Learning advice for the lazy days
While a carefree summer of “whatever” might seem like an idyllic plan for childhood, not all students are built the same. For some, a stretch of months without routine can bring anxiety, frustration and even a sense of loss. For others, a summer without educational anything might seem like a dream, only to become a nightmare when fall comes and they are overwhelmed emotionally and academically. We talk to some of Orange County’s top special needs experts about finding balance.
The Slide Back Issue
“The summer time is a great opportunity for kids with ADHD to make a big leap forward. Conversely, it can be a time for them to ‘slide back’ and be less prepared for the upcoming school year,” says Brain Balance Founder Dr. Robert Melillo, a leader in childhood neurobehavioral disorders. “The difference lies in how you and your child spend this summer.”
- Executive functions, particularly attention, are conducted and directed by the frontal lobe. One of the most important things that can help improve a child’s behavior and attention, and develop their frontal lobe, is physical activity. Traditional summer activities like going outside, playing in the sun, riding bikes, swimming, using their “big” muscles and increasing their aerobic capacity is extremely beneficial for a child with ADHD.
- Although they are very active, many children with ADHD tend to be “house kids.” They may prefer to stay indoors, playing computer and video games. On the surface, these activities may make them happy, and seem to keep them quiet and calm, but staying sedentary it is the worst thing for a child who truly has ADHD. It will eventually backfire, leading to meltdowns and, ultimately, more behavioral issues.
- The summer is also a great time for the you and your child to reinvent their “story.” Many kids with ADHD come to be known as the “problem” child – teachers, parents, coaches and others may come to lower their expectations of a child with ADHD. This can affect the child’s self-esteem and decrease their effort. The summer leading into a new school year is a chance to start over!
- Programs spanning several months, like the individualized approach offered by Brain Balance Achievement Centers, can help children behave and learn in a more typical – and even advanced – way. Many students with ADHD are actually very gifted, especially in left-brain skills. When we create more balance in the brain by focusing on stimulating their right brain, they can finally tap in to their strengths, instead of being pulled down by their weaknesses. When they show up for school in the fall with a new teacher and a clean slate, they are no longer treated as the problem child. The child’s expectations for him or herself increase.
- Continue to work on skills learned in school — Before the end of the school year, schedule a meeting with your child’s team from school who they may not be with over the summer. Plan a behavior modification system for home that can incorporate skills taught and learned within the classroom. For example, if your child uses a sticker chart or point system at school, make one for home. Give your child control and improve their self-esteem by having them teach you and show you how the system works. If they do not have a system in place at school, work collaboratively with your child to create a system that reinforces positive behaviors within the home. Desired behaviors must be specific and obtainable. For example, you may expect your child to use kind words and tone to express his/her feelings. Your child can earn reinforcements as he/she exhibits the desired behavior. Examples of reinforcement may be earned electronic privileges, tokens to be used at Chuckie Cheese or tokens to be traded in for desired activities.
- Remember, reinforcement is not a bribe if you outline the contingency prior to your child showing the negative behavior. Reinforcement is best when it is immediate (daily) and consistent. If you are having trouble managing behaviors in home it is always a good idea to contact a professional to help develop a more specific plan of action.
- Plan activities — you will never hear “I’m Bored” if your children don’t have a chance to say it. Plan activities daily- trips to the park, zoo or pool. Playdates with friends, board games as a family or trips to the movies. Have your children work on specific goals during the week like listening and following directions or remaining respectful in order to earn their favorite activity over the weekend.
- Maintain routine and structure — Don’t wait for your child to ask for direction. Post a daily or weekly schedule of planned activities, along with blocks marked out for free time. Children diagnosed with mental health disorders and/or Autism do best with structure and knowing their plans for the day before their day begins. Make it fun, have your child pick out their top three choices for free time (Ipad time, watch their favorite TV show, play outside). Some children do best with a visual schedule that outlines their day with pictures and words. You can review the day with them during breakfast and answer any questions they may have.
- Do not forget self-care. In order to be effective parents and help our children, parents need to take care of their emotional and personal needs.
- Consider a summer therapeutic program — summer programs that are directed towards your child’s needs are always the most helpful. It is easy to enroll your child in any summer camp but finding a summer program that is therapeutic will continue to improve your child’s behaviors and self-esteem by having skilled staff members who understand your child’s needs and are trained to help him/her thrive and succeed and to help you more effective parents.
Summer on the Spectrum
“Summer can be a difficult and challenging time for parents whose children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/ or Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD),” says Christine Robertello, LCSW, CEO of Stepping Forward Counseling Center, LLC. “Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to make the summer less stressful and more enjoyable for you and your child. Over the summer children can lose a lot of the skills they worked so hard to gain over the school year. It is a good idea to start planning before the school year ends. Here are a few tips to employ during the summer to ensure your child maintains and builds on the progress they made during the school year.
This summer have your child achieve their goals, conquer their fears, build confidence and self-esteem and develop enthusiasm for life while learning social and emotional skills that will last a lifetime.
Dr. Robert Melillo
As a clinician, professor, brain researcher and bestselling author, Dr. Robert Melillo has been helping children overcome learning and developmental challenges for over 25 years. His areas of expertise include ADHD, learning and behavioral issues, processing disorders and autism spectrum disorders.
Dr. Melillo is an expert and pioneer in the area of functional disconnection and its relationship to learning and behavioral disorders. Since the introduction of the concept, functional disconnection has become one of the leading theories related to ADHD, dyslexia, ASD and more.
Christine Robertello, LCSW
CEO and mother of two, has more than 20 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker certified in cognitive behavior therapy. SFCC’s Director brings a demonstrated competency in the field and years of on the ground expertise. Supported by a professional, caring, and culturally competent team of psychiatrists, PhDs, LCSWs, medical practitioner, nurse, occupational therapist, speech therapist and nutritionist. The Center’s interdisciplinary staff offers vast experience in multiple treatment modalities. Working collaboratively as active members of a treatment team and in concert with the client, enables SFCC to provide treatment options appropriate to the client’s goals, needs and conditions. This customized approach to treatment is further enhanced by SFCC’s use of consultants and other professionals to provide specialty services.
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