Research

March 1, 2015

U of Alberta Research Study: Language and Executive Functions

Notice to parents/guardians regarding a research study at the Faculty of Education, University of Alberta

Study title:  Language and executive functions in children with attention and learning difficulties.

Timeframe:  until May 30, 2015

Target age range:  9-12 years

In this project, I am studying oral language, academic, and cognitive skills of pre-adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and/or attention and learning difficulties. Participants will complete a one-day assessment session (or 2 half days) involving both formal and informal tests of oral language, reading, writing, and executive functions. A brief summary report of children’s results on the language and academic assessments used in the project will be provided to parents, which may be useful at school.

If you are interested in having your child participate in this study, or have questions, please contact me directly at the number or email address below.

Please note: If your child is taking stimulant medication for ADHD, I will ask you to withhold medication for a 24 hour period prior to the assessment. Children taking long-acting medications for ADHD (e.g., Strattera) will not be eligible for the study because of the medication washout condition.

Alison McInnes, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Special Education
Speech-Language Pathologist (S-LP (C), Reg. ACSLPA)
Department of Educational Psychology
Faculty of Education, University of Alberta
(780) 492-9634
mcinnes2@ualberta.ca

February 28, 2015

Newsletter: February 28, 2015

February 28, 2015

AAGE – ADHD Association of Greater Edmonton

We are a registered non-profit society whose objective is to offer information and support to those living with ADHD in the Greater Edmonton Area through awareness, education and resources.

New On Our Website

A University of Alberta researcher is looking into language and executive function in kids with attention and learning disabilities. Check here to see if your child may be eligible to participate in the study, or for more information.

Curious about your child’s Individualized Program Plan (IPP)? LD Edmonton is holding an information session. LD Edmonton is also holding a session on being your child’s advocate in school. More details are available here.

ADHD can sap our motivation. When it does, tackling a to-do list may seem impossible. Check out these tips to get things done.

All these articles and postings and MANY MORE are available on our website.

Join Us!

Parent Support Group Meeting – Wednesday, March 4 (7 to 9 PM) @ Misericordia Hospital, Room B-016

Roundtable discussion.

Adult and Partner Support Group Meeting – Wednesday, March 18 (7 to 9 PM) @ U of A Hospital, Classroom A

University Hospital, Walter Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre. (See attached map, including directions).

Roundtable discussion.

Events/Review

  • Parent Support Group: A mixed group of new members and regular attendees participated in some excellent discussions. Members left felt supported and inspired by the meeting.
  • Adult Support Group/Partner Support Group: A mixed group of new members and regular attendees participated in some excellent discussions. All participants expressed a positive response to the meeting.

Connections

AAGE works closely with other groups in the area that offer information to our members about speakers, workshops and activities that they are sponsoring. Please check our website for links to:

Education

Educating ourselves about ADHD or Executive Function Disorder is one of the most important tools we can use to assist with coping strategies. Following are some sources of information.

  • ADDitude Magazine has excellent articles about childhood, adolescent and adult ADHD and it is free to sign up for their weekly newsletters.
  • Webcasts: ​ADDitude Magazine‘s ADHD Expert Podcasts and Live Webinars address topics that will help you better manage symptoms, your family, and your life. They are hosted by top experts in the field, all of whom are contributors to ADDitude Magazine. 
  • Totally ADD: Rick Green is a comedian and writer who, along with his wife Ava, have produced this website that addresses the issues of ADHD. Rick shares his own journey through Adult ADHD with a comedic approach toward his challenges. This website offers many resources and webinars addressing childhood and adult ADHD.

AAGE Executive News

  • Please follow us on Twitter: @ADHDEdmonton
  • Please like us on Facebook: ADHD Association of Greater Edmonton
  • We would like the names of general practitioners, psychologists, and psychiatrists who are able to treat ADHD children and adults. Please email them to adhdgreateredmonton@yahoo.ca.
  • We are always looking for new AAGE Board members who would commit to monthly meetings and duties. Please email Rachel Rogers if you are interested, at adhdgreateredmonton@yahoo.ca.
  • If you have a book or an article that you think would be interesting to parents, children, teens or adults, please nominate it for a review so that it could be published in our newsletter.

AAGE Executive

Rachel Rogers, President and Email Support
Cathie Crooks, Secretary and Webmaster
Jody Draganiuk, Treasurer
Dave Breakenridge, Publications and Outreach
Ric Gibbons, Member, Tech Committee
Fred Sawka, Tech Committee Chair

ADHD Association of Greater Edmonton
Email: adhdgreateredmonton@yahoo.ca
Website: www.adhdedmonton.com
Twitter: @ADHDEdmonton
Facebook: ADHD Association of Greater Edmonton

December 7, 2014

Anxiety in the Classroom

With end of term and exams ahead, students may experience higher anxiety. Here are some resources recommended by Foothills Academy in Calgary, for teachers and parents.

Is Anxiety Contagious? by Dr. Karen MacMillan
Managing Test Anxiety by Melanie Reader
Anxiety: Why It’s Different Than Stress by Peg Rosen
Mental Health Online Resources for Educators; professional development opportunities for teachers in southern Alberta.

October 27, 2014

CADDAC Conference: Vancouver, November 1-2, 2014

CADDAC’s 6th annual ADHD conference is November 1 and 2, 2014 at the BC Children’s Hospital’s Chan Centre for Family Health Education.

The conference is geared towards parents, adults with ADHD and their families, educators, and medical professionals. Renowned experts include Dr. Russell Barkley, Gina Pera, Dr. Adele Diamond, Dr. Shimi Kang, Dr. Donald Duncan, Dr. Jake Locke, and Heidi Bernhardt.

Visit the CADDAC website for full details or to register.

October 24, 2014

ADHD Expo, October 26 to November 1, 2014

The 2014 ADHD Awareness Expo will take place online from October 26 – November 1, 2014 during the last week of ADHD Awareness Month.

Find help and support to understand and treat ADD / ADHD, and make connections with members of the ADD / ADHD Community in the ADHD Awareness Expo Chat Room.

All week, special guests will be join by video to share tips and strategies. The ADHD Awareness Expo is a free virtual event.

October 3, 2014

Chokka Center Research Study for Teens

Are you a teen who experiences inattentiveness, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity? It may be difficult to pay attention in school and as a result, become easily bored with daily class work, daydream, frequently interrupt others, find it hard to sit still. You may feel inclined to engage in risk taking and thrill seeking activities. If these behaviours are present in several situations, you or your child may be eligible for a research study using an investigational medication for the treatment of ADHD.

Please call 780-469-7979 or find us at chokkacenter.com.