How an ADHD student benefited with Total Life Counseling Centers wide array of services.
Jim West, MA, LMHC, NCC is a nationally
certified and state licensed counselor and specializes in ADD & ADHD (Attention
Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) and Oppositional
Defiance ODD working in the Orlando Central Florida area.. His positive approach to ADHD is refreshing and helps parents,
and teachers get in the head of their students and truly empathize with their attentional issues. Stanford did a study that showed the learning style of
the average person as follows: 89% Visual, 10% Auditory & 1% the remaining 3
senses. As we reflect on the teaching style in our schools we realize that
the average student will struggle because the primary learning style is Auditory
and then we expect an ADHD child that is primarily Visual and Tactile in their
learning style to assimilate and learn. ADHD students are entrepreneurial,
inventors like Thomas Edison, visionaries, creators, scientists like Albert
Einstein, professional athletes like Terry Bradshaw, CEO's, entertainers, and
more because they are full of passion. If we can help them through school
and let them loose in their area of passion they will far exceed their peers.
James L. West, MA, LMHC Specializes in Child/Adult/Adolescent ADD/ADHD in Orlando & Winter Park area
OUR ADHD APPROACH: Clients travel from the Bahamas, Georgia and all over Florida as 85% of
patients since 2003 did not need medication or their medication was reduced
significantly. Clients benefited almost immediately from FDA approved
supplements/vitamins and dietary changes. We take a holistic approach incorporating,
parent/child or adult education, behavior modification, positive
reinforcement, coordination with the school, support for the child, dietary interventions and
referral for medication consults (if necessary). Read our Article on "Food for Thought-How what we Eat effects how we Think!" In February 2006 the FDA
black labeled several drugs for ADHD. See this link for more information. Read more about how what we eat effects how we think: "Food For Thought"
Counseling and treatment through counseling and natural treatment of ADD and ADHD in the Orlando, Winter Park and Clermont Florida.
The Multitasking
Generation-How Excessive Video Games, Instant Messaging, Computer, My
Space, TV, etc. can impact a students ability to connect and relate to
family members and peers.
ADD/ADHD Online Checklists-A
positive or negative score does not necessarily mean you do or do not have
ADD/ADHD. This is meant to be a screening tool. If you plan to
come in for an assessment please bring the results of the checklist in to
your session.
Total Life Counseling Center provides counseling, therapy, coaching, camps and career services for all of central Florida, including: Orlando, Winter Park, Maitland, College Park, Dr. Phillips, Pine Castle, Conway, Windermere, Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oviedo, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Lake Mary, Sanford, Deland, De Bary, Deltona, Daytona, New Smyrna, Cocoa, Titusville, Merritt Island, Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Celebration, Mt. Dora, the Villages and the tri-cities of Tavares, Eustis and Leesburg.
Our counseling, therapy, camps, group, coaching and career services are conveniently located at:
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The year 2000 Diagnostic & Statistical
Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) provides criteria for
diagnosing ADHD. The criteria are presented here in modified
form in order to make them more accessible to the general
public. They are listed here for information purposes and should
be used only by trained health care providers to diagnose or
treat ADHD.
DSM-IV Criteria for ADHD I. Either A or B:
Six or more of the following symptoms
of inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a
point that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental
level:
Inattention
Often does not give close attention to
details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or
other activities.
Often has trouble keeping attention on
tasks or play activities.
Often does not seem to listen when
spoken to directly.
Often does not follow instructions and
fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the
workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to
understand instructions).
Often has trouble organizing activities.
Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want
to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long
period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
Often loses things needed for tasks and
activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books,
or tools).
Is often easily distracted.
Is often forgetful in daily activities.
Six or more of the following symptoms
of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least
6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate
for developmental level:
Hyperactivity
Often fidgets with hands or feet or
squirms in seat.
Often gets up from seat when remaining
in seat is expected.
Often runs about or climbs when and
where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel
very restless).
Often has trouble playing or enjoying
leisure activities quietly.
Is often "on the go" or often acts as if
"driven by a motor".
Often talks excessively.
Impulsivity
Often blurts out answers before
questions have been finished.
Often has trouble waiting one's turn.
Often interrupts or intrudes on others
(e.g., butts into conversations or games).
Some symptoms that cause impairment were
present before age 7 years.
Some impairment from the symptoms is
present in two or more settings (e.g. at school/work and at
home).
There must be clear evidence of
significant impairment in social, school, or work
functioning.
The symptoms do not happen only during
the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder,
Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder. The symptoms are
not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g.
Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a
Personality Disorder).
Based on these criteria, three types of
ADHD are identified:
ADHD, Combined Type: if both
criteria 1A and 1B are met for the past 6 months
ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type:
if criterion 1A is met but criterion 1B is not met for the
past six months
ADHD, Predominantly
Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: if Criterion 1B is met but
Criterion 1A is not met for the past six months.
American Psychiatric Association:
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth
Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric
Association, 2000.
How an ADHD student benefited with Total Life Counseling Centers wide array of services.
