Conquering Negative Thinking
Here’s a New Year’s challenge: Make 2017, the year that you quiet all those negative thoughts swirling around your brain. With practice you can learn to disrupt and tame negative cycles.
The Importance of Speech Therapy for Adults – Helping You Beyond Speech
Pathways Neuropsychology Associates are beginning a blog that will highlight the various services offered, and who and how they can benefit. We will be featuring not only the specific clinical staff, but also the latest treatments and interventions, and the new evidence-based research. You can always contact us with any questions, and visit the website. For now, welcome to the “Cognition Corner.”
When many of you think of Speech Therapy, you may picture a very nice person sitting at a child’s table in a school helping either yourself or a friend to say your R’s correctly. That is the view for many of us. But this is going to serve as a public service announcement about the importance of speech therapy for adults, and as a vital team member to help in the recovery after something neurological happens such as a brain injury or stroke.
If you or a loved one are faced with a medical problem/condition that leads you to have problems with concentration, memory, math skills, and you are unable to complete your daily responsibilities, or even return to work; there are several people you would think to make appointments with.
You would make appointments with: your doctor, a neurologist, a neuropsychologist, possibly a lawyer or social worker, maybe even your pastor or clergy. You may not think about one of your stops along your road to recovery being at a speech pathologist’s office. But that is exactly one of the stops you should make!
From a mild concussion suffered during a soccer game, to a severe hemmorhagic stroke that has left your right side paralyzed, speech therapy is there for you just like any other rehabilitation service.
As per the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA), it is within a Speech Pathologist’s scope of practice to, “play a primary role in the screening, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of infants, children, adolescents, and adults with cognitive-communication disorders.” A Speech Pathologist has the knowledge and training to help someone identify what their deficits may be and what daily activities they may be impacting, as well as develop an individualized treatment plan that will target the cognitive-linguistic and executive functioning skills they will need for increasing quality of life, and returning to everyday activities such as work and school.
If you have difficulty following complex directions- speech therapy can help.
If you aren’t able to organize yourself and manage your time well, speech therapy can help.
If you are an accountant, and are having trouble with computation skills, speech therapy can help.
If you are a CEO, and you find yourself with no filter when talking and you are in danger of losing your job, speech therapy can help.
Those are just a few scenarios. No matter what your diagnosis or background, if you are finding problems with your: memory, attention, problem solving, self-monitoring, household chore management, there will be something in speech therapy for you.
The field of speech pathology has really grown over recent years, and the use of technology, tablets, and virtual reality has enabled SLPs to simulate functional tasks pertinent to your everyday activities. We can help you map out a bus route to work using google maps, or we can help you get cognitively enriching apps on your tablet through ITunes. And there are other devices out there dedicated to helping improve attention and cognition. Available technologies will be the subject of another blog post.
If you think you or your loved one would benefit from the strategies and activities that going to speech therapy can offer you, then talk to your doctor and get a perscription today! And call our number to schedule an appointment for an evaluation. Hope to see you soon, to be able to be on your road to recovery with you.
Kristen Schreirer, MA, CCC-SLP, CBIST
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2005). Roles of speech-language pathologists in the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals with cognitive-communication disorders: position statement [Position Statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.
Welcome to Pathways Neuropsychology Associates
Welcome to Pathways Neuropsychology Associates
Welcome to Pathways Neuropsychology Associates!
Dedicated to effective and compassionate care for individuals with neurological challenges.
Our team of experienced professionals provide neuropsychological rehabilitation and treatment for individuals with brain injuries and other neurological impairments. We utilize a comprehensive approach based on proven, research-based methods to rebuild and restore cognitive behavior.
The post Welcome to Pathways Neuropsychology Associates appeared first on Pathways Neuropsychology Associates.
Source: Pathways Neuropsychology
Welcome to Pathways Neuropsychology Associates
Welcome to Pathways Neuropsychology Associates
Welcome to Pathways Neuropsychology Associates!
Dedicated to effective and compassionate care for individuals with neurological challenges.
Our team of experienced professionals provide neuropsychological rehabilitation and treatment for individuals with brain injuries and other neurological impairments. We utilize a comprehensive approach based on proven, research-based methods to rebuild and restore cognitive behavior.
Early Behavior Therapy Found to Aid Children With ADHD
Early Behavior Therapy Found to Aid Children With ADHD – According to new research, children with attention-deficit problems improve faster when the first treatment they receive is behavioral. Experts said this approach could possibly change standard medical practice, which favors drugs like Adderall and Ritalin as first-line treatments.
The new research, published in two papers by the Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, found that stimulants were most effective as a supplemental, second-line treatment for those who needed it — and often at doses that were lower than normally prescribed.
This story was recently covered in the New York Times and you can read the complete article here .
Contact Dr. Gordon for help with your ADHD. We have treatment and solutions available online, by phone, and in our offices.
Depression and ADHD
Young people with ADHD experience repeated academic and social failures that may put them at risk for depression. Struggling with both academic issues and depression may cause a child to engage in negative self-talk, such as claiming that he or she is stupid. It is important to be familiar with the symptoms of depression in children with ADHD because depression carries the risk of self-harm. If 3-5 of the following symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, or if your child’s mood ever becomes concerning, seek help from a professional.
Children with ADHD and depression may:
- Feel guilty for no reason
- Feel sad and/or cry often
- Feel low self-esteem
- Feel as though life is meaningless or that the future is negative
- Withdraw from previously enjoyed things, such as sports, music, etc.
- Have trouble concentrating and making decisions
- Overreact and become easily irritated
- Experience changes in sleep patterns, including sleeping more or less than usual or having trouble falling asleep
- Have a gain or loss of appetite
- Feel restless or tired most of the time
- Have thoughts of death or suicide
Contact Dr. Gordon for help with your ADHD. We have treatment and solutions available online, by phone, and in our offices.
written by: Brianna Malinowski, Jay Gordon, Ph.D
Bernstein, J. (2007). 10 days to a less distracted child. Cambridge, MA: Da Capo Press.
Photo retrieved from: http://becuo.com/animated-rain-clouds
Restless Leg Syndrome and ADHD
Traditionally, restless leg syndrome (RLS) is considered to be a problem among middle aged and older adults. However, children can also experience RLS. Children may report symptoms of RLS less commonly than adults due to their inability to describe the RLS sensations or due to a possible different set of symptoms associated with childhood RLS.
**A surprising 44% of people with ADHD have RLS symptoms, and 26% of people with RLS have symptoms of ADHD.
There may be a common comorbidity, or co-occurrence, of RLS and ADHD. It is possible that symptoms of RLS may mimic ADHD symptoms or vice versa; however, research does not support this claim as RLS does not have symptoms of inattentiveness as in ADHD and leg discomfort is not characteristic of ADHD.
One hypothesis to explain this co-occurrence of ADHD and RLS is due to the lack of sleep that RLS causes. Odd sensations in the legs understandably cause lack of sleep. In the hyperarousal theory of ADHD, children with ADHD are sleepier than other children and use hyperactivity as a strategy to stay awake during the day. In other words, RLS may cause daytime sleepiness, which may lead to hyperactivity.
Another hypothesis suggests that children with RLS cannot sit still in class due to their leg discomfort. This increases the likelihood of the children with RLS getting out of their seats and squirming, as commonly seen in ADHD.
Other researchers believe that both RLS and ADHD are associated with a deficit in dopamine, an important neurotransmitter, or an iron deficiency. More research is needed to fully understand the relationship between RLS and ADHD.
Contact Dr. Gordon for help with your ADHD. We have treatment and solutions available online, by phone, and in our offices.
written by: Brianna Malinowski, Jay Gordon, Ph.D
Cortese, S., Konofal, E., & Lecendreux, M. (2008). The relationship between attention-deficit- hyperactivity-disorder and restless legs syndrome. European Neurological Review, 3(1), 111-114. doi:10.17925/ENR.2008.03.01.111
Image retrieved from: http://www.md-health.com/Restless-Leg-Syndrome.html
Dogs to Help Children With ADHD
When animals are involved in therapy, children may experience increased emotion and attention that allows them to participate more fully in the therapy process. Having the opportunity to interact with a fun dog can increase a child’s compliance to therapy, improve the child’s relationship to the therapist, and help to maintain motivation. Compliance, a therapeutic relationship, and motivation are often noted as key elements of successful therapy.
Dogs have been recognized in the therapeutic process for many other disorders in order to facilitate social learning and empathy. Since children with ADHD may struggle with social cues, including dogs in therapy may be beneficial. In fact, recent research discovered that one group of children with ADHD who used trained therapy dogs in their therapy experienced greater reduction in their ADHD symptoms than those children who did not have dogs in therapy. The dogs in this study were noted to serve as prompts for the children to pay attention and stay in the present moment. Remaining in the present moment improves performance on tasks and trains attention skills. It may just be that animals reduce stress for many people, allowing children to be more relaxed and, therefore, mentally prepared for therapy.
Contact Dr. Gordon for help with your ADHD. We have treatment and solutions available online, by phone, and in our offices.
written by: Brianna Malinowski, Jay Gordon, Ph.D
Schuck, S., Emmerson, N., Fine, A., & Lakes, K. (2013). Canine-assisted therapy for children with ADHD: Preliminary findings from the positive assertive cooperative kids study. Journal of Attention Disorders, 20(10), 1-13. doi: 10.1177/1087054713502080
Picture retrieved from: http://www.business-opportunities.biz/2014/07/31/pet-therapy-for-kids/
ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is commonly comorbid, or simultaneously occurring with ADHD. ODD is a problem that first becomes noticeable in the preschool years or during early adolescence. The following information discusses the symptoms and criteria needed for a diagnosis of ODD. Please remember that not all people with ADHD have ODD and vice versa; however, the two commonly occur together.
Of the following list of symptoms, at least 4 must be present for at least 6 months to be diagnosed with ODD. The behaviors must also occur with at least one person who is not a sibling. For children under the age of 5, the behaviors should occur on most days for at least 6 months. For those over 5, the behaviors should occur at least once per week for at least 6 months in order to be diagnosed with ODD. These symptoms must cause distress to oneself or others in close social contact with the person, or it must negatively impact areas of functioning such as school, work, or social situations.
Symptoms:
- Loses temper often.
- Easily annoyed or often touchy
- Frequently angry or resentful
- Often argues with figures of authority, such as adults
- Actively defies authority figures and/or rules
- Annoys others on purpose
- Blames others for his or her misbehavior or mistakes.
- Has been spiteful or vindictive 2 times within the past 6 months.
- If symptoms occur only in one setting (school, home, work, social environment) ODD may be categorized as mild.
- If symptoms occur in 2 settings, ODD may be moderate.
- If symptoms occur in 3 or more settings, ODD may be considered severe.
If you believe that you or a loved one may be struggling with ADHD and/or ODD, please contact Dr. Gordon today!
Contact Dr. Gordon for help with your ADHD. We have treatment and solutions available online, by phone, and in our offices.
written by: Brianna Malinowski, Jay Gordon, Ph.D
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5.
7 Parent Self-Help Tips
- Delay your responses. Sometimes in the moment of stressful events, we can respond to problems impulsively. It is okay to take a few moments to calm down and think of a way to address your child’s behavior. There is nothing wrong with saying, “I’ll discuss this with you in a few minutes.”
- Try meditating! Learning to relax using mental imagery and progressive muscle relaxation can lower your stress level.
- Have a weekend to yourself. Taking a weekend away alone or with your partner can recharge your body and mind. Remember that you deserve to take good care of yourself, not just your child.
- Make time to enjoy a hobby. Giving yourself some time to read, knit, write, craft, or do any of the endless variety of hobbies can be just as renewing as taking a weekend away.
- Join a support group for parents of children with ADHD. Support groups are a great resource for discussing problems and solutions to problems. Other parents struggle just as you do! Perhaps, they have some advice and ideas or are in need of your advice. Being surrounded by people with similar issues is a unique support experience. You may even make some friends!
- Share parenting with your partner! If you feel that you don’t have at least some time for yourself during the day, consider talking to your partner, as he/she may need to take more responsibility for child or household care.
- Exercise to reduce stress and avoid chemical substances. Alcohol may result in fatigue and increased frustration while nicotine and caffeine can produce feelings of stress. Stress and fatigue are the last things you need.
<em><strong>Contact Dr. Gordon for help with your ADHD. We have treatment and solutions available online, by phone, and in our offices.</strong></em>
written by:
Brianna Malinowski,
Jay Gordon, Ph.D
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Barkley, R. A. (2013). Taking charge of ADHD: The complete, authoritative guide for parents (3rd ed.). NY: The Guilford Press.
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