Focused Distractions

Wednesday, April 30. 2008

First Annual Virtual ADHD Conference

Coming This September 22, 23, 24

Whether you live in Ohio or California, Japan or France...anyone and everyone who would like to hear the top ADHD experts in the world will be able to do so, simply by dialing a telephone number- no need to jump on a plane, pay for a hotel, cabs, food or babysitters. I've partnered with Jennifer Koretsky of The ADD Management Group and we will be sponsoring the world's first annual International Virtual ADHD Conference

Hold on to your seats because these top ADHD authors, experts and presenters are all lined up and are excited to share with you the latest information, resources and tips on living with ADHD...all in the comfort of your own home or office. You can't beat the convenience and savings!

Our experts include:

Dr. Ned Hallowell Sari Solden Dr. John Ratey Dr. Daniel Amen Dr. Patricia Quinn Wilma Fellman Dr. Michele Novotni Wendy Richardson Dr. Thomas Phelan and many more.

Learn about ADD and Addictions, Girls and Women with ADHD, ADHD Medications, ADHD and Anxiety, Decluttering and Getting Organized, Social Skills, Time Management...and lots more. PLUS, you'll be able to network with others- folks just like you- who are learning how to live more successfully with ADHD. Sessions will cover topics on adults and children and will be of interest to parents, adults with ADHD, professionals, educators, coaches and anyone wanting to learn more about how ADHD affects you and the important people in your life.

There's lots more to share and our website isn't quite ready, but watch for upcoming announcements so you can be the first to get the full scoop.

Posted by Terry at 10:27 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Sunday, April 20. 2008

NEW: Online ADHD Consultations

ADHD Consultations

Need help with your or your child's ADHD? I'm available for online consultations.

Online Consultations with Terry: Click HERE

Posted by Terry at 21:20 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Saturday, April 19. 2008

Taking Care of YOU When Your Family Has ADHD

Years ago, I found myself in a conversation with a mom whose husband and two high schoolers had ADHD. This woman, a professional working part time in a highly competitive medical field, obviously had her hands full, keeping on top of things. Yet, when she spoke of her daily challenges, she had a smile on her face. I asked her how she was able to juggle all these things without having a nervous breakdown and she said simply, "I take a vacation ever couple of months to re-charge."

Now, I don't know of many people who can afford the luxury of going on vacation that frequently, so I quizzed her about how she did this. Her response made a lasting impression on me.

She explained that in order to take care of her family, she had to first take care of herself. So...every couple of months, she booked a room at a local hotel, which happened to be connected to a large mall. Since she always "vacationed" on a weekend, her husband was able to take over the parenting duties in her absence.

Friday, April 18. 2008

If the Shoe Fits, Then Why Isn’t It On My Foot?

It became another family joke- me searching high and low for my sunglasses, while my youngest daughter is staring at me, her eyes dancing, just waiting for the right time to inform me that they are sitting on my head. Of course, she played it out like a pro, waiting till I had torn apart my car, checked all the kitchen drawers, and ran up and down the stairs, cursing like a madwoman. It wouldn't have become a treasured family story had she told me right away when I'd asked her if she'd seen them. No...

They say that with age comes wisdom, and I think that may be true to some extent. Since being diagnosed with ADHD nearly 15 years ago, and having worked in the field for over a decade, I've learned a few tricks over the years.

Sunday, April 13. 2008

Dr. John Ratey Discusses Exercise and ADHD in New Book

Spark

Head's up! Dr. John Ratey, co-author of Driven to Distraction and author of some pretty excellent books, has done it again. Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain is out and getting excellent reviews.

With spring here, why not start an exercise regime to see just how much better it will make you feel? It works- it really does.

Terry, slow jogger, but still a jogger none-the-less

Posted by Terry at 16:39 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Thursday, April 10. 2008

Parental Guilt: When Playing with Your Kids is Too Boring

I was thinking about how much I hate board games, card games and the like. The other day, my daughter asked me to do a jigsaw puzzle with her and well...I said I'd LOVE to (I hate jigsaw puzzles- I'm horrible at it; the pieces all look the same to me).

I got to thinking about all the years of raising kids and playing with them and how there were so many activities I did not care for, mainly because I don't tolerate being bored too well. I'd try and redirect the kids to do something that wouldn't make me fall asleep ("bike ride, anyone? Let's get some ice cream in town!").

Now that I'm writing for ADDcentral.com, I figured this would be a great topic- how to handle guilt feelings when you just can't find joy in watching Barney every day.

Read my article on Parental Guilt HERE.

Posted by Terry at 16:45 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Thursday, March 6. 2008

Cogmed Working Memory Training

From time to time I like to pass along ADHD related information, tools and resources that I have found to be helpful and that I think you might enjoy knowing about. Much is happening in the area of brain research and memory training programs; something I personally am very interested in learning more about.

In fact, after talking to a number of highly esteemed colleagues, including Dr. David Rabiner, senior researcher at Duke University, I contacted a company called Cogmed, after hearing how impressed these professionals were with the positive outcomes their clients experienced in using their Cogmed Working Memory Training. Intrigued, I have started my own personal training and have so far become impressed enough to want to share this interesting resource with you.

Cogmed Working Memory Training is a software-based intervention designed to improve working memory in children and adults. Through active and engaging exercises, children and adults train at home five days a week for five weeks. Every participant has a Personal Coach at a Cogmed Qualified Practice who leads the training, analyzes results and provides encouragement through weekly phone calls.

Published, peer-reviewed and controlled clinical studies have demonstrated that, upon completion of Cogmed Working Memory Training, 80% of participants have significantly improved their ability to concentrate and use complex reasoning skills over the long term.

Since beginning my own Cogmed Working Memory Training and noticing early positive results, I have become involved with some small projects involving Cogmed as a paid consultant. Of course, there is always the potential to bias, so though I’ve reviewed the research and am excited at what I see both in the research, talking to colleagues and through my own personal experience, I would urge you to draw your own conclusions.

To learn more about the Cogmed Working Memory Training, visit their website at www.cogmed.com

Posted by Terry at 12:51 | Comment (1) | Trackbacks (0)

Thursday, January 10. 2008

Lumosity Brain Fitness Program: Improve Attention, Memory and Cognition

This is interesting; a brain fitness program which is designed to improve memory, attention and cognitive function through a series of web-based games and exercises. Now I LOVE computer games and have been playing Brain Gym on my Nintendo DS. But this is different-

It's developed by some of the leading neuroscientists in the country, and according to their website, Lumosity users have experienced:

Clearer and quicker thinking
Improved memory for names, numbers, directions, etc.
Increased alertness and awareness
Elevated mood
Better concentration at work or while driving

There's a free trial, so I'm going to check it out. If you do, too, let me know what you think.

The free trial can be accessed HERE.

Posted by Terry at 21:24 | Comments (2) | Trackbacks (0)

Monday, December 31. 2007

New Year's Resolution Challenge!

Yikes- it's almost here!

Please join me at www.ADHDcentral.com where I have a New Year's Resolution Challenge going. Basically, it's a place where anyone can post a resolution AND get support while working on achieving your goal.

Maybe you want to start a diet. Or de-clutter a closet. Or unpack your suitcase from your summer trip. We don't care; we just want you to move forward and get ONE thing accomplished.

So, join me - post your resolution HERE.

Posted by Terry at 00:41 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Saturday, December 22. 2007

Terry Goes to the Eye Doctor: An ADD Nightmare

Is it just me, or is going to the eye doctor an ADD nightmare?

First, oh my...here it comes- the...EYE DROPS FROM HELL. With my sensory issues, they feel like blow darts hitting my eyeballs. I want to duck, to run, but no, I try to stay still. Inevitably, the tech has to re-do them because sure enough, I can't stop from blinking.

As the exam begins, and the doctor presses the metal gizmo to my face, I get totally distracted from the view outside my peripheral vision; so much so, that I can't concentrate on looking at the letters in front of me. It's more than a little awkward to use the side of your hand to block out the visual distractions off the side of your eyes. But hey, I have no choice.

Then comes the biggest nightmare: --Opthomology Bingo--

Doctor: Which is better, 1 or 2?

Me: 1!

Doctor: Which is better: 2 or 3?

Me: 2!

Doctor: Which is better:1 or 2?

Me: Er...umm...can you do it again?

Doctor: Sure, which is better?

Me: I think 1. But I'm not sure- can you do it one more time? I'm really sorry...

Doctor: <trying to remain patient> Ok, no problem- WHICH IS BETTER, 1 or 2??

Me: <lying> 2! Yes, 2 is much better. Mmhmm!

Doctor repeats same torture on other eye.

Me, sweating now: Doctor, I was just, er..wondering...are there some placebos in this exam? I mean, sometimes they just all look the same. (What I'm really saying is, "After the first "1", they ALL look the same)

Doctor: Smiles evilly.

Exam is over. I drag myself out of the chair- exhausted from the ordeal- eyes dilated, and miraculously drive home without slamming into the back of a truck. (shouldn't there be a law against dilated driving?). Once home, I know that I'll be back at least twice for re-exams because for the life of me, I cannot tell the difference between 1 and 2 or 2 and 3.

You too?

Posted by Terry at 21:56 | Comments (7) | Trackbacks (0)

Thursday, December 20. 2007

Visit Me At www.adhdCentral.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 11, 2007

Prominent Therapist and Author Brings Expert Advice to Readers atHealthCentral’s ADHD Site

ARLINGTON, VA— The HealthCentral Network, Inc. (www.HealthCentral.com) today announced that Terry Matlen, prominent therapist, writer and advocate, is joining the team of experts on www.ADHDCentral.com . In addition to writing twice-weekly blogs and articles focusing on the latest research and tips for living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Matlen will be pioneering a weekly Q&A in which she will respond directly to users’ questions.

Matlen, a practicing psychotherapist who specializes in ADHD counseling, will be writing with the unique perspective of living with ADHD and raising a daughter with the condition.

“I'm excited and incredibly honored to have joined the staff at ADHDCentral.com,” Matlen said. “As an adult with ADHD parenting a child with ADHD, I feel I can see the big picture -- and thus be in the position of offering insight and empathy, while disseminating information to help parents, ADHD adults, educators, clinicians and other professionals looking to ADHDCentral for resources.”

"Terry is a huge asset to the ADHD community, and we’re delighted to have her join ADHDCentral.com," said Chris Schroeder, CEO and President of The HealthCentral Network. "HealthCentral’s mission to provide honest information about living with lifechanging conditions is realized in Terry, who is both a trained expert on ADHD, a caregiver, and living with it herself.”

About The HealthCentral Network

The HealthCentral Network, Inc. (www.healthcentral.com) is a new and unique online offering, comprised of over 30 general health and highly specific condition and wellness web properties, each committed to offering a voice in everyday and personal language people can understand and connect with at critical points in their lives. Each site provides timely, interactive, in-depth and trusted medical information (from Harvard Health Publications among others), and connections to leading experts and thousands of people who share their related experiences and inspiration.

The HealthCentral Network recently launched personal health tools including the most comprehensive web solution for caregivers managing their communities of friends and families (www.carecentral.com). The company also produces the nationally syndicated television show, "Medical Breakthroughs with Dr. Dean Edell," and has a library of nearly 1,000 short-form, condition-specific videos throughout its network.

The HealthCentral Network was acquired in 2005 by Polaris Ventures, Sequoia Capital, The Carlyle Group and Allen & Company, and has built a management team that combines decades of experience in interactive media and medical, science and news journalism. The company received top recognition from The International Health and Medical Media Awards with a 2006 FREDDIE Award for MyDiabetesCentral.com and the Health Care Standard of Excellence WebAward from the Web Marketing Association.

Contact: The HealthCentral Network

Lucie Leblois, Director of Marketing

leblois@THCN.com

703.302.1053

###

Posted by Terry at 23:56 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Wednesday, December 12. 2007

I am NOT an ADDer

Ok, I'm prepared to take the heat on this one. But I have to speak up. The truth is...

I HATE the term "ADDer."

I am a woman who happens to have ADHD. I'm a mother with ADHD. I'm a clinician with ADHD. However, I am not an ADDer. I know many of my friends and colleagues use that term and each time I read it, I cringe.

Just like someone with depression is not a depressionER, or one with bipolar is not a bipolarER, I am not an ADDer. I don't like being defined by my condition, period. To me, it makes light of it and also makes it sound trendy and almost cultish.

So, flame away. I put it out there, I can take your comments, good or bad. Gulp.

Posted by Terry at 23:22 | Comments (9) | Trackbacks (0)

Thursday, December 6. 2007

Test Your Brain

I've gotten more interested in brain science these days. Maybe because I'm getting older and notice that my memory is getting worse..and worse..and worse. And having ADHD only accentuates the loss even more.

I found a neat website where you can test various brain functions- working memory, differentiating spoken words from background noises, and more. They even offer a computer program to improve your cognitive functioning.

Try the tests HERE and see what you think. But don't despair; my guess is that many with ADHD will have problems with these. I really struggled on some of these tests.

Posted by Terry at 23:00 | Comment (1) | Trackbacks (0)

Saturday, December 1. 2007

Who Invented the Dashboard?

We with ADHD know how important visual cues are. Especially visual cues that you can prominently see, right? So when I realized - almost too late - that I was about to run out of gas, I wondered who in the world designed some of the dashboards in our cars today. In my case, I can hardly see the gas gauge. It was a close call....

www.addconsults.com

Posted by Terry at 21:19 | Comments (2) | Trackbacks (0)

Friday, November 30. 2007

Being Bored is the Enemy

Torture. Being bored = being tortured. That's why I always have to be doing something even if there's nothing to do. I'm constantly taking my daughter to variou appointments, which means hours waiting in offices. So what's an ADD brain to do? I bring my Gameboy, books, magazines, etc.

But I just heard about this little gadget and thought I'd share it here. It's Amazon's new Kindle, a wireless, portable reading device. What's cool about it is that it "connects" like a cell phone. Meaning, you can download books, magazines, etc etc ANYWHERE that a cell phone works. Check it out HERE: