Diagnosis of a learning disability, ADHD, or Autism is a challenging experience. If it is your child, you may feel heartbroken for the challenges they are experiencing and the ones you see ahead of them. If the diagnosis is for yourself, you might grieve for what could have been while also feeling relief that you now understand what was in your way the whole time.

You might have avoided diagnosis for a long time, fearing any stigma attached to the labels.

Early in my career, I was taught that learning disability means difference. We could have called it anything, but the chosen term was “disability,” so that is the term we needed to use in our reports for our clients to receive support.

​I still dislike this word.

For the past decade, I have worked with our colleagues to find new ways of talking and thinking about Learning Disability, ADHD, & Autism Spectrum Disorder. Daily, I work with my clients to figure out their ADHD Superpower. We focus on strengths rather than weaknesses. In the clinic, we still have to perform the same tests. Yes, a diagnosis still must be formulated and communicated. But we can talk and think about it differently.

I have always advocated for all accommodations to be offered to all students at all times. This would remove stigmas and create a level field for everyone to learn. Yes, if these disabilities didn't require clinical identification anymore, we might have to change our business model. However, the loss to our business would create significant gains for all students and society as a whole. 

Mine are not unique thoughts. 

In many Indigenous languages, there is no word, or comparable word, for disability. It is not understood the same way.

Indigenous cultures have historically had a kinder, clearer, and more open perspective on learning and mental health differences. This enables them to more easily adapt to individuals' educational and communal needs. Today, Indigenous Peoples are working to establish or maintain Indigenous ways of understanding “learning disabilities” within their school systems.

Individuals are welcomed in the school community rather than separated. Strengths are promoted, and weaknesses are supported, notably without needing identification. Individuals with more severe needs are equally supported in a community that succeeds through interdependence and individual service as accountability. 

There is no stigma. Can you imagine?

There is only support and belonging.

I wish this for all of our clients and will continue to advocate for inclusion, understanding, and dissolution of all mental health stigmas.
​
It is not my voice that should talk about the intricacies of Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Please visit the links below to hear or read their words:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5GuKGke1p4

https://disabilityvisibilityproject.com/2023/06/18/indigeneity-and-disability-the-teachings-of-our-ancestors-and-being-in-relation-towards-harmonious-outcomes/

https://cjds.uwaterloo.ca/index.php/cjds/article/download/645/899

Tara Carman-French nitishnikas. Windsor oonchi. I live on the traditional territory of the Anishnaabeg people of the Three Fires Confederacy (Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa.) I am a settler of Scottish and British descent on this territory. My degree is in Indigenous Studies and English from the University of Toronto. I wrote this article as my way of honouring Indigenous peoples and their ways of knowing and being during National Indigenous History Month.

Executive function describes a set of cognitive processes and mental skills that help an individual plan, monitor, and successfully execute their goals. For many people with ADHD or learning disabilities, things like motivational regulation, planning, and problem-solving can be daunting. That’s why the use of assistive technology can be beneficial for tracking goals and appointments and remaining consistent/focused on everyday life tasks.
 
Below, we will explore some free apps that may be helpful to track and achieve goals. There are more straightforward calendar apps and gamified apps for children which reward them once a task is checked off as completed. 
 
Some of these apps will employ the use of the Pomodoro technique. The Pomodoro technique breaks down big tasks, projects, or goals into 25-minute segments, giving breaks in between. It keeps you hyper-focused on the next thing you need to do rather than get overwhelmed by the enormity of what you're taking on.

Quickly capture what’s at the top of your mind and get a reminder later at the right place or time. Speak a voice memo on the go and have it automatically transcribed. Grab a photo of a poster, receipt, or document and easily organize it or find it later in a search. Google Keep makes it easy to capture a thought or list for yourself and share it with friends and family.
 
Keep all the tasks needed close at hand without all the mess of paper. A hub to keep voice memos, draw pictures, take pictures and organize them into categories that make sense for your brain. This app can sync across all devices and can even set up location-based reminders so that once a destination is reached, a list or reminder will automatically pop up. 
 
Great for families because you can share and collaborate on notes and ideas easily.

Sectograph is a time planner that visually displays a list of tasks and events for the day in the form of a 12-hour pie chart - a watch dial. The application will help sharpen sense of time and allow one to visualize the day ahead.
 
This app can be synced to Google Calendar or used on its own. Choose different colours for different tasks, look at the monthly view to see how you spend most of your time and have a count down to your next task. A calendar and analog clock combined give an amazing visual representation of work, allowing the ability to plan and calculate your day effectively.
 
Technology should always make our lives easier, and these apps do just that. Finding the app that works best for how your brain processes and solidifies information is important. Try one at a time and see which makes the most sense for you! By adding in fun functions, organizational lists, and mindfulness exercises, anyone can use any of these apps!
 
If any apps have been helpful that we didn’t mention, we would love to hear about them! Comment below!

​Video games are not just about fun and entertainment; they can also do some pretty amazing things for the world and you!
 
First off, let us tackle the big one: mental health. Did you know that playing video games can actually make you feel happier and less stressed? Yes, it is true! When you dive into a game, you give your brain a break from everyday worries. Whether you are slaying dragons, solving puzzles, or exploring new worlds, gaming can be like a mini vacation for your mind.
 
Gaming, however, can help you learn and grow in addition to making you feel better. Consider all the problem-solving abilities you use when playing your favourite game. Whether figuring out a difficult level or devising a strategy to defeat a tough boss, gaming is a mental workout that can improve your mind and make you smarter.
 
Let us not forget about the social aspects of gaming. Sure, playing alone can be fun, but there is something special about working together with friends or meeting new individuals online. Gaming communities are large virtual hangouts where you may connect with individuals who share your hobbies and passions. Furthermore, working together to achieve a common objective in a game can teach you valuable communication and teamwork skills that can be applied in real life.
 
Let's zoom out and look at the larger picture. Gaming, believe it or not, has the potential to improve the world around us. How? For instance, many games are meant to have a function other than amusement. Some games cover major societal issues, such as environmental protection, diversity and inclusion, and mental health awareness. Playing these games not only allows you to have fun but also raises awareness and supports worthwhile charities.
 
But it does not end there. Gamers are charitable individuals who frequently band together to assist charities and non-profit organizations through events such as gaming marathons and charity streams. Whether raising money for sick children, disaster relief efforts, or animal shelters, gamers have a talent for turning their passion into good.
 
So, the next time someone tells you that gaming is a waste of time, you can correct them. Gaming is more than just escaping reality; it is about accepting it, learning from it, and improving it for us and others.
 
However, keep in mind that while gaming has numerous benefits, it may also be harmful if used excessively. Balance is essential for enjoying the benefits of gaming while avoiding negative repercussions.
 
Keep on gaming, and remember: play positive, live positive!

 Have you ever felt anxious in the middle of a conversation worrying about your ability to pay attention--let alone respond?

Worried that you are going to forget a task or miss a work deadline?

Maybe you're overly irritated by your children or partner?


You are not alone.
​
​I have had many conversations with adults seeking an ADHD diagnosis after feeling misunderstood for many years. Quite often, they are experiencing high levels of anxiety or have even been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder by their doctor. This makes sense because they are experiencing symptoms such as challenges with concentration, restlessness, muscle tension, frustration, irritation, or high stress levels. The problem is that being treated for anxiety doesn’t seem to be helping them much.
​
Why? Well, most people don't realize that ADHD and anxiety often coexist, commonly resulting in misdiagnosis and challenges in managing symptoms. Let’s talk about why this is.

For starters, many individuals diagnosed with ADHD will be diagnosed with a comorbid disorder such as a mood disorder, substance abuse disorder, personality disorder, or anxiety disorder. The challenge with diagnosing ADHD compared to anxiety disorders is that anxiety can often mask ADHD symptoms.

Many symptoms overlap between anxiety and ADHD. This includes:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Low GABA levels
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Intrusive thoughts
• Higher rates of GI issues
• Restlessness
• Muscle tension
• Irritability

It’s important to be able to distinguish between anxiety symptoms and ADHD symptoms, even when they are intertwined. So, what are the main differences between ADHD and anxiety that may tell the two apart?

ADHD symptoms include:

• Inattentiveness
• Hyperactivity
• Impulsivity
• Forgetfulness        

On the other hand, anxiety symptoms typically include:

• Excessive and uncontrollable worry or fear
• The fear is often disproportionate to the actual trigger and occurs regularly

With this knowledge, it can help us understand when an anxiety disorder may be present versus when anxiety is a result of ADHD symptoms. When the symptoms of ADHD impact daily life, it often results in increased anxiety in academic, social, personal, and work settings. So yes, it makes sense that you may feel anxious regarding your ability to pay attention and respond in conversations, or that you may forget a work or personal deadline.

​Understanding the complexity of ADHD and anxiety can help individuals navigate these challenges and receive the proper support and treatment to manage symptoms daily. Awareness surrounding this anxiety helps us break the cycle of anxiety that sometimes feels never-ending.

Receiving an ADHD assessment can help individuals receive a diagnosis and recommendations on how to manage these symptoms. The good news is that both ADHD and anxiety are manageable once we have the proper resources available to us. 

​Executive function describes a set of cognitive processes and mental skills that help an individual plan, monitor, and successfully execute their goals. For many people with ADHD or learning disabilities, things like motivational regulation, planning, and problem-solving can be daunting. That’s why the use of assistive technology can be beneficial for tracking goals and appointments and remaining consistent/focused on everyday life tasks.
 
Below, we will explore some free apps--found wherever your favourite apps are located--that may be helpful to track and achieve goals. There are more straightforward calendar apps and gamified apps for children which reward them once a task is checked off as completed. 
 
Some of these apps will employ the use of the Pomodoro technique. The Pomodoro technique breaks down big tasks, projects, or goals into 25-minute segments, giving breaks in between. It keeps you hyper-focused on the next thing you need to do rather than get overwhelmed by the enormity of what you're taking on.

​Meet your new self-care best friend! Fun for kids and adults alike, have the whole family sign up and send “good vibes”.
 
Finch is a self-care pet app that helps you feel prepared and positive, one day at a time. Take care of your pet by taking care of yourself! Choose from a wide variety of daily self-care exercises personalized to the user.
 
Finch offers a light-hearted, colourful world of “birbs” ( bird friends) that helps track feelings, accomplish goals and earn rewards. Pick a “birb” to accumulate rainbow stones, dress them in fun clothes, decorate their home, and send on adventures. Adding friends offers the ability to send good vibes of encouragement towards goals (goals stay private even from friends. There is an insight button for a mood calendar, goals completed and reflection tracking. Other features include teaching breathing techniques, movement and exercise, white noise soundscapes and meditation timers.  
 
An excellent app to use for morning and bedtime routines, cuteness factor and positive outlook it offers! 

​Can't stop scrolling? Lack of self-control? Forest is the solution that has the cutest focus timer to help the user stay focused and boost productivity!
 
An app that gamifies and rewards you for being off your phone! Have a task that needs undivided attention? This app will help you stay off your phone and grow a tree in your absence. Once you’ve completed the predetermined time off your phone, it’s time to check your forest! This is a visual representation of all the time you’ve stayed off your phone and grown your forest of focus! 
 
Unlock different trees as you progress and customize motivational phrases that will encourage you to keep going. The paid version lets you earn and spend virtual coins which plant real trees through their partners, Trees for the Future. To date they have planted over 1,658,806 trees, great for the environment and productivity!

​Focus Quest is a productivity RPG gamification. This app helps to beat phone addiction, manage ADHD, avoid distractions, stop procrastination, and improve work productivity, self-control, and concentration.
 
Create a hero avatar that completes challenges and earns rewards, all based on staying focused and task-oriented. This app unfolds like a story that is controlled by upgrading the hero and completing quests. It is even a good introduction to meditation through its gamification. Daily pie graph charts help show how time is spent throughout the day. 
 
This app is best suited for people 10 and over, as there is some fantasy violence when battling monsters.

​Technology should always make our lives easier, and these apps do just that. Finding the app that works best for how your brain processes and solidifies information is important. Try one at a time and see which makes the most sense for you! By adding in fun functions, organizational lists, and mindfulness exercises, anyone can use any of these apps!
 
If any Apps have been helpful that we didn’t mention, we would love to hear about them! Comment below!

​We'll eventually get around to explaining procrastination to you. Until then, enjoy these "Yup, that's me" ADHD observations:

​“D’oh!”
 
Anyone of a particular vintage hears that statement more than actually reads it. You probably even said it out loud, or your brain said/screamed it.
 
I can certainly think of one particular time—which became many—as I came to a string of realizations, epiphanies and acceptances when I was eventually diagnosed with both a Specific Learning Disability and Inattentive ADHD.
 
For context, I’m firmly planted in Generation X. You know, the group where everyone thought ADD (as it was known back then) only affected young boys. They would whip around the room in a hyperactive frenzy like the Tasmanian Devil and be relegated to a life of stigma as uncontrollable little monsters with few prospects in life.
 
Thankfully, we know better now. A LOT better.
 
Not only do we understand that ADHD affects anyone regardless of age, race, gender, political preference, whether we love or hate pineapple on pizza or any other criteria you can imagine, but we know it includes inattentiveness, distractibility, and impulsivity, not just hyperactivity. Moreover, it can present itself in any configuration of the above.
 
Anyway, back to the point: I shamefully admit that I was one of the aforementioned who had many opinions on ADHD without much knowledge. That is until I had my own child assessed.
 
For years, I refused to believe him when he said that listening to music while doing homework actually helped him focus, not hinder him. I told him and myself that his inability to “get things done” was a lack of trying, laziness, brattiness…you name it; I used it as an excuse instead of admitting my kid “had a problem.” Let’s not even get started on refusing to listen to the pleas of how he was “trying, but it’s just a mountain to me, Dad. I’m more upset with myself than you are with me.” What a load that sounded like.
 
Little did I know that I was the problem. Emotionally (unsupportive) and mentally (blocking instead of removing blocks), but PHYSICALLY (this is really genetic? Ugh…) as well. I love my kid and wasn’t a brute by any stretch. It’s just that with some things, I thought the “tough love” of “hunker down and put your nose to the grindstone” was the right track. Boy, was I derailed.
 
Fast-forward a few years to my “I’ll prove them wrong” moment. “I’ll step in there, do this test and show ‘em all I don’t have ADHD. Sure, when my child was going through the assessment, it all felt a bit too close to home, but I’m an adult. I know better.”
 
Ha!
 
Guess what? Go figure that I have ADHD. Oh yes, and I gave it to my kid. But wait! There’s more! I most certainly got it from…my mother!
 
Did my world end? Nope. In fact, it got a lot better. Attitudes and behaviours started making more sense. Mine AND my son’s. Some things didn’t feel like failures any longer. I just had to look at the issue from a new perspective.

It also helped to get more things done when I could bop along to my favourite tunes. All of these “that’s just me” idiosyncratic behaviours didn’t feel as troublesome when I could pin them down, address them, or realize what was ME versus what was ADHD.
 
Oh. Wait. That sounds really familiar.
 
Darn it. Someone in this house was right all along, and it wasn’t me.
 
“D’oh.”