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Thursday, November, 26, 2009
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When Distractions Can Kill: Safety Tips for ADHD Families

Terry Matlen, ACSW
Terry Matlen, ACSW
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ADHD expert, consultant, writer. Director: www.MomsWithADD.com

ADHD has been part of my life since...oh, since I was born! But I...

Terry Matlen, ACSW

Friday, January 25, 2008
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Have curfews that are reasonable for her age and maturity level. If her friends are allowed to stay out later, use this as a goal she can work towards, as she proves herself to be trustworthy and capable of making good decisions.

 

Make sure your kitchen has a fire extinguisher; and don't forget to get more for the other parts of the house.

 

For the child or young teen who loves to cook, close supervision is essential. Some families don't allow access to the stove or oven unless a parent is in the house. Make sure you have emergency numbers available for when you are not home. Practice various scenarios so your child knows what to do if a fire starts or if he's faced with other dangers.

 

Be overly watchful with activities that can be potentially dangerous such as at playgrounds, beaches, parks and pools.

 

Adults with ADHD are equally at risk for incurring injuries. Common sense tells us never to drive when tired, not to drink too much, and to get plenty of rest. But when ADHD is part of the picture, it's imperative to take even further precautions. Being well rested and clear headed will allow you to be more aware of your surroundings and be more cognizant of dangerous situations. Know your limits of how many drinks you can have well before they impair your judgment. Be cautious when meeting new potential dates. Impulsivity can be deadly; make sure you know something about the person's background before going out with them. Consider a double date for the first outing, or meet in a place where there are other people around.

 

Use extreme caution when working with power tools and other dangerous equipment. Though many with ADHD absolutely hate reading instruction manuals, force yourself to do just that when handling tools that are unfamiliar to you.

 

ADHD can be dangerous, but forcing yourself to recognize this and taking appropriate precautions is the best preventative. Keep you and your family safe!

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