ADD/ADHD Resource Reviews
adders.org Review
Motivaiderby Behavioral Dynamics
This small device which appears like a pager can be clipped to a waistband or belt or put into a pocket is designed to vibrate at set or variable intervals to remind the user of tasks.
Ideal for children or adults with ADD/ADHD, it can be set for shorter or longer intervals from a couple of minutes to a few hours depending on what is required - every few minutes to help a child check they are on focusing on a task, or longer intervals to remind to take medication.
The Motivaider gives a vibration signal which is discreet so personal, only the wearer is aware of the reminder, it is therefore unobtrusive. It is consistent, which means that it is more reliable than relying on another person/helper to deliver reminders and due to it's discreet design it remains private so that the user is not singled out or made to feel different which enables them to feel more in control of their situations.
The Motivaider comes with full instructions and guidelines for use. Including, a simple guide setting out how to use the Motivaider to it's full effect.
Quite simply you select a realistic goal with the child, if an adult user you set your own goal, and agree how to use the Motivaider to help achieve the goal. i.e. to help keep on task during a set period of time, decide to set the Motivaider every 5 minutes, when it vibrates the child or adult is made aware that they are supposed to be on a certain task and therefore reminded to remain on task.
You can select a word or simple phrase to be displayed when it vibrates to act as an extra reminder. Using a word or phrase along with the vibration acts as an association and the user will then be able to automatically recall why it vibrates without looking at the message. In time this will enable the user to extend the time period and eventually the process will become automatic.
Use the Motivaider for specific times rather than all the time, this way the user can learn the task set then move to another task as the first becomes more automatic.
By monitoring the progress you can see as each goal is achieved and then you can work on other goals.
As the Motivaider looks like a pager the user, child or adult, does not feel different or awkward when using it to help work on certain behaviours, this means that it allows the self esteem and confidence to grow rather than being constantly singled out in front of peers which makes the child/adult feel different and inadequate and can erode self esteem.
I find that remembering to take medications difficult throughout the day as I have to take various tablets at different times. Using the Motivaider I was able to establish a far better routine for remembering what to take and when which has helped me enormously. I know that I can re-programme the Motivaider if I get out of routine again so I feel more confident that I will remember to take medications properly.
Although I have used the Motivaider for other things I admit that the medication issue was my major problem and that by using the Motivaider for this I have found success. This has encouraged me to use the Motivaider for other things with confidence.
I can see this as a very useful item to help children with all forms of behaviour management, including helping to work on remaining on task in both the classroom situation and at homework times.
A great idea which is simple, practical, effective and discreet. Also the cost of the Motivaider is well within the reach of most people so it makes it even more worthwhile in my opinion.
Well worth a try.
Sarah-Jayne Bass (formerly Caroline Hensby) - adders.org
