Why Summer Is the Perfect Time to Start ADHD Coaching

Summer is a season of warmth, relaxation, and a break from the regular hustle and bustle of life. 

It’s a time when routines change, and the days are longer, offering a unique opportunity for growth and self-improvement. 

For individuals with ADHD, summer can be an especially advantageous time to start ADHD coaching. 

Here’s why:

1. Flexible Schedules

During the summer months, many people experience a shift in their daily schedules. Students are on break, and even adults often take vacations or experience a more relaxed work environment. 

This flexibility can provide the perfect window to integrate ADHD coaching sessions without the stress of juggling a full workload or school assignments. With a more open schedule, you can focus on developing new habits and strategies that can be seamlessly integrated into your routine.

2. Reduced Stress Levels

The summer season often brings a decrease in stress compared to the rest of the year. The sunny weather, outdoor activities, and vacation time contribute to a more relaxed state of mind.

Starting ADHD coaching during this period allows you to approach the process with a clear and calm mindset, making it easier to absorb new information and implement strategies effectively. Lower stress levels can also enhance your ability to stay motivated and committed to the coaching process.

3. Time for Self-Reflection

Summer provides an excellent opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. With fewer immediate pressures, you can take the time to assess your strengths and challenges, set goals, and develop a plan for the future.

ADHD coaching can help you harness this reflective period to identify specific areas of improvement, create actionable steps, and build a stronger foundation for managing ADHD symptoms.

4. Establishing New Routines

Summer is a great time to experiment with and establish new routines. Whether it’s incorporating regular exercise, improving sleep habits, or organizing your living space, the summer months offer a unique opportunity to test out new strategies in a low-pressure environment.

ADHD coaching can provide the guidance and support needed to create sustainable routines that can be carried into the busier months ahead.

5. Preparation for the Upcoming School Year or Work Cycle

For students, starting ADHD coaching in the summer can be a proactive way to prepare for the upcoming school year. Coaching can help develop effective study habits, time management skills, and organizational strategies that will be invaluable when classes resume. 

For adults, summer coaching can provide tools to enhance productivity, manage work-related stress, and improve overall performance, setting you up for success as the year progresses.

6. Leveraging Outdoor Activities

Summer’s pleasant weather encourages outdoor activities, which can be highly beneficial for individuals with ADHD. Physical activity is known to improve focus, reduce hyperactivity, and enhance mood. Incorporating outdoor activities into your ADHD coaching plan can make the process more enjoyable and effective. 

Pam Valdes, M.A., AACC, can help you find ways to integrate physical exercise into your daily routine, maximizing both physical and mental health benefits.

7. Building Confidence and Momentum

Starting ADHD coaching in the summer can help you build confidence and momentum that will carry you through the rest of the year. As you begin to see positive changes and improvements in your daily life, your confidence will grow, motivating you to continue working towards your goals. This momentum can be a powerful driver for long-term success in managing ADHD.

Get ADHD Help in Louisville, Kentucky

Summer is a season of opportunities, and for individuals with ADHD, it offers a unique chance to start coaching in a supportive and relaxed environment. The flexible schedules, reduced stress levels, and ample time for self-reflection make it an ideal period to focus on personal growth and development. 

By starting ADHD coaching in the summer, you can establish new routines, build confidence, and prepare for the challenges ahead with renewed energy and a clear plan of action — and we’re here to help.

At NextStep4ADHD, we are here to support you on your journey towards better ADHD management. Our coaching programs are designed to provide you with the tools and strategies you need to thrive.

Take the first step this summer and embrace the potential for positive change.

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Ready to start your ADHD coaching journey this summer? Contact NextStep4ADHD today to schedule your initial appointment and take the first step towards a more organized and fulfilling life.

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Assessments Versus Psychology Evaluation: Everything You Need to Know

Assessments and psychology evaluations may sound like the same thing, but they’re actually different. It’s important to know the difference, especially if you’re seeking psychological help. In this blog, we’ll explain what assessments and psychology evaluations are, what they’re used for, and what you can expect during each evaluation.

We spoke with Monica Clark, a Psychological Associate here at NextStep4ADHD, to get some of the most common questions. By the end of this blog, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect during your psychological evaluation and which type of evaluation is right for you.

What Is the Difference between an Assessment and a Psychological Evaluation?

All about Assessments

An assessment involves an in-depth clinical interview, usually utilizing both a diagnostic assessment and biopsychosocial questions, and, sometimes, simple screening instruments that are self-report symptom questionnaires. The questionnaires usually can be completed in just a few minutes and, for teens, may include obtaining data from relevant teachers or other collateral adults with regular contact with the child.

The diagnostic interview focuses on the presenting issues and the history of those issues and in-depth questioning of symptoms to determine potential diagnoses. In addition to the diagnostic interview, the assessor will accumulate information about the child’s medical, developmental, and family history (biology), history of prior treatment and testing, to include documenting any prior diagnoses (psychological history), and the child’s school functioning, social functioning, and any potential work/employment functioning (social). An assessment is usually between 60-90 minutes depending on the provider. An assessment is adequate for most situations, including obtaining a diagnosis for treatment and obtaining a 504 plan at school.

An assessment is simpler and much more cost effective than a full psychological evaluation.

All about Psychological Evaluations

A psychological evaluation is more in-depth and includes the above clinical interview, along with testing using standardized psychological instruments (i.e. intelligence tests). The testing gives an in-depth understanding of a child’s cognitive, academic, behavioral, emotional, and social functioning. It usually takes a minimum of 4 hours, which can be completed in either one or two sessions; however, it can take longer depending on needs.

There is a specific type of psychological evaluation, called an academic evaluation, that may be requested for school, which tests only a child’s intelligence and academic performance to test for learning disabilities or learning differences. This specific type of assessment is shorter, usually 2-3 hours, but is not typically covered by insurance. If schools are requesting this information, while Next Step would be happy to complete the evaluation, if the child attends public schools, most public schools have the ability to complete this type of evaluation without charge to the family, utilizing the district’s school psychologist. However, sometimes the wait for an evaluation date can be lengthy, which leads some families to seek outside agencies that could accommodate their need faster.

When Is a Psychological Evaluation Necessary for Teens?

 A psychological evaluation is necessary in a couple of scenarios:

• It is required if the family is seeking an individualized education plan (IEP).
• It also may become necessary if a family has completed an assessment and the diagnostic picture is still unclear. This is rare, but does occasionally occur.
• A family may also be referred for a psychological evaluation to assess for other potential underlying factors, if the child has not been responsive to treatment.

It is important that an established therapist not be the one to complete the psychological evaluation to prevent potential confirmation bias.

What Happens During a Psychological Evaluation?

The first step is a clinical interview with both the child and the parent, followed by 1-2 sessions where the child will meet with the evaluator individually to complete the standardized tests. After, the evaluator will score all of the assessments and write an in-depth report, written so that the family can understand the results. Once the report is completed, the family will be invited back for a feedback session, where the evaluator will go over the results, provide an opportunity for the family to ask questions, and the family will be given a physical copy of the report.

What Is the Main Benefits of a Psychological Evaluation for an IED?

A psychological evaluation provides the most in-depth picture of your child. Through the evaluation process, all potential issues are assessed and addressed through clinical recommendations.

Questions? Don’t Hesitate to Reach Out to Us

In conclusion, understanding the differences between assessments and psychology evaluations is crucial when seeking psychological help, especially for conditions like ADHD. While assessments are standardized tests that provide objective information about your abilities and strengths, psychological evaluations involve a more in-depth exploration of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Both types of evaluations can be helpful in identifying and treating ADHD, but which one is best for you will depend on your specific needs. Our multidisciplinary team can walk you through all of the options and recommend the right evaluations for you or your child.

If you suspect that you or a loved one may have ADHD, it’s important to seek help from a qualified mental health professional who can provide the appropriate evaluation and treatment. Making an appointment with a mental health professional is the first step towards getting the help you need to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength and courage, and taking care of your mental health is essential for overall well-being. Don’t hesitate to reach out today.

About Monica Clark

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6 Virtual Gym Class Ideas for Kids with ADHD

Health experts from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that children get at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. How your child gets that exercise — dancing, swimming, bike riding, playing soccer, playing catch with a ball in the yard — doesn’t really matter.

There is also evidence that spending time outside in nature can calm some kids with ADHD. Even bundling up and playing in the snow or going for a winter hike counts as good exercise. However, between the cold winter months and busy schedules, getting outside to play isn’t always easy.

Below are six online workouts that allow your child to let out some pent-up energy. Bonus: some of them may feature your child’s favorite characters!

1. Minecraft Yoga with Cosmic Kids

2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar with Cosmic Kids

3. Mario Gym Class with Sweat Kids

4. Indoor Workout: Exercise in the Jungle

5. PopSugar Family Fitness Cardio

6. Frozen Dance with Sam Cam’s Dance Studio

Even with adequate exercise, unmanaged ADHD can impact your child’s home and school life. As a multidisciplinary practice, we can help children with ADHD (and their parents) take their next steps. Our holistic approach looks at all aspects of treatment from therapy, lifestyle modifications, medication management, and parent coaching.

If you would like to book an appointment with one of our professionals, give us a call at 502-907-5908 or fill out this form. 

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Planning a Winter Getaway? Here Are 4 Packing Tips for Adults with ADHD

Planning a winter getaway? Whether you’re headed for a skiing trip up north or you’re headed south to soak up the sun on a warm beach, you’ll need to pack. Yet, packing can be a source of frustration for adults with ADHD.

Our multidisciplinary team knows that skills that require planning — one of the executive function skills — can be tricky, but we also know that like all skills, your planning skills can be strengthened.

In this blog, we take a look at the reasons why packing is so troublesome and what strategies can make packing for a vacation so much easier.

3 Reasons Packing is Hard for Adults with ADHD

1. Packing Requires Planning

Planning is essential when it comes to packing, yet planning can be difficult for this with ADHD. Planning requires you to:

• Think about where you’re going and what specific activities you’ll be doing
• Consider any dress code requirements you’ll encounter
• Consider the weather at your destination

Even if you don’t enjoy planning, there are some steps you can take to make this part of vacationing more tolerable.

2. Packing Requires Decision-Making

Making decisions is hard for ADHD adults, and packing for a vacation is nothing more than making one decision after another.

• Should you bring one sweater or two?
• How many back-up pairs of socks do you need? Do I need specialize socks to ski or snowboard?
• Will the hotel have shampoo? Will that be enough?
• What if rains? Do you really need a rain coat?
• Did I pack enough?
• What if my good blouse gets stained?
• Do I need to bring a swimsuit?
• If I bring these pants, I need to pack my other shoes, right?

Not only is this overwhelming, but too many decisions all at once can lead to decision fatigue.

3. Packing Requires Organization

It’s no secret that organization is one of the biggest struggles for adults and teens with ADHD. Lack of organization can lead to many problems, including wrinkles clothes, misplaced train tickets, and so.much.stress.

4 Travel Packing Tips for Adults with ADHD

The good news is that these four tips can address all of the things you find so overwhelming with packing.

1. Make a list.

Before you even open your suitcase, make a list of everything you want to pack. Include a category for:

• Clothes
• Shoes
• Toiletries, such as contacts, contact solution, soap, sunscreen, etc.
• Electronic gear, including cameras, phones, tablets, and their chargers
• Snacks
• Tickets, reservation information, etc.

2. Plan outfits by the day.

Clothing can be an overwhelming part of the packing process. Did you pack too much? Not enough? The wrong attire all together?

Once you print out your packing list, plan your outfits by day. It might look something like this:

Saturday

• Travel day
• Joggers, sweatshirt, sneakers

Sunday

• Brunch in the morning: black wrap dress, wedge heels, white sweater
• Scuba tour in afternoon: swimsuit, sarong, flip flops

Monday

• Hiking in the morning: green hiking shorts, REI shirt, wool socks, hiking boots, sweatband, hiking backpack, water bottle, first aid kit
• Evening wine tasting: pink sun dress, wedge heels, white sweater

Once you start organizing your list this way, you’ll quickly identify if you’ve packed the right clothes for your itinerary — and if you can repeat any outfits or shoes.

3. Organize Your Suitcase

Once you’ve identified what clothes you need, pack your clothes in your suitcase. For some, using packing cubes helps organize your suitcase. Using packing cubes (or any other small pouch that holds only one day’s worth of clothes) makes it easier to search for what you need in your suitcase.

Winter clothes can be bulky. Consider using vacuum seals to help fit bulky items better.

4. Pack Light

More stuff means more to keep track of, and that can be overwhelming. Within reason, packing as light as possible can reduce some of those overwhelming feelings. For example, choose a pair of shoes to pack that matches the majority of your outfits. This can help you reduce the number of shoes you bring.

Other tips to pack light:

• Bring e-books instead of physical books
• Use paperless tickets when possible

Need More Help with Planning and Organizing?

Planning and organizing are essential when you’re packing for a vacation, but that’s not the only scenario where you rely on these skills. You also need planning and organization to:

• Plan projects at work
• Organize household events, chores, and family schedules
• Organize your workload in college
• Determine order of priority for your to-do list

Comprehensive ADHD treatment, including therapy and coaching, helps you strengthen this skillset. Our multidisciplinary team can help your child learn to THRIVE.

You can also request an appointment here.

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How to Prepare for an ADHD Assessment

Are you getting ready for your child’s ADHD assessment? Are you wondering how to prepare for your child’s psychological evaluation/testing? Maybe you are getting ready for your own assessment? In either case, you may have questions about the best ways to prepare for an ADHD assessment.

Below, we take a look at the top tips to prepare for your child’s ADHD assessment as well as how to prepare for an adult assessment.

Tips to Prepare for Your Child for an ADHD Assessment

You can help your child prepare for his or her ADHD assessment by:

• Providing a good meal beforehand (protein and fiber can help little tummies feel full)
• Help your child get to bed early and get plenty of rest in the days leading up to the assessment (Refer to this article for good bedtime routine ideas)
• Dressing your child in comfortable clothes
• Bring a water and snack for the break (your child can bring their water into the testing room)
• Schedule testing period during time of day when your child is most attentive, if possible 
• Help create a low-stress/low-anxiety environment before testing that day, if possible 
• Plan a small reward afterward, if possible 

What to expect

Know that testing may be broken up into two days depending on your child’s needs. Kayla Sheeran, our licensed psychological associate, explains more about the psychological testing process:

“Psych testing will consist of an interview with parent(s) at the beginning of the session [to cover background/overview of presenting issues]. This is followed by a testing period with administrator and child.

Not all testing looks the same…

Sometimes take-home testing materials are sent home for child, parents, and a teacher to complete and return; sometimes another day of in-person testing will need to be scheduled in order to complete all required testing sections. This will depend on the needs, attention span, and the testing purpose.

~Kayla Sheeran

While the evaluation is ongoing, feel free to bring something to do while you wait. A book, phone, or tablet is great, but bring a charger if you use a device since testing will take multiple hours.

Tips to Prepare for an Adult ADHD Assessment

Many of the same preparation tips apply to adults as well! Here at NextStep4ADHD, Kayla Sheeran performs ADHDH assessments for adults as part of the ADHD clinic and programs. Kayla shares these tips for preparing for your assessment:

• Eat a good nutrient-dense meal beforehand
• Ensure you have plenty of rest before your assessment
• Don’t schedule your assessment on a busy day where you will feel rushed or hurried between appointments
• Bring a water bottle

ADHD Assessment at NextStep4ADHD

Monica Clark does the ADHD assessments for children, and Kayla Sheeran conducts the ADHD assessments for adults as a part of the ADHD clinic/program.

Why Get Tested

Psychological testing is usually to rule out or confirm the presence of ADHD or a Learning Disorder to determine whether the child can benefit from accommodations at school (or meet the requirements to receive school accommodations) and/or for standardized testing. 

Here at Next Step 4 ADHD, we are a multidisciplinary practice, and our team of experts excels at diagnosing and treating ADHD in children. If you have questions about your ADHD assessment, we can help. Book your appointment here and get started with your next steps today.

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Three Tips to Make Halloween 2022 Easier for Kids with ADHD

Halloween 2022 is here, and it is definitely one of the most exciting days of the years for kids, but unfortunately, Halloween can be a bit stimulating, especially for kids with ADHD. The excitement, the disruption to the normal schedule, and the candy overload can make the evening a little more challenging than most.

These three safety tips can help make Halloween easier for parents and kids alike!

1. Review All Safety Rules with Your Child

Halloween, despite all of the fun, is one of the most dangerous days of the year for children. US News reports highlight that the list of dangers including:

• Tripping over ill-fitting costumes
• Visual impairments due to masks or wigs
• Dangers when crossing the street

Children with ADHD may run from house to house and pay little attention to the cars driving in the road. The combination of excitement and inattention can lead to children getting separated from their trick-or-treating group.

What You Can Do

There are many things you can do to help promote safety on Halloween. Here are just a few ideas:

• Discuss all safety rules with your child before even leaving the house (your child may be too excited to fully take in your message if you start this conversation once you’ve started trick-or-treating.)
• Talk about stranger safety.
• Ensure that your child can see through his/her mask and that the costume won’t pose a tripping hazard.
• Review the trick-or-treating map with your child.
• Create a safety plan in the event that your child is separated from you.
• Give your child glow sticks or reflective arm band for increased safety when crossing the streets at night.
• Review proper street crossing rules.

2. Eating Too Much Candy

While candy doesn’t cause ADHD, consuming high levels of sugar (and generally following poor dietary habits) can exacerbate symptoms of ADHD. For children who struggle with impulse control, it can be even harder to resist the temptation of candy.

What You Can Do

Many parents have adopted creative solutions for dealing with all.of.the.candy on Halloween. Here are a few ideas:

• Allow your child to trick-or-treat and enjoy the fun tradition, but when they return home, allow them to trade in their bag of candy for non-candy treats, such as race cars, books, dolls, bouncy balls, or some other goodie they’ve had their eye on. You can then donate the candy.
• Create a candy calendar, marking out how many pieces your child can have each day.
• Limit the number of houses you visit to reduce the amount of candy you bring home.

Regardless of how many pieces of candy your child enjoys, be sure to focus on other healthy foods throughout the rest of the day.

3. Focus on Bedtime Routines

Winding down for bedtime after a fun-filled Halloween can be tricky. Because children with ADHD may struggle to regulate their emotions, you may see an uptick in temper tantrums, especially if your child is upset that Halloween is over.

What You Can Do

Thankfully, there are many ways you can make bedtime calmer on Halloween. Here are a few ideas.

• Be sure that you’re implementing good sleep hygiene practices
• Create a special bedtime routine just for Halloween e.g., reading a special Halloween book or wearing themed pajamas
• Allow extra time for your bedtime routine on Halloween
• Let your child know their schedule for the day so they have time to prepare mentally
• Give more frequent reminders when shifting activities
• Follow these tips for making Halloween more ADHD-friendly

Need Help Managing Your Child’s ADHD?

Here at Next Step 4 ADHD, we are a multidisciplinary practice, and our team of experts excels at diagnosing and treating ADHD in children. If your child is struggling with ADHD, we can help. Book your appointment here and get started with your next steps today.

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