I thought a difficulties with reading was a common experience amoung people with ADD. If I am not taking medication I want no part of a book, can't bear to read instructions and am bothered by busy websites (although this is a great site, just looking at the opening page makes me want to log out) Is medication a must for you ADDer's before picking up a book?

For some people medication is a must-have item , for others it is not. A lot depends on the individual. The degree to which one is ADD varies... some are a little and some are a lot ADD. For myself, I can not focus well enough to read without medications.

Me :D



I thought a difficulties with reading was a common experience amoung people with ADD. If I am not taking medication I want no part of a book, can't bear to read instructions and am bothered by busy websites (although this is a great site, just looking at the opening page makes me want to log out) Is medication a must for you ADDer's before picking up a book?

I thought a difficulties with reading was a common experience amoung people with ADD. If I am not taking medication I want no part of a book, can't bear to read instructions and am bothered by busy websites (although this is a great site, just looking at the opening page makes me want to log out) Is medication a must for you ADDer's before picking up a book?
It is now.

In fact, it's the most debilitating aspect for me. It's certainly not with all material, but I'm in the last year of a PhD and most of this stuff makes me squint just to see it. I get headaches after a couple of sentences these days.
Adderall has taken care of it, though.

I think it is very interesting how ADD is a different problem for different people. I have no problem processing quantitative stuff, but the reading..... My son's problems are with math and writing. His understanding of math is terrific, but he can't get through the problems without some tactics, like covering most of the page and uncovering only a line at a time.

My favorite trick was to use a 3X5 index card to underline the sentence I was trying to read so that my wandering eyes couldcome back to what I was trying to read a lot easier.

Me :D

That's interesting. I've used the card technique as well. It does help to an extent. I have caught myself, re-reading the same line several times. Only now do I realize that my attention is elsewhere while reading. The more mundane the content the worse I get. Lately, while listening to music I grabbed something nearby and found myself reading with some degree of focus. Almost as if I let part of my brain go it's way I then can use what's left for reading. Too weird. I don't know if this is related but I fall asleep each night with headphones on listening to talk radio.

Lately, while listening to music I grabbed something nearby and found myself reading with some degree of focus. Almost as if I let part of my brain go it's way I then can use what's left for reading. Too weird. I don't know if this is related but I fall asleep each night with headphones on listening to talk radio.
Yup, you're occupying some of your brain with the music, so it doesn't have to wander off so much.

I do that, too. I prefer music without lyrics, because the lyrics are distracting. When I was 13, someone bought me the Titanic soundtrack as a Christmas gift. Not the sort of thing I normally would have bought for myself, but I discovered its amazing properties as a study and sleep aid.

I used to fall asleep listening to the ship sink. :D

Well, I am an un-medicated Inattentive type.
And I love to read, I spend hours everyday, reading, reading, and more reading, I read ingredients, I read stuff on peoples desks, if there are words I read them.
I am also a very good speler, never studied for speling tests and always did quite well.
Reading keeps my mind occupied, what bugs me is that I search the net for stuff to read, and I frequently come across stuff that I've already read! My ADD keeps me moving to different topics, I know a bit about everything, makes me wonder if that is the purpose of my soul? As Edgar Casey said from a reading that our purpose on Earth is to learn, it's like a schoolhouse, well, I'm doing my best, I can't help it!
Before I could read I was quite dense and unreachable, I don't know what happened?!

My brother is a non-reader, and he is ADD. He reads very slow, and is a terrible speller, I mean real BAD!

I think I spell visually because I can write a word better than I can recite the word out, but it's also the notoriously short term memory in effect here, I don't have to remember the letter before the current one because it's right there on paper.

Things I like to read:
-World Issues
-Paranormal
-UFO and Alien phenomonon
-Ingedient labels
-S*** on peoples desks
-everything else, depending on my level of boredom.

So If ADDers are bad with words, I am a statistical anomoly.

Thazzit.

I used to fall asleep listening to the ship sink. :D
That's beautiful. Think of the dreams.

Toad- Did you try medication(for inattentive ADD) and find it interfered with your reading, or speling?

I love to read. But I have problems zoning out, and my memory is very selective.

When I was a kid I could read a book, know the plot, specific lines that thrilled me, understand the issues of the book, but couldn't tell you what the main character's name was or what the surroundings looked like.

I can read / absorb the science stuff quickly, because its terse and conceptual. Fiction and non-fiction I read somewhat slowly.

The more mundane the content the worse I get. Lately, while listening to music I grabbed something nearby and found myself reading with some degree of focus. Almost as if I let part of my brain go it's way I then can use what's left for reading. Too weird. I don't know if this is related but I fall asleep each night with headphones on listening to talk radio.
I read mundane content in bed at night and that puts me out within 5 minutes, better than a sleeping pill.

Music also helps me focus, but as Bean mentioned, music without lyrics.

Words spoken, sung, or read seem to go to the same place in my head and have it out with each other.

I do that, too. I prefer music without lyrics, because the lyrics are distracting. When I was 13, someone bought me the Titanic soundtrack as a Christmas gift. Not the sort of thing I normally would have bought for myself, but I discovered its amazing properties as a study and sleep aid.
Funny. The weekend before I could get in to see a doctor, I bought that soundtrack along with a couple of other film pieces, hoping a new sound might help.

I used to use all sorts of tactics to make it easier to read. I'd multitask with TV or music. I'd convert my reading material to audio (some great software for that) and listen while reading it. Just about anything to get through an article. It finally got to a point where NOTHING worked.

Adderall was my only lasting solution.

saskman asked:
Toad- Did you try medication(for inattentive ADD) and find it interfered with your reading, or speling?
Don't remember as I was only on meds (rit) for a short time when I was a kid, I didn't notice a difference back then.
I remember asking myself what is this pill supposed to do.

I still have reading comprehension problems, sometimes (sometimes :rolleyes:?) I repeat paragraphs, as sometimes I read and nothing gets absorbed, so I got to hammer it in there.

And I don't read fiction, I like to deal in facts, or at least not fantasy.

Nobody spotted my speling attentiveness test?

saskman asked: ** quote & stuff deleted **

Nobody spotted my speling attentiveness test?
I think that was the point of saskman's post :p.

Yes, I spotted it, but other boards I've been a member of have rules about criticizing spelling. I know it's relevant, but my ignoring it is a knee-jerk reaction....:)

Nobody spotted my speling attentiveness test?
Couldn't think of a way to say something that didn't sound rude, honestly.

My two oldest and I have inattentive ADD. We are all avid readers, to the extreme, it is one of the few activities that occupy us enough to give us a break from seeking some form of mental stimulation, its almost like a drug fix. We each have a particular genre of books that we read almost exclusively (mystery, romance, fantasy) although we can all read things like Lord of the Rings, Harr Potter or DaVinci Code. If I try to read something that doesn't interest me, its painful and almost always puts me to sleep. I have a terrible time retaining anything I read which isn't a big problem when it comes to fiction since I get to read it a second time like its a new book. My kids have no problem remember character names or plot lines. They can read the same book over and over though. I read somewhere that excessive reading is almost like a form of hyeractivity. However, I can completely retain anything I read about medical information which is of particular interest to me.

With menopause, my add symptoms have worsened considerably over the past year and I have a hard time reading now. Although that is the same period of time that I have been taking medication, I wonder if that has anything to do with it?

I know there is a second language learning system that employs music played at 60 beats per minute, also instrumental. Does anyone have recommendations for instrumentals in this vein.

With menopause, my add symptoms have worsened considerably over the past year and I have a hard time reading now. Although that is the same period of time that I have been taking medication, I wonder if that has anything to do with it?
I've had trouble staying wake reading for a few years, but it has only been in the last year or so that it's become painful to read. (This applies only to certain material). It's also only been in the past year that I've noticed symptoms of menapause. I'm pretty young for it (39), and the symptoms have been limited to hot flashes and the like, but I do believe the changes made my symptoms MUCH worse.

Medication has actually made it possible for me to read research articles again without pain. I still hate it, but it doesn't hurt anymore.

Nobody spotted my speling attentiveness test?

There was a test????

I noticed the "flow" of writing is different but that was it. Every one has a certain rhythm to their writing. I do not see the individual letters in a way most do. I read in context....connection so to speak.

Not all are prefect spellers one of the "positives" about being a poor speller is other peoples incorrect spelling isn't noticeable nor does it interfere with my ability to understand.

See I have dyslexia and it interferes with my ability to spell. I am sure I am not the only one. I use a spell checker most of the time but not all the time.

In consideration for people like me who may accidentally mis-spell words most message board veterans have learned to be polite. Some places require it.

other boards I've been a member of have rules about criticizing spelling.

Although this one doesn't have a specific written statement about this. I for one feel that if all a person has as a response is to pick at spelling then they really don't have much to say.

Funny my dyslexia does make writing difficult it doesn’t interfere with my reading much any more. It did when I was a child but once I learned auditory context and comprehension (lack of real medical technical word) then I was able to read with ease. I have a daughter that has the same type dyslexia I taught her how to do the same.

At first she complained about how long it took but I kept encouraging her by getting her to read some out loud each night at story time. After years of reading this way it can be done inside the mind with little problem. Having to read this way does effect reading speed.

I do not read extremely slowly but I do not read word for word as fast as most. Like I said I have to read in entirely in context so it takes longer because the process is longer.

I like reading short stuff better than long stuff. I like all sorts of stuff I have few limits.

I also like music when I read, the flow of words become smoother in me brain. Music also affects my ability to write. It seems like my writing flows better if I am listening to music especially techno, or light alternate, some rock type music, jazz is good also. Heavy metal music seems to make my tone come across harsher.


second language learning system that employs music played at 60 beats per minute, also instrumental.

Certain tempos do tend to have a positive effect on my reading and writing. I don’t like the music to be too slow though!!!!! I guess the 60 beats per minute may be the right number. I would very much be interested in reading more about this second language stuff. I just notice that there is a correlation between music tempo and it usefulness.

It did when I was a child but once I learned auditory context and comprehension (lack of real medical technical word) then I was able to read with ease. I have a daughter that has the same type dyslexia I taught her how to do the same.

At first she complained about how long it took but I kept encouraging her by getting her to read some out loud each night at story time. After years of reading this way it can be done inside the mind with little problem. Having to read this way does effect reading speed.
The term we use in psychology is "phonogical coding". Everybody used phonological codes for reading, but about 50% of people actually perform the "mental articulation" you're talking about.

Funny that you had to learn it; it makes me wonder how many poor readers would be helped by it because it isn't the natural way they read.

It definitely affects speed. I remember reading an "Evelyn Wood Speed Reading" book when I was about 10. These methods have since been shown to be largely ineffective, but I was dissappointed to find out that mental articulation is so difficult to suppress that most people are unable to do so and, therefore, unable to learn this method of speed reading.

For me personally,one way I can tell if my meds are working is whether I can read books for "fun."

I would very much be interested in reading more about this second language stuff. I just notice that there is a correlation between music tempo and it usefulness.
Here's a good link on the subject learning languages with music and learning with music in general. http://www.howtolearn.com/Mozart.html

Here's a good link on the subject learning languages with music and learning with music in general. http://www.howtolearn.com/Mozart.html
saskman,

Please don't take this as a personal criticism, but the "Mozart Effect" has been debunked in the scientific community. With the multi-billion dollar industry selling stuff to new parents who want the best for their child, it's not surprising the myth persists.

Here's the story:

The original study involved very specific type of memory task, used a single piece of Mozart, used the standard college-sophomore subjects, and failed to replicate.

The original author, who was completing a dissertation, most likely did not intend to mislead; results have to meet a 5% error rate to be considered significant. But, replication is necessary to confirm the results and, although numerous studies have tried, there has been no confirming evidence. The original author no longer pursues this line of research.

My personal opinion: I think music affects mood. Mood, particularly for someone with ADD, has a lot to do with performance. So, I'm not saying there isn't a connection or an indirect effect. But I don't believe that anyone knows exactly what to include in a therapy that will help a number of people. If it works for you, I say do it. But I don't think any of these sellers really know what works for everybody.

I read somewhere that excessive reading is almost like a form of hyeractivity.
You probably couldn't find it again, but I'd be so curious to know where you read that.

It definitely affects speed. I remember reading an "Evelyn Wood Speed Reading" book when I was about 10. These methods have since been shown to be largely ineffective, but I was dissappointed to find out that mental articulation is so difficult to suppress that most people are unable to do so and, therefore, unable to learn this method of speed reading.
I believe I can do it sometimes, but it's a little like trying to eat dinner while balancing a spoon on your finger simultaneously. Not generally worth the effort. (Essentially, you have to keep a weird awareness the entire time that you're suppressing mental articulation, without becoming SO aware of it, that the awareness interferes with the reading again...don't think of pink elephants!) Otherwise, I "talk" what I'm reading in my head.

Like I said, generally not worth the effort, but it did come in handy when I left studying for my high school physics final down to the LAST 20 MINUTES before the exam! I still managed to read 80% of the textbook in those twenty minutes. Got an 84% on the exam, too.

Right now, though, I'm finding reading increasingly difficult, and that as well is becoming harder.

Music: I remember reading in my local paper that some researchers found that college students who listened to hip hop did better on exams than those who listened to classical or nothing at all, and there was some theory postulated about the strong rhythm making it easier to store stuff in the brain... But I never heard anything about that later, so I assume that theory fell through.

i actually just sort of tried something very perculiar. It has something to do w/the way a few of you have been keeping part of your minds busy w/something else-as a means to help you keep the rest of your attention on your readings'.

I have to constantly be active-either tapping my feet while reading a book, or fingers (while i'm on the computer). I can't think about what I'm doing-I just have to do it-or else, I don't really learn anything, or I'm learning at a very slow rate. I have to-I can't just sit there anymore, it just doesn't feel right. It doesn't work.

A constant outflow of action. Don't try to pre-meditate what you want to do-just go w/the flow, so to speak. Now this wouldn't go w/everything (every task). Certain tasks probably require pre-mediation. Although I can't think of any, really. Maybe fortune telling. :)

Just doing it-for everything-don't worry, just do it. Don't let bothersome worries a/b anything, be it something you did or even something you have yet to do. Save it for your journal b4 bedtime and be done w/it!

Let your mind wonder to whatever place it wants. Don't get angry w/yourself. Just work with yourself-then everything will be right. You won't be working against yourself any longer. You will feel good, content w/your ways. Thus makes reading more enjoyable and worthwhile. Plus, I know you will retain more information and such since you were having fun=it's all about positive energy.

So-- don't think, just do. Thinking comes naturally in everyone. Through action, comes thought. Action is key in the circle of thought and learning.

O! And does anyone find reading, out loud-the dialogue make the book easier to follow along w/?

Yes, I do this, now. I haven't always. Just came from frustration of sitting there and getting bored out my mind for no reason at all. I find saying things out loud makes reading stories/tales makes them easier to get into. Also, much more of an experience!

O! And does anyone find reading, out loud-the dialogue make the book easier to follow along w/?

Not for me. I don't process it any more thoroughly when I read it out loud than when I read silently. Probably because I already do mental articulation.

No harm, no foul. I just found that site while googling 60 beats/sec music. I'm always skeptical when anyone has something to sell period. Memory is not my main goal. The act of reading is a real chore for me. My mind is just not into it. Without medication I don't bother. The possiblity that reading is made easier by listening to music at the same time is what I'm looking into. All that music in the Mozart effect package is available for free (head down to the library) anyway. This makes it easy for anyone to become their own guinea pig. I probably wouldn't take medication if it wasn't for the help it provides in reading.

I often have a lot of trouble reading anything from sentences on signs to newspaper articles to scientific papers. I often skim because I'm impatient, but then of course realize I didn't comprehend anything. So then I try to force myself to read more slowly. Strangely enough, the more slowly I read, the more confused I get and the more frustrated I become. I really don't understand it. It seems that there is a pace to read at which I can best understand things. Unfortunately, I don't have the patience for that pace and never last very long.

It's very embarrassing when I'm in a public place, like a museum, and I cannot read and understand the signs describing whatever I'm looking at. I usually just give up. It's better than standing there staring at it and realizing there are people standing there watching and waiting.

Regarding music, I've found that I write best to techno music being played loudly. It's actually distracting if it's not loud enough. Classical music doesn't help me, and non-techno songs with words distract me.

Does anyone relate to any of this?

I often have a lot of trouble reading anything from sentences on signs to newspaper articles to scientific papers. I often skim because I'm impatient, but then of course realize I didn't comprehend anything. So then I try to force myself to read more slowly. Strangely enough, the more slowly I read, the more confused I get and the more frustrated I become.

Does anyone relate to any of this?
YUP! That's me about a month ago (pre-Adderall)

I often have a lot of trouble reading anything from sentences on signs to newspaper articles to scientific papers. I often skim because I'm impatient, but then of course realize I didn't comprehend anything. So then I try to force myself to read more slowly. Strangely enough, the more slowly I read, the more confused I get and the more frustrated I become. I really don't understand it. It seems that there is a pace to read at which I can best understand things. Unfortunately, I don't have the patience for that pace and never last very long.


Me too. I almost entirely skim when reading. I really can't read word-for-word very well. The impatience probably comes from the need to obtain a chunk of information atomically (i.e. without your brain switching to something else in the middle). It has advantages, too. I'm usually decent at finding the location of the information that I want to know, so I'm good at skimming things like manuals. Beyond that, well...

Me too. I almost entirely skim when reading.
Skimming is my forte and what's gotten me into trouble lately.

Hey Barb, so the Adderall really helps with the reading? Did you have to "re-train" yourself?

I'm really hoping because tomorrow I'm switching from Metadate CD to Adderall. The metadate was giving me killer migraines (I get them enough without help!). It helped with social skills, but not really the reading. I'm hopeful the Adderall will be different.

Hey Barb, so the Adderall really helps with the reading? Did you have to "re-train" yourself?

Before Adderall: I have only been having trouble reading academic stuff, but the last few months I've been (trying to be) immersed in it while studying for my qualifying exams. I was to the point where I couldn't read longer than 5 minutes w/o falling asleep and I had to read the same stuff 4 or 5 times before I processed the meaning. I had a constant headache for about 6 weeks straight.

After Adderall: The first day I didn't try. The second day I could read, but I still squinted and it still gave me a headache, but I actually understood every word and each sentence THE FIRST TIME. By the end of the first week, headaches were gone.

My mind still wanders, but I'm able to bring it back without pain. Now, while my dosage probably needs to be raised slightly (only 15mg of XR) and I have a slump in the middle of the day, I'm able to read, process, remember, no problem. No "retraining". New me!

Good luck!

Good for you!

Good luck with those quals. Reading your post, I just had a flashback to those days of studying (or trying to anyway), and I don't ever want to experience that again. And I didn't know what was wrong with me then!

Much luck to you, but I'm sure you don't need it.

I like tabbed browsing, that way I can stop reading something to do something else, or to search for something else.

I'm just wondering, don't want to seem rude but I was wondering if some of you who feel turned off by reading, then so don't read, maybe that is where your reading problems come from? Like a catch 22.

You've got to read more to read better.

My brother is a slow reader, but I don't know if it's ADD or he just doesn't read much?

I'm just wondering what you people would say about this assumption?

Myself, I often 'trip' over words reading too fast, and I often repeat paragraphs because I forget what I'm reading :rolleyes:

It's not that I'm turned off by reading. I love reading. But try reading something when someone is tapping you on the shoulder constantly. That's sort of the feeling I have, unable to focus on the reading. This is without medication.

My brother is a slow reader, but I don't know if it's ADD or he just doesn't read much?

I'm just wondering what you people would say about this assumption?
Most ADDers I know are like me; they only have trouble reading certain material and aren't actually poor readers but good ones. Of course, for some, it's everything...