#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 13, 2019
12:00 PM EST

  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 13 @ 12:00 PM EST
    LIVE NOW Welcome to today's #LDchat! This is Cece with the Understood team. Today, we're thrilled to welcome clinical psychologist Kristin J. Carothers, Ph.D. (@kristinjoyc) to discuss screen time and video games—and how we can help kids manage them effectively.
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 13 @ 12:02 PM EST
    Who's with us today? #LDchat
  • kristinjoyc Feb 13 @ 12:02 PM EST
    #LDchat Thank you for having me! I'm happy to be here responding to questions.
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • edielovesmath Feb 13 @ 12:04 PM EST
    Edie, academic therapist in Washington, DC. Building an international tribe of teachers and parents of teens and young adults with ADHD. Games/screen time are a hot issue for older kids. I look forward to sharing with all of you. #LDchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 13 @ 12:05 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
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 13 @ 12:06 PM EST
    Q1. Are screen time and video games helpful or harmful for kids with #LD or #ADHD? #LDchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 13 @ 12:07 PM EST
    #LDchat So glad to have you Amy!
    In reply to @amyvalentine555
  • kristinjoyc Feb 13 @ 12:07 PM EST
    #LDCHAT screen time and video games can be okay for kids with #LD or #ADHD in moderation. Kids need time limits and structure so they don’t become hyper-focused and get so entrenched in the activity that they can’t break away.
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • kristinjoyc Feb 13 @ 12:07 PM EST
    #LDchat A2 Hyper-focus occurs when a person concentrates so hard on an activity that they are unaware of what is happening in the outside world. Children may engage in behavioral outbursts when they have to stop activities if they are hyper focused.
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 13 @ 12:08 PM EST
    You've probably heard reasons why playing #VideoGames isn't good for kids. But did you know that research shows that it may also have benefits? Here are four examples: https://t.co/tU62jKvche #LDchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 13 @ 12:09 PM EST
    There are risks for kids communicating and sharing information online. It's important to teach students how to stay safe, whether they have #LD and #ADHD or not. Use these 9 tips: https://t.co/VERp1Zdrxi #LDchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 13 @ 12:10 PM EST
    The second question is coming up… #LDchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 13 @ 12:10 PM EST
    Q2. What impact do video or computer games have on social skills for kids with #LD or #ADHD? #LDchat
  • HanockMark Feb 13 @ 12:10 PM EST
    Mark from Missouri. Special education teacher studying social media in #EDET543 w/ @dianadell I'm learning about Twitter Chat. #LDchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 13 @ 12:11 PM EST
    So glad yo have you, Mark! #LDchat
    In reply to @HanockMark, @dianadell
  • HanockMark Feb 13 @ 12:11 PM EST
    My tweets for the next hour will be for #LDchat. #EDET543
  • kristinjoyc Feb 13 @ 12:12 PM EST
    A2. #LDCHAT video games that are interactive and allow multiple players via the internet can be a source of social interaction. It’s best to have interactions with people the kids know in real life to have the best impact on prosocial skills.
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • kristinjoyc Feb 13 @ 12:12 PM EST
    A2 #LDchat When children do not know the person they are interacting with, they may be more likely to behave in inappropriate. It’s difficult to engage in empathy and perspective taking when the person is just someone on a screen.
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • edielovesmath Feb 13 @ 12:12 PM EST
    A1. Video games can be helpful for older kids with ADHD. Require changing skills. Clear, immediate feedback. Actively engaged and attentive. Cognitive involvement. #LDchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 13 @ 12:12 PM EST
    Great strategy! Thanks, Amy. #LDchat
    • amyvalentine555 Feb 13 @ 12:11 PM EST
      Very interesting and good to know! For me, the five-minute-warning approach is an excellent resource. Provides a cue that, even when working on an intense activity, the time is coming to a close.
      In reply to @kristinjoyc, @UnderstoodOrg
  • kristinjoyc Feb 13 @ 12:13 PM EST
    A3 #LDchat A child may be less likely to think about the impact of their statements on a person they don’t know.
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • kristinjoyc Feb 13 @ 12:13 PM EST
    #LDchat The five minute warning is really nice because it gives kids a chance to break away without thinking things are unfair
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 13 @ 12:14 PM EST
    Students may not tell you if they're being bulled online. Learn how to recognize the signs. And find out what you can do if your student with #LD and #ADHD is dealing with #cyberbullying. https://t.co/SSd5rAzcfj #LDchat
  • HanockMark Feb 13 @ 12:14 PM EST
    A1: I think its a little bit of both. I think there are great technology resources that benefit students with learning and attention issues, but in moderation. #EDET543 #LDchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 13 @ 12:14 PM EST
    The unique culture of multi-player #VideoGames can be fun for many kids. But it can be challenging for kids who struggle with impulse control, self-regulation or social skills. Learn how to help kids navigate: https://t.co/pZjApQOIxg #LDchat
  • kristinjoyc Feb 13 @ 12:15 PM EST
    #LDchat moderation is so important
    In reply to @HanockMark
  • edielovesmath Feb 13 @ 12:15 PM EST
    A2. Video/computer games can be a source of social skill development for older kids with ADHD. They provide common interests with peers. The challenge is to avoid aggressive play/language. #LDchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • KingMommy_DMV Feb 13 @ 12:15 PM EST
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 13 @ 12:16 PM EST
    Welcome, Caroline! #LDchat
    In reply to @KingMommy_DMV
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 13 @ 12:17 PM EST
    Let's move onto Q3… #LDchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 13 @ 12:17 PM EST
    Q3. What can we do to help kids manage their screen time? #LDchat
  • kristinjoyc Feb 13 @ 12:18 PM EST
    A3. #LDchat it’s best for parents to set limits for screen time and to reinforce children when they stick to the limits. Parents should download apps that place automatic time limits on screens and set actual timers in the environment where the screens are being used.
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • kristinjoyc Feb 13 @ 12:19 PM EST
    A2 #LDchat Parents should also give multiple prompts and reminders when screen time is over-similar to the 5 minute reminder. Reinforcement for getting off the screen immediately when asked and short time limited consequences for failure to comply are also helpful.
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • amyvalentine555 Feb 13 @ 12:20 PM EST
    @UnderstoodOrg has some ay-may-zing resources on their website-- love this list of tips and tricks. In particular, I've found the modeling to be an excellent tool to help my son. #LDChat
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 13 @ 12:20 PM EST
    #LDchat we'll be sharing some resources and answers for Q3 that may help with this. Thanks for your question!
    In reply to @kwierg, @kristinjoyc
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 13 @ 12:20 PM EST
    #LD and #ADHD can affect how kids use technology. Here are common trouble spots and how to help kids manage screen time: https://t.co/dfVPj1V9XN #LDchat
  • kristinjoyc Feb 13 @ 12:21 PM EST
    #LDchat parents serving as models is the most influential tool in my opinion too! It's easy for us to set limits for our kids and we have to be willing to do the same for ourselves
    In reply to @amyvalentine555, @UnderstoodOrg
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 13 @ 12:21 PM EST
    "Mandatory measures—like demanding kids' passwords or insisting they friend you on Facebook—tend to backfire. Kids can get around any crackdowns you impose." Get an expert's insights for monitoring your child's online activities without spying: https://t.co/yTrpBW8RHV #LDchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 13 @ 12:22 PM EST
    For kids with #ADHD, transitioning away from #VideoGame play can be challenging. Here's how you can help: https://t.co/V5N00ePbZG #LDchat
  • HanockMark Feb 13 @ 12:22 PM EST
    A3: Screen time in my classroom is positive and educational exploring many tech tools. I think the question is how do we educate parents? I believe there is a problem with screen time away from school. #LDchat #EDET543
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 13 @ 12:22 PM EST
    One more question to go… #LDchat
  • amyvalentine555 Feb 13 @ 12:23 PM EST
    A2: #blendedlearning is emerging as a great learning environ. for kids with #ADHD and other LDs. Kids do not sit in front of the computer all day, instead, they are engaged in online lessons while completing hands-on work. Check out this article. #LDChat https://t.co/qSyU8FQtGw
  • edielovesmath Feb 13 @ 12:23 PM EST
    A3, Monitoring screen time for kids with LD and ADHD is a real challenge. Why? 74% of K-8 teachers use digital games in class. Collaborate to develop strategies that benefit everyone. #LDchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 13 @ 12:23 PM EST
    Q4. How can video games, computer games or apps help kids with #LD or #ADHD? #LDchat
  • amyvalentine555 Feb 13 @ 12:24 PM EST
    A3: Setting expectations, explaining boundaries, engaging with what our kids are doing online, staying consistent with rules and expectations, and spending quality time with our kids, too. There's not one fix, it's a combination of everything. :) #LDCHat #ShiftThis
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • kristinjoyc Feb 13 @ 12:24 PM EST
    #LDchat I think having direct conversations with parents about screen time during oreintation and parent teacher conferences might be helpful. Another organization https://t.co/tkSeOdDxf3 also has great resources to assist parents with limit setting
    In reply to @HanockMark
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 13 @ 12:24 PM EST
    It's smart to limit screen time—whether television, #VideoGames or tablets. But sometimes screen time and #learning can go hand in hand. Read 10 tips on how you can use screen time to your child's advantage: https://t.co/89mbnPgPTe #LDchat
  • kristinjoyc Feb 13 @ 12:26 PM EST
    A4. #LDchat video games and apps with educational purposes are helpful with reinforcing information learned in school and applying that information Video and computer games and apps are highly reinforcing and help kids to engage in academic activities they typically don’t enjoy.
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • amyvalentine555 Feb 13 @ 12:26 PM EST
    A3: For as much as kids outwardly push back on boundaries, they thrive on consistency. Schedules help them predict what is coming next, and provides regulation for them. Esp. important for those with #ADHD. Love this snipet from @parenting #LDChat
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 13 @ 12:27 PM EST
    Any final thoughts before we wrap up for the week? #LDchat
  • kristinjoyc Feb 13 @ 12:28 PM EST
    #LDchat structure, consistency and rules teach prosocial behaviors and emotion regulation skills that are important for life. Thank you for sharing this
    In reply to @amyvalentine555, @parenting
  • amyvalentine555 Feb 13 @ 12:29 PM EST
    #LDChat @Gladwell, pervasive author and social influencer who talks about things like the tipping point, outliers, and being the underdog. Check out "David & Goliath" for incredibly moving perspective about having a #LearningDisability. It is a GIFT. #BeTheChange
  • UnderstoodOrg Feb 13 @ 12:29 PM EST
    Thanks for joining today's chat, and a very special thanks to our cohost, @kristinjoyc! #LDchat