Alla Lopatin, Author at Dr. Sharon Saline

ADHD and Bullying (Part 1): How to help kids with ADHD recognize, respond to and prevent bullying

Sadly, it’s all too common that neurodivergent kids to experience some level of teasing, taunting or bullying as they grow. Despite anti-bullying policies in schools and best efforts to raise awareness, kids with ADHD will likely find themselves as victims and/or aggressors at one time … Continue reading ADHD and Bullying (Part 1): How to help kids with ADHD recognize, respond to and prevent bullying

Inattentive ADHD is one of three types of ADHD (hyperactive-impulsive and combination are the other two types). It is often characterized by difficulties in keeping focused, staying organized and following directions or conversations. These experiences may lead to a sustained pattern of losing things, careless … Continue reading Recognizing Inattentive ADHD: The 5 Most Overlooked Signs and Helpful Tips for Living with Them

As the new year approaches, it’s a good time to look back on the previous year and set goals for the next. Reflecting on accomplishments motivates us to do more of the same and keep those good feelings coming. Acknowledging what didn’t work out is … Continue reading Make New Friends and Keep the Old: How to nurture existing relationships and confidently form new ones

In the whirlwind of the holidays, it’s easy to forget the true meaning of the season–connecting with loved ones and giving back. The spirit of giving goes beyond buying stuff. As fun as it is to give and receive material possessions, it’s important to nurture … Continue reading Giving Experiences and Building Community: Family gifts and activities that boost the holiday spirit

Do you ever wish that you could pause time, take back something you said, and start over? Would you like to be someone who has quick comebacks in conversations, instead of thinking of something good to say 10 minutes later? The holiday season, now in … Continue reading Tips for Neurodiverse Social Communication: Engaging in more enjoyable and effective conversations

Last year in 2020, you might have hosted or attended small holiday gatherings, if any. Some were in-person, and some were virtual. Overall, it was different, and this year will feel different yet again. Thankfully, we have Covid-19 vaccines, our favorite masks on hand, and … Continue reading Back Together with Gratitude: Managing your emotions and expectations during the holidays

Many parents and teachers are concerned when they see children or teens daydreaming or spacing out. They wrongfully assume that daydreaming is not ‘productive’ and is therefore a waste of time. However, periodically letting your mind drift is actually good for you. It allows for … Continue reading Wandering Attention and ADHD: How daydreaming can help you relax and think creatively

Metacognition is the awareness and understanding of your own thinking and thought processes with the goal of improving learning and performance. Put simply, it’s a way to manage your thinking. Metacognition allows you to connect the dots, see the big picture, self-evaluate and monitor, which … Continue reading ADHD and Metacognition: Learning to reflect on your thoughts and experiences with a growth mindset

Social anxiety is a fear that people will scrutinize you in either familiar or unfamiliar social situations, and this negative judgment will have harmful effects on you. These worries about humiliation and rejection are persistent, often last six months or more, and restrict your activities, … Continue reading Social Anxiety and ADHD: How to better manage anxiety with supportive planning and preparation

Handling tasks and obligations we don’t enjoy is a part of everyday life. There are always meals to cook, laundry to do and garbage to take out. Most of us need to push ourselves to do tedious chores. Those with ADHD find it especially difficult … Continue reading Low Motivation and ADHD: Using ‘GRIT’ to tackle the essential tasks when you’re just not interested