2011 AccessAbility Festival at Morgan's Wonderland

Hello my fellow bloggers! Have you missed me? I sure have missed you! Ahhh, I am nearing the end of my wedding season and now beginning the Holiday season. It's time for me to start sharing with you all my quest to becoming Mrs. Texas International 2012. This past Sunday I had the honor and privilege of making an appearance at the 2011 AccessAbility Festival in San Antonio, TX. It was held at Morgan's Wonderland where EVERYONE can play. I met many amazing children and adults facing intellectual disabilities. I got to watch the Unicorn Steppers perform some fancy footwork and I had the opportunity to meet Gordon Hartman. Gordon is the founder of the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation and creator, along with the inspiration from his daughter, Morgan Hartman; of Morgan's Wonderland. I'm looking forward to working with Gordon Hartman, his Foundation, and Morgan's Wonderland to help raise awareness of all learning disabilities.







Visit: www.morganswonderland.com & www.hartmansa.org

Break Up Big Jobs So They're Small

Well I have to say I have found another favorite channel on YouTube about ADHD. Dr. C has some great videos that he has posted and he also has a wonderful website. This video is a great way to teach your child or yourself on how you can get things done by breaking them down into smaller tasks. Take a look, I just know you will be singing along or tapping a foot by the time the video is over... Enjoy!

Ace Every Exam: ADHD Study Tips for Math, Essay, and Multiple-Choice Tests

School exams are just around the corner! So I couldn't think of a better post than this one. Click on the link below to learn how to study smarter and not harder.

Ace Every Exam: ADHD Study Tips for Math, Essay, and Multiple-Choice Tests

ADD / ADHD Songs

Hello my fellow followers! It's been a while since my last post and I do apologize. A lot has been going on...since my last post I have moved into a new showroom and competed for Mrs. Texas International 2011. I'm happy to say I placed 2nd Runner-up, and won 3 amazing awards: Evening Gown, Fitness, and Contestant's Choice! Thank you to all those who supported me in my journey to share my story and raise awareness of Learning Disabilties... I thought I would return on a fun note! I found a couple of ADD/ADHD songs on YouTube and I thought I'd share them...Enjoy!

How to spot symptoms of ADHD in Children?

Have you ever wondered if your child has ADHD but you don't know the exact signs to look for? There are 6 steps in this video that will help you to determine if there is a good chance your child has ADHD. Follow along and make notes as you hear some of the symptoms you may be experiencing with your child...

Common signs that a learning disability may be present...

This is a really cute animation showing how one's mind with LD will see, hear, and think... If you see any of these signs in someone you know, please speak up and help build their tomorrow. Help detect LD early!

Some of my favorite resources:

I have had a lot of fun learning about my LD. In today's modern age you can find so much helpful information on the web. If you ever find yourself wanting to learn more about Dyslexia and ADHD, here are a few resources to keep in mind:

www.totallyADD.com

www.LDAAmerica.org

www.TheTruthBehindADHD.com

www.ADDitudemag.com

www.Interdys.com

www.Dyslexia.com

www.SmartKidsWithLD.org

www.Dyslexia-Parent.com

www.Dyslexia-Teacher.com

Why all the videos?

Okay! So this video posed a bit more challenging than I expected. I created a video 2 days ago and I've been trying to get it posted since then. I have had to completely redo the video on a different program so that it would be in an appropriate format for my blog. Finally, here it is...Enjoy!!

Don't Hide Behind Who You Are!

One of the problems facing families and children that are affected by ADHD is that these individuals need to be "fixed". But instead of making them become like everyone else, we should help them embrace their differences and show them how to work with their ADHD and not against it. Don't hide behind who you really are!

What's Dyslexia All About?

I love this video! It looks at the positives of being dyslexic. There are so many successful celebrities with dyslexia as well as famous inventors. Dyslexia does not affect intelligence, but it can affect your self-esteem. It's best to talk about it with others. Get the right support team and play to your strengths...

What is ADD/ADHD?

Follow Dr. Gerald Chodak in this video as he talks about ADD/ADHD. Do you know someone with ADD/ADHD but don't understand the disorder, then watch this video. There are still a lot of unknowns about this disorder but with the proper diagnosis and early intervention we can help children reach their full potential and enjoy a successful life...

My Story...

Hello to all! My name is Christina Cook and just one year ago I was diagnosed with learning disabilities: ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and Dyslexia. I always thought in the back of my mind that I could have this learning disability based on the struggles in my daily life.

As a little girl I HATED to read because the stories never made sense to me and I couldn't remember them. I had a hard time following and comprehending what I read. Many times I would have to go back and re-read a sentence or paragraph over and over again just to get it all to sink in. I was never tested as a child because I didn't have the behavioral issues that usually come along with it (ADHD - Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), so I was simply overlooked. In the 2nd Grade I was held back because I was considered a "slow learner." Talk about losing my self-confidence. I was devastated. I felt dumb. And for years these feelings stuck with me.

When I was a senior in high school I was getting ready for college, so I took the SAT's. Well guess what? I failed the reading section and had to take remedial reading in college. Why? Because I still wasn't understanding what I read.

Finally, at the age of 30 I was diagnosed with Learning Disabilities, the connection had finally been made! Today, I am a successful business owner and I've been married for 5 years to my wonderful and understanding husband, Randy.

I hope to educate you all and bring more awareness to LD. 1 in 7 Americans suffer from LD. If I can help make that connection in children by the time they reach the 3rd Grade we can solve 90% of reading problems and ensure that these children will have what they need to reach their full potential. Will you follow my lead?