How To Assess and Treat ADHD (Children and Adults)

-Intro and ADHD test.
-Definitions and symptoms--"Classic" ADHD: Inattention/Hyperactive-Impulsive. Hyperfocused subtype, Central sensitization subtype, Temporal, Limbic and The Ring subtypes/phenomena. Other cognitive syndromes.
-Hypoarousal states, neuron states (excitatory and inhibitory), self-stimulation seeking.
-ADHD recognized by four official government agencies. Demographics: five percent of the population. Frequency of boys vs. girls, kids vs. adults. Genetic preponderance and geographic propensities. ADHD and gradeschool performance; retention rates.
-ADHD and family composition. ADHD and acting out, substance use, medical bills, behavior problems. Boys vs. girls--different behaviors?
-ADHD and differential diagnoses (ODD, OCD, moods and specifically, bipolar disorder).
-ADHD--first appearance, which symptoms. ADHD and the critical first three years of school (KG, first and second grade). Do kids outgrow this? ADHD vs. "Normal" behaviors.
-Causes of ADHD--Seven categories.:
-Five steps to diagnosing ADHD

1. Clinical Interview.
   Choosing the right professional. Preparing for the interview. Physical Exam--What questions to prepare for. Eliminating other possible causes (other illnesses or conditions).
   -2) Behavior Rating Scale.
   Child version. Adult version. How to score and interpret the scores.
   -3) Differential Diagnostic Testing--Getting an Intelligence Test. A primer on differentiating learning disabilities.
   -4) Differential Diagnostic Testing--Getting an Achievement Test. Learning Disability diagnosed vs. simple ADHD.
   -5) Differential Diagnostic Testing--Neurological Test, Visual evaluation--acuity vs. tracking.
   ADHD or Bipolar Disorder? ADHD and intelligence--the myths.
   -Tying all the results together. "Workarounds" and the impact on test results.
   -Hyperfocused Type.
   -The rich and famous. Self-Esteem.
   -Treatments (four major ones, numerous minor ones):
   -Managing sleep, allergies and diet. Problem substances in foods--23 categories. Diet clean ups. The two-week plan. Diet suggestions.
   -1) Psychotherapy/Behavior therapy
   Externalizing strategies: 4:1 rule, three contingencies of reinforcement, cueing, modeling, shaping, reinforcement schedules, star charts, punishment vs. rewards, task reducing, self-talk, self-monitoring, mindfulness, journaling, cognitive re-framing.
   -2) Family therapy: symptom containment, scheduling behaviors, family rules, assertiveness, empathy, symptom mapping, stress management. Parenting Considerations: Breast feeding, sleep, morning routine management, team vs. one-on-one approaches, manipulation, strategic breaks.
   General considerations for psychotherapy and family therapy: slow down, uni-focusing, immediacy and here-and-now processing, managing expectations, identifying recurring problems, external ticklers, managing transitions, using props, creating routines, organizing, homework tips, homework tracking, clarity/consistency, garnering attention, praise/reward criteria, love, enjoyment, task immersion, safe environments, ambient sounds, exercise, inside vs. outside activities, non-labeling, maturity assessment, "screen" time policy, personal assistants, best kinds of teachers and schools, special services/grants/programs, cognitive mapping (two kinds), cognitive monitoring, creativity, structured thinking (12 kinds), structured movement.
   -Other proposed ADHD remedies--Things to think about and/or try before going further: Meditation/mindfulness, Brain Highways, Neurofeedback.
   -3) Herbs (ten)
   Homeopathic approaches (sample of two products but too many ingredients to count). Vitamins/supplements (forty plus...).
   -4) Medication
   Stimulants (six chemical classes with eleven variations/brand names). Non-stimulants (four chemical classes with six variations/brand names)
   -Appendix C: Further reading and r

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