By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – August 26, 2024
In the classroom, ADHD students are often fidgety and energetic, unable to sit still and pay attention. What can teachers do? In my experience as an ADHD and attention coach, I have heard schoolteachers and other educators talk about their challenges in managing these students. It calls for a balance of structure with flexibility that can reduce the student’s impulsivity and anxiety, and, thus, the concept of in-house field trips was born. Continue reading “Tips to Manage Wiggly ADHD Students”
Living in a relationship where one or both partners have ADHD can present unique challenges. Those challenges require a subtle approach so the partners can achieve understanding and communication. Without this growth between them, the partners may suffer daily disagreements with no resolution, resulting in resentment and frustration. But help is available when the partners truly want to move forward in a happy and successful relationship. 
We live in a society that fosters negativity and self-limiting beliefs. Just look at the daily news, the endless array of advertisements for things to “fix us,” or the fascination with the mishaps of celebrities as just a few examples.
What is obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)? Can an individual have ADHD and OCD at the same time? If so, how can a person obsess and be compulsive and, at the same time, be impulsive and distracted? Believe it or not, it happens. To learn more, I had a conversation with Dr. Roberto Olivardia, a clinical instructor in the Department of Psychology at Harvard Medical School with a private practice in Arlington MA, as well as Dr. Kirsten Milliken, a psychologist and trained ADHD coach. 
The word “how” is an interesting word when you think about it. “How” can be used as a noun, a conjunction, an idiom, or an adverb. As an attention coach, I use “how” as an adverb. Adverbs work as adjectives to modify verbs. For example, “How do I pay attention to something?” To illustrate, let’s substitute “attend” as the verb in the following sentence: “How does one address the president?” becomes, “How does one attend to the president?” 
We often talk about memories. It feels like it’s just one thing and one kind of memory, but there are several different kinds of memory. Today, we’re breaking down memory into three key types of memory for those with ADHD: long-term memory, working memory, and prospective memory. In other words, memories are remembering backwards, remembering in the moment, remembering into the future. 
What is obvious to you? To me, what is obvious is a function of what you pay attention to. Not sure if you agree with me? Then pay attention to most jokes, parables, quotes, and metaphors. They all illustrate my point. Each one is designed to shift your attention to what is obvious. 
Are you familiar with the ADHD Machine, Mind, and Mission Model? To me, it’s an exciting tool to help you understand how to move forward with ADHD. The model can also explain how medications and other treatments, like coaching, can affect progress differently. It’s a mental model for those who are struggling to move forward. It’s a great way to put things in context, not just things like exercise, diet, and medicine, but also coaching and other types of treatment. 
Are you a parent looking for effective strategies to improve communication with your ADHD child? In an interview with Elaine Taylor-Klaus (