An opportunity to work with KWCH TV station affords opportunities
for our monthly interview on and sponsorship of The Brett and Sierra Show, a
community program for persons throughout the Wichita viewing area.
Our latest show on December 3, 2013 allowed us to talk generally
about the holiday season and ADHD. Read this brief summary of that
conversation, then use the link at the bottom of this page, and watch the
interview for yourself.
Brett: Things during the
holidays can become hectic for all people. For families that include persons
with ADHD, it can be additional struggles. How do the holidays often affect family
members with ADHD?
Dr. Atha: Since it is
often the mother who does the planning and the details of preparation, a mother
with ADHD is often overwhelmed and undulated by the responsibilities. If there
is a father with ADHD, he may become stressed and angry because of the extra
money spent during the season. Of course children with ADHD are usually excited
about Christmas or the holidays. A child with ADHD may exhibit acting out behaviors.
Sierra: What might we do
to soften those worries?
Dr. Atha: If you invite a person to your home for a holiday
party, or if the person is a family member, the individual will need options
for different activities during the gathering. For instance have several venues
such as a set of board games, a food table, a conversation pit, so the individual
has reasons to move around without becoming stabilized. It is also a good idea
to be aware of the different personalities you have invited to the party.
Sierra: What can do to help our friends with ADHD complete
tasks during the holidays?
Dr. Atha: I like to tell people to KISS it – that is Keep it
Simple and Simple. Don’t overdue. Don’t over-commit. Not every tradition has
your name on it. A close friend or family member can be the gentle
accountability person. Give daily reminders. It is so sweet to have a friend
ask “What can I do to help?”
Brett: Dr. Atha, you
personally know about how ADHD can affect families since your family includes
persons with ADHD. What suggestions do you have for families? What does your
agency do to help families with ADHD?
Dr. Atha: We ask a lot of questions: “What are your concerns?
What has worked for you? What has not worked for you?” We find that families
and individuals know more about the solutions to their concerns than they
initially think. We don’t tell people what to do; we work with them to discover
the answers deep inside themselves.
Did this interview pique your curiosity? Hear more about our
conversation by using the link below.
Our next interview will be Tuesday, January 7, 2014. Watch for
us at 4:30 PM on Channel 5.
