edielovesmath Dec 14 @ 12:14 PM EST
    Meditation helps my older kids with ADHD. Deep breathing reduces stress. Look cool (martial arts). @UnderstoodOrg #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • kerriYWG Dec 14 @ 12:14 PM EST
    I will admit I have been staying inside ;). Freelancer perks = home office. #LDchat
    In reply to @BillWongOT, @UnderstoodOrg
  • BillWongOT Dec 14 @ 12:14 PM EST
    or sometimes buy stuff to cook for Christmas dinner, cook it, and find any necessary ingredients. #ldchat
    In reply to @kerriYWG
  • drhallowell Dec 14 @ 12:14 PM EST
    Parents can and should educate and explain ADHD to friends and relatives preferably BEFORE big get-togethers #ldchat
  • UnderstoodJennO Dec 14 @ 12:14 PM EST
    A2: Provide positive reinforcement to the child, be firm with family members when they do too much. #ldchat
  • UnderstoodGinny Dec 14 @ 12:15 PM EST
    A2. It's important to get them to empathize - being proactive can help. #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:15 PM EST
    Do you have any recommendations on how to do this tactfully? It can be a sensitive issue. #ldchat
    In reply to @drhallowell
  • kerriYWG Dec 14 @ 12:15 PM EST
    A2. EDUCATE. Explain ADHD in reference to the kid they can see in front of them—or, the adult. Makes it tangible. #LDchat
  • inventivesrise Dec 14 @ 12:16 PM EST
    A2: #LDChat: All brains think and learn differently and it is important to recognize that everyone is "smart" in their own way.
  • drhallowell Dec 14 @ 12:16 PM EST
    Tactful really means respectful. Tell the truth, the unadorned truth, but in a way that respects the other person's position #ldchat
  • BillWongOT Dec 14 @ 12:16 PM EST
    A2. Also, prepare to have contingency plans when such behaviors come up. #ldchat
  • BillWongOT Dec 14 @ 12:17 PM EST
    absolutely... holidays can bring less structure and change in routines than normal. #ldchat
    In reply to @KarleanH, @UnderstoodOrg
  • angela_lange25 Dec 14 @ 12:17 PM EST
    as a parent you can prepare/practice with your child to respond or react when a situation becomes difficult. #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:17 PM EST
    What to Do When Friends and Family Aren’t Supportive of Your Child’s Learning and Attention Issues: https://t.co/Nw0XhWL5s2 #ldchat
  • edielovesmath Dec 14 @ 12:17 PM EST
    A2. Give ADHD strategies. My older kids can show with an attitude. No confrontations. Find common ground. @UnderstoodOrg #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • BillWongOT Dec 14 @ 12:17 PM EST
    and can't wait for the appropriate moments to open them! #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodGinny
  • inventivesrise Dec 14 @ 12:18 PM EST
    A2: Creativity is often a characteristic that most people can admire. #LDChat
  • BillWongOT Dec 14 @ 12:18 PM EST
    oh yes... sometimes these finals are scheduled just before or right after holidays. #ldchat
    In reply to @edielovesmath, @UnderstoodOrg
  • BillWongOT Dec 14 @ 12:18 PM EST
    and also breakdown stuff like papers into bite size pieces! #ldchat
    In reply to @edielovesmath, @UnderstoodOrg
  • mertensminute Dec 14 @ 12:19 PM EST
    Hello #ldchat! Beth, school counselor & parent of a child w/ #adhd. Jumping in during lunch time!
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:19 PM EST
    Thanks for joining, Beth! #ldchat
    In reply to @mertensminute
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:20 PM EST
    Q3. What are some travel tips for long car rides and flights when one or more family members have #ADHD? #ldchat
  • angela_lange25 Dec 14 @ 12:20 PM EST
    @UnderstoodOrg ADHD is common in my family so we always plan some sort of outdoor walk or exercise regardless of temperature #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • drhallowell Dec 14 @ 12:20 PM EST
    bring games and other activities kids can play in car or plane. and have food! #ldchat
  • edielovesmath Dec 14 @ 12:20 PM EST
    I agree @BillWongOT. My kids' smaller colleges can make that happen. Not so with larger ones. Suggestions? @UnderstoodOrg #ldchat
    In reply to @BillWongOT, @UnderstoodOrg
  • UnderstoodJennO Dec 14 @ 12:21 PM EST
    A3: Plan ahead and pack lots of snacks and activities! For this one, I'm willing to give into screen time. #ldchat
  • tamara_tate Dec 14 @ 12:21 PM EST
    A2 for my teen boys we let them check out part of the time with a book or electronics if it gets overwhelming #ldchat
  • angela_lange25 Dec 14 @ 12:21 PM EST
    @UnderstoodOrg it really has become some of our favorite family memories 😊 #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • kerriYWG Dec 14 @ 12:21 PM EST
    A3. I bought noise cancelling earphones (Bose in ear) recently. Amazing for my most recent flight a few weeks ago! #LDchat
  • BillWongOT Dec 14 @ 12:21 PM EST
    which tweet are you referencing to? #ldchat
    In reply to @edielovesmath, @UnderstoodOrg
  • msorlov Dec 14 @ 12:22 PM EST
    A2: Get togethers can be stressful for many reasons. As @drhallowell recommends, tell your family about #ADHD before they show up. #LDChat
    • drhallowell Dec 14 @ 12:14 PM EST
      Parents can and should educate and explain ADHD to friends and relatives preferably BEFORE big get-togethers #ldchat
  • tamara_tate Dec 14 @ 12:22 PM EST
    A2 snacks! Blood sugar dips are horrible #ldchat
  • UnderstoodJennO Dec 14 @ 12:22 PM EST
    A3: If the kids are getting agitated, take a break and let them burn off energy. Let them run around, even at a rest stop. #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:22 PM EST
    A3. Our very own @AmandaMorin actually wrote a book that might help answer this question: https://t.co/Gt8tu4YqfK #ldchat
    In reply to @AmandaMorin
  • angela_lange25 Dec 14 @ 12:22 PM EST
    healthy snacks, special movie, car ride audio books, car ride games, & technology 😊 #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • BillWongOT Dec 14 @ 12:22 PM EST
    A3. have the therapeutic listening tracks on repeat on mp3 or music player. #ldchat
  • drhallowell Dec 14 @ 12:22 PM EST
    I gotta get Amanda's book for my collection! #ldchat
  • kerriYWG Dec 14 @ 12:23 PM EST
    A3. Books, audiobooks, laptop/tablet, and snacks. Definitely snacks. Pringles travel well :). I can also work while in transit. #LDchat
  • edielovesmath Dec 14 @ 12:23 PM EST
    A3. Older kids with ADHD on long car rides? YIKES! Try audiobooks, music (MP3 players). Video games (sorry). @UnderstoodOrg #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • UnderstoodGinny Dec 14 @ 12:23 PM EST
    A3. Travel at night, when the kids are sleepy! #ldchat
  • BillWongOT Dec 14 @ 12:23 PM EST
    hard to do if they are on plane rides... imagine they have to be at a plane for 12+ hours non-stop! #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodJennO
  • mertensminute Dec 14 @ 12:23 PM EST
    This was exactly what I was going to say! They pick & pack their own snacks so they have exactly what they like, too #ldchat
    • UnderstoodJennO Dec 14 @ 12:21 PM EST
      A3: Plan ahead and pack lots of snacks and activities! For this one, I'm willing to give into screen time. #ldchat
  • UnderstoodJennO Dec 14 @ 12:24 PM EST
    Be careful with this! If they don't sleep well in the car, it'll be a LOOOONG trip. #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodGinny
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:24 PM EST
    My Kids Won’t Stop Fighting in the Car. What Can I Do? https://t.co/1mqCEx3SUo #ldchat
  • BillWongOT Dec 14 @ 12:24 PM EST
    I would say have a few fidget toys, and bring them things that will occupy their time in such cases. #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodJennO
  • BillWongOT Dec 14 @ 12:24 PM EST
    I am going to Australia next year. 30 straight hours either on flights or at airports each way. #ldchat
    In reply to @kerriYWG
  • UnderstoodJennO Dec 14 @ 12:25 PM EST
    That is hard. Fidgets and other OT sensory tricks might help. #ldchat
    In reply to @BillWongOT
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:25 PM EST
    10 Tips for Helping Your Child Prepare and Pack for a Trip: https://t.co/ee8gt51Es3 #ldchat
  • edielovesmath Dec 14 @ 12:25 PM EST
    Have exams/paper dates adjusted to after winter break. Can that happen? @BillWongOT @UnderstoodOrg #ldchat
    In reply to @BillWongOT, @UnderstoodOrg
  • UnderstoodGinny Dec 14 @ 12:25 PM EST
    A3. I do love theraputty! #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:26 PM EST
    Q4. What are some ways that parents can manage their child’s hyperactivity and impulsivity at large family gatherings? #ADHD #ldchat
  • BBabushka Dec 14 @ 12:26 PM EST
    Same goes for #mentalhealth issues. #StopTheStigma #ldchat
  • MaryannFuduric Dec 14 @ 12:26 PM EST
    Scavenger hunt along the way - landmarks and cities/towns... #ldchat
  • UnderstoodJennO Dec 14 @ 12:26 PM EST
    A3: I've traveled frequently on long car rides-we now stop overnight at a hotel w/ a pool. It's worth every penny! #ldchat
  • kerriYWG Dec 14 @ 12:26 PM EST
    Highly recommend noise cancelling earphones :). #LDchat
    In reply to @BillWongOT
  • AmandaMorin Dec 14 @ 12:26 PM EST
    Why, thank you! #LDChat
  • drhallowell Dec 14 @ 12:26 PM EST
    at some level, adults need to get over their irritable, non-stop insistence on "order" and "appropriate" behavior #ldchat
  • BillWongOT Dec 14 @ 12:27 PM EST
    in a curriculum like mine... I have seen a ex-classmate w/ ADD broke curriculum down into 2 semesters. #ldchat
    In reply to @edielovesmath, @UnderstoodOrg
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:27 PM EST
    .@AmandaMorin's ears were burning! #ldchat
    In reply to @AmandaMorin
  • BillWongOT Dec 14 @ 12:27 PM EST
    what I mean by that is- she had 2 semesters to complete the course where most will take 1. #ldchat
    In reply to @edielovesmath, @UnderstoodOrg
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:27 PM EST
    5 Tips to Help Kids With Self-Control Issues Have Fun at Family Gatherings: https://t.co/tuC31A7POQ #ldchat
  • UnderstoodJennO Dec 14 @ 12:28 PM EST
    A4: Find a quiet spot for talking and calming down. Learn the spots where they can run around and where they can't #ldchat
  • BillWongOT Dec 14 @ 12:28 PM EST
    but with connecting flights... sometimes you got to be on alert on gate changes too! #ldchat
    In reply to @kerriYWG
  • msorlov Dec 14 @ 12:28 PM EST
    A3: #ADHD is highly heritable, which means you may well have children w/ ADHD. Manage the impulse to say & do things that irritate! #ldChat
  • BillWongOT Dec 14 @ 12:28 PM EST
    I have blunders at the airport at least 3 times in my life since I traveled independently. #ldchat
    In reply to @kerriYWG
  • drhallowell Dec 14 @ 12:28 PM EST
    remember, these holidays are a time to celebrate connection, love, and the best in life. don't lose sight of that #ldchat
  • kerriYWG Dec 14 @ 12:29 PM EST
    Oh, I use my other earphones interchangeably :). These have “Aware mode” but i still find they muffle too much noise. #LDchat
    In reply to @BillWongOT
  • msorlov Dec 14 @ 12:29 PM EST
    Yes. I wish I had more fun with my kids, and planned and organized less. #LDChat
    • drhallowell Dec 14 @ 12:26 PM EST
      at some level, adults need to get over their irritable, non-stop insistence on "order" and "appropriate" behavior #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Dec 14 @ 12:29 PM EST
    11 Tips to Help Kids with #ADHD Manage the Holidays: https://t.co/D9oFigQ78Q #ldchat
  • drhallowell Dec 14 @ 12:29 PM EST
    Hi Melissa! Melissa is SO GOOD in writing about couples. Go to amazon and get her book! #ldchat
  • BillWongOT Dec 14 @ 12:29 PM EST
    A4. talk to support professionals if they have access to them to prepare! #ldchat