Therefore specific strategies need to be implemented while reading to your child. Not every approach will work so try different methods until you discover which ones works for you. Only then will the process of reading be easier for everyone.

1. If you are wanting to improve your child’s reading then read. Read as much as possible and let your child see you reading. We don’t just read books, throughout our daily lives we read things such as adverts, labels, timetables, newspapers warning signs, leaflets. Read them to your child and talk about what you have read.

2. Visit the library and choose books suitable for your child’s reading age. If you are unsure ask the teacher for suggestions. If books appear too daunting at this stage, try looking at children’s magazines or comics. One type of book which proves to be very useful are cook books. They are excellent for incorporating the following elements:-
a. Reading – by reading the recipes.
b. Math – working out the measurements and quantities.
c. Cooking – which allows the ADHD child to be creative and kinesthetic as well as answering his need to do something.

3. A calm environment is necessary while helping your child to read. Pick a quiet spot away from distractions. Read together and take it in turn to read pages or paragraphs depending on reading level and ability to focus. If you are homeschooling see if you can enlist a family member to help with the reading. You can even pair readers of different abilities together to enhance your child reading ability.

4. ADHD children fidget constantly so allow them to fidget even while reading. Giving them something to squeeze, tap or play with will help to keep their attention. Remember ADHD children can focus on multiple things at once, so by giving them something to do there is no longer the need to look for anything else.

5. Break down reading into small chunks. Read for a short time then allow your child to play or do something else, before turning back to the task in hand. Read another paragraph or so again then allow another break. Continue this process until you have finished the chapter or story. This method works very well because your child’s brain is wired to focus on more that one thing at a time. After the reading ask for the child’s account of what he or she has read, jot down his or her words and review the next day.

6. Have your child listen to stories or reading matter on tapes whilst following along in the text. Use pods and mp3 players to record reading material the child can listen to. By seeing and hearing the words being read the child will be better able to focus.

7. Use a computer to aid your child’s reading. They are many ‘learning to read’ CDs and DVDs that can benefit your offspring and as most children love computers you can use this tool to your advantage.

8. Finally be liberal in your praise and encourage. Most children want it, particularly those that suffer from low self-esteem which is true for most ADHD children. Give rewards and positive feedback. Whichever way you choose to say ‘well done’ to your child, do it! They need it and it will certainly go a long way in helping them master the art of reading.

Here are 5 specific strategies that you can implement when reading to an ADHD child. Not every approach will work so try different methods until you discover which ones works for you.

1. When helping your child read, pick a calm environment. Make sure there are no distractions. Read together and take turns to read pages or paragraphs. Take into consideration the child’s reading level and ability to focus.

2. ADHD children fidget constantly so allow them to fidget even while reading. Giving them something to squeeze, tap or play with will help to keep their attention. Remember ADHD children can focus on multiple things at once, so by giving them something to do there is no longer the need to look for anything else.

3. Break down reading into small chunks. Read for a short time then allow your child to play or do something else. Then come back to the task at hand. Read another paragraph or so again then allow another break. Continue this process until you have finished the chapter or story. This method works very well because your child’s brain is wired to focus on many things. After the reading is done, ask the child to recount what he or she just read. Jot down his or her words and review the next day.

4. Use a computer to aid your child’s reading. They are many ‘learning to read’ CDs and DVDs that can benefit your offspring. The majority of children have an affinity towards computers, so use this tool to your advantage.

5. Finally, be generous in your praise and words of encouragement. Children need it, particularly those that suffer from low self-esteem. This is true for most ADHD children. Give rewards and positive feedback. Whichever way you choose to say ‘well done’ to your child, do it! They need to hear it and no doubt, it will definitely help them master the art of reading.

• Autistic children are different from normal children in the way they perceive things. Their senses are often heightened and they are very sensitive to stimuli. The trigger is different for each child, but many are sensitive to shrill or loud noises. They hear background noise very loudly and it can quickly overwhelm their delicate nervous systems. This is why they will often cover their ears to help muffle the sounds. Normal sounds are like nails on a chalkboard to an autistic child.
• When you call out their name, they give no response.
• They do not make eye contact.
• They often make repetitive motions to soothe themselves.
• They have a hard time understanding what other people are thinking or feeling.
• Some autistic children resort to head banging or other forms of self-abuse.
• Autistic children will often fixate on one object and ignore everyone and everything else around them.
• They also often have an extreme sensitivity to things like light, sound, or touch. Every child is different and has different things that bother them. Find out what is it that triggers an episode.
• Rocking & flapping their hands in from of their face is another classic symptom.

Although children may show subtle symptoms of autism as a baby, autism is usually diagnosed when they are about 3 years old.

So far I’ve only shared in general the early symptoms of autism. If you are worried about autism and want to discover how to recognize the signs of autism as well as learn breakthrough strategies that can quickly & easily unleash the maximum potential of someone who has autism, read this indispensable guide:

ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO AUTISM

It is normal for young children to be fidgety, always on the go, running instead of walking, doing things that get you worried, upset and frustrated. But where do you draw the line between normal activeness and abnormal activeness? I’m sure some of you have had comments like “hey, your child is hyperactive eh?” Are they really? Is there really something wrong with your child that warrants special attention? Is your child really suffering from AD/HD (Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder)?

When a child goes beyond a parent’s ability to control, there are only two things to point to:
the lack of parenting skills or the fact that there is something wrong with the child.

If you feel like you have already given your best to the child, should you take the child to be evaluated? Seems like a drastic move doesn’t it? You may even wonder if you are over reacting. Should you go or should you not?

Well, many say that it’s best to follow a mother’s instinct. If you suspect that something may be amiss, there is no harm in having your child evaluated. If your instinct was wrong, then good. Now you have the peace of mind that your child is normal. If your instinct was right, then it’s also good coz’ now you know and can take the necessary measures.

Anyway, here is a quick list of things to look out for:
Inattention (like losing and forgetting things, cannot stay on one task long, don’t listen to instructions well)
Easily distracted
Impulsive (like difficulty waiting for turn, interrupts or intrudes on others)
Fidgety
Dreamy
Hyperactive
Poor social skills
Disorganisation
Incessive Talking
You will probably suspect something wrong when these symptoms interfere with school, social or home life.

Next question would be, where do I go for a professional evaluation?
Well, I’m no expert in this field but this two places seem like a good place to start:
1. KDISC (Kiwanis Disability Information and Support Centre)
Check out their list of fact sheets that give quick information on many disability topics such as AD/HD in detail, Basic information on Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders, Warning Signs: Language / Communication Developmental Delay, Warning Signs: Physical Developmental Delay etc….
They also have a ‘disability directory‘ to help you resource more help such as associations, support groups, national bodies, hospitals and clinics.

2. KidzGrow
They have their own evaluation system called Learning Skills Evaluation and boasts to have helped children diagnosed with:
Attention Deficit Disorder – ADD
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder – ADHD
Auditory Processing Disorder – APD
Developmental Coordination Disorder – DCD
Dysgraphia
Dyslexia
Dyspraxia
Sensory-Integration Disorder
Non-Verbal Learning Disorder
Receptive and Expressive Language Difficulty
Speech and Language Delay
Hyperlexia
Mild Intellectual Impairment
Mild Autism Spectrum Disorder
Asperger’s Syndrome
Mild-Moderate Hearing Impairment

Any experienced parents out there who can share on how to take the initail steps, please contribute.