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.
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Welcome to today's #LDchat! This is Dan with the Understood team. We're joined today by psychiatrist and #ADHD expert @drhallowell to discuss screens, stress and ADHD.
Edie, Academic Therapist from Washington, DC. Building an international tribe of teachers and parents of teens and young adults with ADHD. Stress is a major for concern for everyone. #LDchat
Always great having you, Edie! I was just thinking about you recently because one of our upcoming chats is on college transitions. Hope you can join us then. #LDchat
Jacob. I am a Masters student at UMass Amherst, pursuing a license in History Secondary-Ed. I want to become more cognizant of LDs and be the best teacher for my students who learn differently. #LDchat
#LDchat Q1: plenty of reward opportunities on screen to satisfy our dopamine needs! Also, for some parents, it gives them respite. Not the best reason but it happens.
Some kids with #ADHD and #LD can get "stuck" on thoughts, getting an answer to a question or conversations about their topics of interest. Do you know about perseveration? #LDchathttps://t.co/YcsILaZhEQ
A1. My teens and young adults love digital technology. The are especially enamored with cell phones. They can do anything, hence the excessive use. The trick is to discover ways to integrate learning, organization, and behavior. Parent? Lay off the yelling. #LDchat
#ldchat Have a 14 yr. old and 17 yr. old sons -- not very ADHD unfocused or impulsive. It stresses me out to manage their screen time. I end up feeling like a police. What are effect strategies for them to self manage screens?
A2: Increased #anxiety, impatience, depression, and reduction in ability to persevere and self regulate (assuming tools are used passively and not with care and intention) #LDChat
A1: Kids with ADHD need an outlet, a channel, for their energy. Video games and technology is incredibly rich and dense in visual engagement. Perhaps there is a link?! Screen time can be captivating, engaging AND address distractions since it is info. overload. @UnderstoodOrg
Lately my son is using his iPad to find YouTube videos of building machines - legos candy dispensers, various rubber band shooters, etc. I find this VERY productive and it satisfies two of his dopamine fixes #LDChat
A1. My teens and young adults love digital technology. The are especially enamored with cell phones. They can do anything, hence the excessive use. The trick is to discover ways to integrate learning, organization, and behavior. Parent? Lay off the yelling. #LDchat
A2 Older students with ADHD can be difficult in the classroom. Almost every emotion manifests as anger. Proximity is a real challenge (Get away from me). Avoid getting into the "behavior dance." No you can't. Yes I can. No you can't... #LDchat
For any questions specific to your or your child's experiences, please consider joining our free online community at https://t.co/BzFxFalylc, where you can engage with experts and parents who have been where you are. #LDchat
Kids with #ADHD often feel emotions more intensely than other kids. Trouble managing emotions can lead to moodiness and mood swings. #LDchathttps://t.co/GGFqooPcGA
A1: Kids with ADHD need an outlet, a channel, for their energy. Video games and technology is incredibly rich and dense in visual engagement. Perhaps there is a link?! Screen time can be captivating, engaging AND address distractions since it is info. overload. @UnderstoodOrg
Should teachers allow students that have ADHD to take breaks to have screen time if they are overstimulated or having difficulty focusing in the classroom, or is this going to create potential excessive screen time? #LDchat
#LDchat Q3: impaired social interaction skills. For one, crappy deciphering of facial expressions and nonverbal cues. Not to mention more risk for social anxiety with less coping for real life interactions.
Kids with #ADHD feel the same emotions as their peers. But their emotions are more intense with ADHD and impact everyday living. #LDchathttps://t.co/moaKMZ4vul
@drhallowell In Driven From Distraction, you talked about balance exercises that could help kids to strengthen these mind muscles, but you said they hadn’t been well-proven. Any recent research developments?? #LDchat
In reply to
@JBensco, @drhallowell, @UnderstoodOrg, @drhallowell
A3 There's been a lot of research on the effects of excessive screen-time with adolescents with ADHD (school and home). Unfortunately, there is no absolute answer. It depends on the age, emotional connection, and interactivity. #LDchat
A3: Low problem solving skills, isolation, poor team work performance, weak friendship bonds, communication skills in general are affected since there is few interaction face to face. #LDChat
A2. I would add anxiety to this list. Students (especially older) likely know that there are other activities that need their priority and attention, and that the longer they're engaging in screen time, the more stressful those tasks will be. #LDchat@UnderstoodOrg
#LDchat Q4: good luck in today’s culture. No quick answers. But key is family consistency. Parents need to role model. Not enough to set limits. Need to set structure early so kids are familiar with non screentime leisure time and other activities.
Consider a cell phone contract to ensure your child is using her phone responsibly. These contracts address specific #ADHD-related challenges. #LDchathttps://t.co/90aTYkCcrw
