Article: Subtle signs of ADHD

In the past decade, the number of children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) rose 24 percent, according to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics, the pediatric journal of the American Medical Association. The disorder is both over- and under-diagnosed. Because the symptoms overlap, ADHD can often be mistaken for other disorders such as anxiety, depression and oppositional defiant disorder. Untreated ADHD can hinder a child’s ability to learn and perform well in school, make friends and interact with family, and develop age-appropriate decision-making skills. A mistaken ADHD diagnosis may result in unnecessary treatment, medication and a great deal of stress for the child and parents. Accurate and early diagnosis is key to successfully treating ADHD, experts say. Progress toward a diagnosis usually begins with parental concerns over a child’s behavior or problems in school. Symptoms of ADHD can include: * Difficulty paying attention * Frequent daydreaming at inappropriate times * Easily distracted from schoolwork or play * Forgetfulness * Inability to sit still * Excessive fidgeting * Talking too much or speaking without thinking * Inability to play quietly * Difficulty learning to take turns. “While ADHD can’t be cured, it can be successfully managed,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states on its website. Early diagnosis and effective treatment of ADHD can help people with the disorder lead successful lives.
(article excerpt from http://specialedpost.com/2013/03/14/the-subtle-signs-of-add/)

Why hire an Educational Consultant?

"In times of crisis, parents are often overwhelmed by a barrage of emotions. The confusion and desperation associated with having a troubled teenager or child can be extremely trying. Parents may not be aware of the options available, or may not be able to decide on their own which alternative best meets their situation and the needs of their child. Among the questions consultants often hear: How do we know when treatment is necessary? What would be best for our child? Is an intervention needed? Should we find a residential program? Would a wilderness therapy program be a good choice, or would an emotional growth boarding school be better? An IECA educational consultant can help families find the answers they need. " Excerpt taken from http://www.iecaonline.com/atrisk.html

Site Visits: North Carolina

Tomorrow I am heading to North Carolina to visit 4 programs; Talisman, Four Circles, Stone Mountain, and SUWS. Looking forward to visiting all of the programs. Stay tuned for my visit report.

The relationship between ECs and other professionals

Here is a link to an article from IECA describing the partnership of an Independent Educational Consultant and Learning professionals.

http://www.iecaonline.com/PDF/IECA_LD-and-Consultants.pdf

Arizona Site Visits

Heading back to Los Angeles after a wonderful week of site visits in Arizona!
Here is a list of the programs I was fortunate to visit:

Life Development Institute
Spectrum College
Devereux
Sierra Tucson
Cottonwood & Sweetwater
Chapel Haven West
University of Arizona- SALT Center
In Balance Ranch
In Balance Transition
Copper Canyon
Spring Ridge




Thank you to all of the programs for a wonderful and informative visit!
Stay tuned for my visit reports!

On Site: Therapeutic Workshops

Therapeutic workshops for everyone.
Living Centered Program... Spend 6.5 days reconnecting with yourself!
https://www.onsiteworkshops.com/

Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

This is a great article!
Harvard Business Review: Three Elements of Great Communication, According to Aristotle- Ethos, Pathos, and Logos 

• Ethos is essentially your credibility — that is, the reason people should believe what you're saying. 
• Pathos is making an emotional connection — essentially, the reason people believe that what you're saying will matter to them.
• Logos is your mode for appealing to others' sense of reason, ergo the term logic.