ADD Student

Archive for May, 2008

I don’t usually watch shows on MTV, but there was one on today that caught my attention. The show is called “True Life” and this particular episode was “I’m on Adderall”.

The show followed 3 young people who were either taking Adderall or who had taken it in the past. It included:

A young woman who had turned to street drugs after becoming addicted to Adderall

A young man using Adderall to get through college

A young man who was preparing for college entrance exams and was trying to do it without the Adderall his mom thought he was taking

In general, I found the program to be well done and even inspirational. Here’s the link if you’d like to find out more.

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The other day I was sharing something with my daughter and a friend of hers, and it occurred to me that it might be useful to share with you, too.

My daughter’s friend was thinking about going to college, and the two of them were discussing all the things he would have to figure out, like what to major in and how to pay for school. Since I knew that he would have to pay for school himself, and I know that he is an extremely bright young man, I made a suggestion as to how he might earn college credit without taking the classes.

Did you know that you can earn college credit by testing out of a class, and that it will cost you a fraction of what a single class at a community college would cost? Not only that, the tests are accepted at most colleges and universities in the U.S., including Harvard.

Testing out of a class appeals to the ADD Student in a number of ways:

Taking a test for a couple of hours is far more appealing than sitting through 12 or more weeks of classes.

Tests can be chosen based on the student’s strengths and interests, which will make it more likely that they pass.

Alternatively, testing out of a subject they dislike intensely may be motivation enough to have them study for the exam.

Preparation for the test is self-directed. This can be a plus or a minus, depending on the student and their motivation level. If they have someone to help them stay on track, that will help. It would also be helpful to keep the time between when they begin to study and when they take the test rather short. People with Attention Deficit Disorder often thrive on this sort of pressure.

People with AD/HD tend to be highly intelligent, and generally do well with these tests when they make the effort.

Here are some things you might like to know about the tests:

There are two groups of tests - CLEP and DANTES. CLEP is owned by the College Board people - the same ones who own the SAT. The DANTES tests were originally developed for military personnel who were trying to earn their degree while in service. Although the tests are still used for that purpose, they have also been made available to the general public.

CLEP offers 34 different examinations. DANTES offers slightly more that that. Each exam costs about $70, although there may be additional fees depending on where the test is taken.

Each test has a variety of testing centers that administer the tests on given days. CLEP exams may be given at your local community college, but DANTES exams are usually administered at a Prometric testing center.

Most tests are a couple of hours long, and are usually computer based. You will know right away if you have passed or not.

You may have the scores sent to the college of your choice, but if you have not yet chosen a school, you can have them sent at a later date. The tests will add college credits, but will not affect your GPA.

There are study guides and practice tests available online and at your bookstores.

These tests are especially good for testing out of 100 level classes and electives.

For more information: CLEP DANTES

I think this would be a good summer project for your ADD Student, depending on how old they are. I don’t believe, however, that there are age limitations on taking these tests. My youngest daughter first took the ACT when she was 11.

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This Tuesday’s Ten Minute Tip is in written rather than audio form. I have to confess - usually when I record my tips, I am the only one home, or at least the only one awake. Today, since it’s a holiday, both my son and my husband are here, and I feel just a little weird about recording in front of them. Foolish, I know, but that’s the way it is.

This week’s Ten Minute Tip is about making the most of your child’s summer, especially in terms of learning. Did you know that the average kid is as much as six weeks behind in reading and math abilities when they return to school in the fall? That’s average kids, not those with Attention Deficit Disorder. I don’t know of any studies that have been done specifically on kids with ADD in regards to this issue, but I would think that they would be even further behind than their non-ADD counterparts.

It’s extrememly important, then, that you find ways over the summer to keep their skills up. Many schools these days are starting summer reading assignments in order to address this problem, but that works more in theory than it does in practice. (It’s an assignment, it’s a book they probably wouldn’t choose to read, and they’re probably going to be tested on it or have to write a paper on it when they get back to school. Where’s the motivation in that?)

Here are a couple of ideas that you might try instead:

Check to see if your library has a summer reading program. Most do, and at least this way, they can choose their own books.

Find a way to incorporate their interests with reading and math. Sports are excellent for this: read the columns to see how your team did, learn how to calculate batting averages. Cooking is another interest that easily lends itself to reading and math.

Planning a vacation this year? Have your child look for and read about interesting things to do once you arrive. Give them a map and have them figure out mileage when you start and as you go.

Let your child choose what they want to read. Don’t worry about it’s value as literature or a learning tool, just get them reading.

Got a teen who drives? Have them figure out how many miles to the gallon they get, how far they drive to work or their friend’s house.

Start a book club with your child and/or their friends. If you have older children, maybe you can read the same book and get the moms involved.

Get out of the box. Reading doesn’t have to be done in a chair with a good lamp. One summer, my kids and I read Treasure Island together. They were all old enough to read themselves, but we read the book to each other. Our favorite place was on the deck at night, with a flashlight.

Keep reading and math in mind all summer long, and find quick, easy ways to incorporate them in things you do. Your reward will be a well prepared child come September.

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