In my district, we have found that regular computers don't work well with ADHD because of the other distractions on them.

You also have to worry about theft...

Our Assistive Technology Tech often recommends a Fusion Note Taker or similar device. (No I don't sell them, and I am unaware of other comparable devices, anything similar works.)

It does note taking and papers fairly well, but you cannot do much else. It allows spell-check, word recommendation software, etc.

You can then take it home and transfer the file to a regular computer.

However, you don't need to worry about internet, games, etc.

http://askdreric-schoolpsychologist.blogspot.com/

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I was just wondering yesterday if you can use an iPad as a tablet-style computer, writing with a stylus on the screen (for my business, not my ADHD son). There is a keyboard available for the iPad. My caution with using a tablet-style PC is that it really isn't different than handwriting notes in a spiral notebook. How will handwriting on a PC be more effective for him than handwriting on paper?

My son is in 3rd grade and just started using a word processor (AlphaSmart) in the classroom because his handwriting is completely illegible. It has helped tremendously. I am wondering if it may be more helpful for your son to type notes during class to write them.

Penny

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I'm thinking along these lines, too. I can't imagine that my daughter's going to need to take less notes throughout middle & high school. Does anybody have more info regarding where to get things like the Alphasmart keyboard and Fusion notetaker? Prices? What issues each one is best at addressing? Anyone have experience with recording notes vs. using a keyboard? I agree that sending in a computer, even one of those tiny little netbooks, is just kind of opening a door for trouble. Having a "scribe" is more of a low-tech option, but I really think that if using technology enables the kid to take their own notes, it's going to be much more helpful in the long run. I 'd love more info, too, on what kinds of technology works best in a school setting, what's out there, what it costs, where to get it, what it's good for specifically, how to get the school to let your kid use it, and how to make sure your kid's using it for what it's supposed to be for.

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@MegansMom,

My son has an AlphaSmart in the classroom (3rd grade) as an accommodation as part of his 504 Plan. I know you can buy one directly from the manufacturer but ours was provided by the school, and it should be provided by the school if it's a necessary accommodation for your child. It was actually offered to my son in first grade but I wanted to be sure we'd tried everything to teach him handwriting before giving him a keyboard. It has helped tremendously. I don't have any experience with or information on the other products you mentioned.

Penny W., ADDitudeMag.com Community Moderator

mom to Luke, ADHD, age 8

creator of the Website {a mom's view of ADHD} at http://adhdmomma.blogspot.com

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All the responses have been helpful. I appreciate the feedback.

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I believe that these are similar machines.

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adhdmomma said: @MegansMom,

My son has an AlphaSmart in the classroom (3rd grade) as an accommodation as part of his 504 Plan. I know you can buy one directly from the manufacturer but ours was provided by the school, and it should be provided by the school if it's a necessary accommodation for your child. It was actually offered to my son in first grade but I wanted to be sure we'd tried everything to teach him handwriting before giving him a keyboard. It has helped tremendously. I don't have any experience with or information on the other products you mentioned.

Penny W., ADDitudeMag.com Community Moderator

mom to Luke, ADHD, age 8

creator of the Website {a mom's view of ADHD} at http://adhdmomma.blogspot.com

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My 14 year old loses his focus on listening to the lecture, the minute he is asked to "take notes". We purchased one of the Livescribe pens, the digital recording device. We bought the $129 on recommendation from the doc that did his neuropsych testing.

We are VERY hopeful. I'm a new member here, all 4 of us (mom, dad, two kids) have Lyme Disease induced ADHD or ADD. I'll report back on the results. He will be bringing the pen home and uploading notes into an MP3 AND a PDF.

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I've been doing a bit of research online and I'm looking to buy the Dana. It seems to do the word processing, plus has the Palm OS so it has a calendar, ToDo list, etc. And, it doesn't have all the games and such to distract in the classroom. Has anyone here had experience with the Dana or the Neo?

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I am curious about an update. I have heard good things about the Dana platform, but I have also heard concerns about reliability of the hardware and machine.

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