Introduction: This is an introduction to some of the Tools from Ortando’s Tool Kit to help the AD/HD/LD person be successful and happy in life. These Tools were developed to solve problems or enhance talents while minimizing deficits. Importantly, the Tools are only half of the solution. Technique, with practice and feedback, is required to have the Tools be truly effective. AD/HD/LD individuals will likely intuitively understand these tools. Normals may find themselves puzzled. It’s alright, we’ll accept you anyway. So ask an AD/HD/LD person what these Tools mean.

“Metaphork” Keychain/refrigerator magnet/T-shirt/Hat/icon: A reminder it is okay to be different, to be “who you are, just how you are.”

“The Gift of Time” Gift Box: A small bowed, gift wrapped present with a “15 minute slice of time” inside. This represents the tremendous and unique VALUE AD/HD/LD individuals give to THEIR TIME. It is a visual reminder that they can choose to give/gift to others this valuable commodity. To their boss for example, arriving 15 minutes early to work (rather than being fired for frequently being late). Or, arriving at appointments always 15 minutes early, NOT BECAUSE THEY ARE TOLD THEY HAVE TO, but because they have chosen to give their time in appreciation of the efforts of others. (NOTE: If you are not AD/HD/LD don’t be alarmed that this doesn’t make sense to you. And if you are an Ortando, I’m willing to bet this makes perfect sense to you…so start giving the “Gift of Time” and watch the positive reactions from your universe!) This tool may also evolve into a watch crystal appliqué (of a 15 minute slice of time) that reminds the AD/HD/LD person to give the "gift of time" to others.

 

 

“Change Your Mind” colored brain pictures. Box of many different colored “brain” icons that can be changed out and serve as reminders that if things aren’t working perhaps you just need to change your mind (and see things differently).

 

 

“Problem Solving Mirror Mirror”: A small mirror that Ortandos use to remind themselves to act as if he/she is his/her own friend asking for help solving a problem so they can “solve their own problems creatively,” as they easily do for others. This can be thought of as a Gestalt "empty chair" technique, in that one consults as both he/she who asks the question and he/she who answers (problem solves in this case).

 

“Do Not Interrupt” Sign: To hang (like a motel door knob sign) in a work area where an AD/HD/LD person does not want to be interrupted (they can lose their place, and have to start all over again).  

                                                   

 

“Give 'em The Biz” Card: Business cards that list your name, talents, and “Oh by the way, I am unique, creative and loquacious” with tongue in cheek humor. In other words, if done properly it can be a good idea to tell others in a positive way, that you experience AD/HD/LD.

 

“Scared Square” Pad (misspelled sacred square): A one foot square pad to set in a safe, but obvious place where Ortandos ALWAYS put their wallets, watches, glasses, keys, cell phones, purses - anything critical for daily use, so as to always be able to find them. (Note: the Tool is the Scared Square, the technique is that the AD/HD/LD person ALWAYS puts their important items, wallet, etc., on the Scared Square. They practice always LOOKING at the item and the Square, saying “Scared Square” out loud, and bump the palm of their hand as they place the item in the Square (to enhance memory in different parts of the brain). This is to be done every day for about 39 days to achieve habit acquisition. (You may never (rarely) lose your keys again!)

 

The "Start Here” throw rug: To counter Ortandos' tendency to have trouble knowing where to start a complicated task (or one of many tasks)- pick a logical spot in your office or study area and throw the "Start Here" rug on that spot. Stand on it and say: “I know where to start,” then do one thing in that effort, then another, etc., until the task is completed. This can defeat the tendency of AD/HD/LD individuals to feel so overwhelmed with so many choices in their head that they "freeze" and have trouble initiating a task.

 

The “Special Place” Safe Box: A brightly colored box/safe-like container that’s put in a prominent area (ex: on a desk). When Ortandos say, “This is something important, I will put it in a special place” which usually means it will be lost forever; instead they stop from that cue, and place it in the “Special Place" Safe Box where they can find it again.

 

“Whitney’s Witty Name Tag” A name tag with a writable surface that an Ortando can pull out and write down a person’s name. (As we often have trouble remembering names.) Write a “witty” pneumonic to help remember.

 

The “Rabbit Trail” Map: A small colorful “trail” map jokingly illustrating the circumlocution behavior of a rabbit when startled. They always return eventually to their warren if you just follow along and are patient (AD/HD/LD people tend to behave similarly in conversations). So as not to frustrate and lose listeners, Ortandos can forecast  how long the answer will take then point to where they are in the rabbit trail as they speak; hopefully keeping listeners' attention.

 

“Who is That Masked (and Caped) Little Man?" Photograph of me, Richard, as a child - a reminder that “I made it and so can you!”

 

“Marcus Aurelius is Watching” Button: A button with the face of Marcus Aurelius reminding us: “Our life is what our thoughts make it.” This button serves as a reminder to be rational and authentic, to believe in ourselves as Marcus Aurelius the Roman emperor and philosopher might have recommended.

 

The “NO Kake” Picture of an “Invisible/Nonexistent Cake”: Representing a cake, a reward never received by Ortando, (no invitation to the birthday party of others, banishment to the corner of the playground for transgressing hidden social rules which AD/HD/LD people are infamous for doing) and a symbol of what it feels like to be left out – rejected – ignored, or simply forgotten.

   

 

“U of Ohhh” Emblem: College Emblem with Latin phrase- "percipio quam futurus" (learn how to be). Representing the WISH for a successful academic/college experience. This is a dream that the AD/HD/LD individual holds especially dear, but may believe they cannot achieve.

 

“Soccer Arm” Belt Holder: A pointed, soccer player’s arm that is a belt holder - so AD/HD/LD people can always place their belt on it and find it later. (Coming soon: Baseball Arm, Volleyball Arm, and Football Arm.)

 

“Pouch Cotatoe” the Cat Genius poster: Ortando’s pet cat - truly lazy, but very smart - a genius in fact. He often comes to the rescue when really needed. (AD/HD/LD people can appear to others as “couch potatoes” and therefore lazy and unmotivated, rather than lacking self awareness). Pouch Cotatoe can “take the heat” for the AD/HD/LD person because if Pouch Cotatoe can be slow, yet brilliant maybe it’s okay.  He knows how to use Ortando’s Magic (see below).

 

"Ortando’s Magic": Friends. Once he/she figures out how to have a friend they are like magic to the AD/HD/LD person.

 

 

"Fan of Studying": A small portable fan with adjustable speeds, for different sound frequencies. The AD/HD/LD person turns on the fan at the sound frequency that acts as "white noise" for them and neutralizes distracting noise. "It occupies the back of your brain so the front of your brain can think (and actually enjoy studying!)."

 

 

It is our sincere wish that these ideas result in your Self Actualization soon - and, that you learn “how to be.”
It can be a Peak Experience for us if you let us know if these ideas helped you or someone you know. Ortando & Son is always "On the Hunt for Champions". If you are a successful AD/HD/LD person and wish to share your achievements with our readers, email a paragraph or two about yourself. Include your AD/HD/LD pedigree and what you have accomplished that can inspire other AD/HD/LD people!  Thanks again for visiting our site!  Richard and Nicholas  

You never know when Ortando will show up and watch over YOU!

Check out the links below for more helpful information.

www.ADD-Plus.com www.albertellis.org www.AMENClinics.com www.chadd.org www.epluribusunumsite.com www.LDAamerica.org www.rfbd.org www.tonyrobbins.com www.SchwabLearning.org

For more information Email: dyslexdad@Ortando.com