Dr. Silver, Founder and Director of THRIVE, has a very personal perspective on the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD:
 
“I have three daughters, two of whom have ADHD.  My kids have been my best teachers and the inspiration for THRIVE.  Living with ADHD kids on a daily basis, taking them through diagnosis and treatment, working with the school system to get educational accommodations, sending them off to college . . . all of these experiences have helped me understand ADHD from the perspective of both the child and the parent."
 
“Since starting THRIVE, I’ve had the blessing of working with many teens and adults with ADHD.  They have also added immeasurably to my knowledge of ADHD, particularly the deep emotional impact of the condition."
 
“It took my wife (Rose Cohen, PhD, Study Skills and Academic Coach at THRIVE) and me many years to create the best treatment approaches for our daughters."
 
 
 
These are what Dr. Silver considers the essentials of a good ADHD treatment plan  -- for kids, teens and adults: 

  • A good diagnostic workup from a practitioner who will take the time to carefully explain their ideas to you and your child

  • Some basic lab tests to check how physical factors might be affecting the brain’s optimal functioning

  • Educating your child and yourself about the biology and psychology of ADHD.  Talk to your treatment team, get on-line or  read some of the great books that describe the ADHD experience

  • Keeping a positive, validating approach and focusing on strengths and gifts.

  • Ways to “tweak the brain” – medication, nutritional supplements.

  • A “sensory diet” – fidgets for their fingers, moving around and bouncing on gym balls, chewing and sucking on gum or pencils, music – anything that gets the brain stimulated and awake

  • Ways to keep grounded and to release energy – for your child and yourself.  Exercise, yoga, relaxation, acupuncture, massage, time for yourself, spiritual practices – you’ll need them all.

  • Taking care of your body – good sleep, good food, regular exercise.

  • Good communications – with your spouse, your kids and your treatment providers.

  • Someone to talk to on a regular basis – a therapist, a coach – practitioners who understand ADHD and can help you and your kids stay on track and get over the rough spots.

  • Support groups for kids, teens or adults are a great way to connect with other people who REALLY understand your experiences, to get help with problems and to realize that you are not alone.

  • Creating a team of professionals who you trust, who will listen to you and your child and who will talk to each other.

  • Getting an advocate or lawyer if you are seeking accommodations in the school.

  • Patience, patience, patience.  ADHD can be really wonderful and really hard.  It might not always be a roller coaster, but it is rarely just a smooth ride.  Don’t look for quick fixes.  You and your kids are in for the long haul.  It will be an invigorating and challenging trip.  Enjoy it when you can and breathe deeply at all other times.

  • Lots of love.  ADHD kids (and adults) get too many reminders from the world how they are not getting it right.  Never stop hugging them and telling them about all the wonderful things you see in them.

Call 410.740.3240

 Or email our office manager:

 melissa.ciresi@myTHRIVE.net

     

 

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