Dr. Rosenthal is a private clinical psychologist in Denver, Colorado. He is very active in the community regarding students and young adults needing specific special services. In February, he is offering two different support groups for ADHD; one for high school students (male) and one for college students. Below is his biography from his website.

Dr. Rob Rosenthal is a licensed psychologist based in Denver, Colorado. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Princeton University, his Master's Degree from the University of Denver, and his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver. He has worked with adults and adolescents in outpatient and inpatient settings. He has provided clinical services at Kaiser Permanente, the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program, Denver Veteran Affairs Medical Center, the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Colorado Hospital, and the Professional Psychology Clinic.

Group for High School Boys with AD/HD

Overview:

Many students with AD/HD have much greater academic attention than they are able to use during high school. Dr. Rob Rosenthal, a licensed clinical psychologist, offers a skill-based group that focuses on the typical difficulties of managing AD/HD. The group will discuss strategies for managing AD/HD and achieving short and long-term success. This is a great opportunity to take charge of your challenges and learn from each other about ways to find a new path.

Format:

The group will meet from 5:00pm to 6:00pm on six consecutive Wednesdays, starting February 15, 2012. The group will be limited to 9 people between the ages of 15 and 18; members will gain the most benefit from attending every week. The cost is $275, due at start of the group, with cash or check accepted. A specific topic will be discussed during each group, and homework will be assigned related to behavior changes. Following the last group, there will be a parent education meeting that reviews what was presented in the group.

Topics Will Include:

• Study and organization strategies
• Academic concerns
• Strategies for managing inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity
• Identifying strengths
• Intersection of AD/HD and mood, anxiety, and learning difficulties
• Self-advocacy
• Medication

Location:

The office is located at 1231 South Parker Road, Suite 103, Denver, 80231. It is on the south side of Parker Road, one block east of where Leetsdale becomes Parker Road. It is not far from both the I-25 and Evans exit and the I-225 and Mississippi exit.

Group for College Students with AD/HD
Overview:
Many students with AD/HD have much greater academic attention than they are able to use during college. Dr. Rob Rosenthal offers a skill-based group that focuses on the typical difficulties of managing AD/HD. The group will discuss strategies for mastering AD/HD and minimizing its impact on short-term achievement and long-term goal attainment. This is a great opportunity to take charge of your challenges and learn from each other about ways to find a new path.
Format:
The group will meet on six consecutive Mondays from 5:00pm to 6:00pm, beginning February 27. The group will be limited to 9 people between the ages of 18 and 25; members will gain the most benefit from attending every week. The cost is $240 due at the start of the group, with cash or check accepted. A pro-rated refund is available should a student wish not to continue after the first meeting. A specific topic will be discussed during each group, and homework will be assigned related to behavior changes.
Topics Will Include:
• Study and organization strategies
• Academic concerns
• Relationships
• Strategies for managing inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity
• Identifying strengths
• Intersection of AD/HD and mood, anxiety, learning difficulties, substance use
• Self-advocacy
• Medication
Contact Information and Location:
Dr. Rosenthal can be reached at (720) 319-7272 or rr@drrobrosenthal.com. The office is located at 1231 South Parker Road, Suite 103, Denver, 80231.



www.drrobrosenthal.comchildren and adults with attention deficit disorder, self advocacy,

Last night on NBC Nightly News, Brian Williams reported on The College Essay. Kevin Tibbles interviewed several students regarding some curve ball short answer (25 characters) responses to questions that may leave one shaking their head or perhaps leave a smile on their face:

What is your favorite amusement park ride? What was the favorite thing you did last Tuesday? Who is your favorite Super Hero? So, what are the right answers? What are college admissions looking for? One person in this report says the next Bill Gates. I am not so sure. I have my answers!

Why A Teen Who Talks Back May Have A Bright Future


A story from National Public Radio (NPR) aired last week called Why a Teen Who Talks Back May Have A Bright Future is worth a listen and a read…
Anyone who has raised children has gone through the agony of arguing and debating a variety of topics with their teens. These topics may range from curfew (big debate for teens and parents), to structured homework time, to how much recreational computer time crosses over to TV time, and when is it time to hand over the car keys. Arguing with our children goes with child rearing, it is part of the package. There is arguing, and then there is arguing.

For those of us who have raised kids, read the child development books, been worried sick regarding the future of our children, this NPR piece will hit home. For those with children, there is some sage advice. It is definitely worth a listen and worth clicking on the links. With all this said, I may re title the story: Effective Arguing With My Teen, or perhaps Effective Discussions With My Teen.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/01/03/144495483/why-a-teen-who-talks-back-may-have-a-bright-future?ft=3&f=111787346&sc=nl&cc=es-20120108

Now that the New Year has launched and many of us made New Year's resolutions, perhaps, some adolescents who have had their first taste of hard core partying have solemnly sworn to never party like they did this past December 31st.

Here is some food for thought based on article from the publication Neurology Now in the December 2011/January 2012 issue. I encourage readers to reference the link as this article simplifies the brain functions (page 9, paragraph 4 Dr. Robin Brey, editor of Neurology Now) and how alcohol impacts teen-age brain (http://journals.lww.com/neurologynow/Fulltext/2011/07060/The_Adolescent_Brain__What_neurology_can_teach_us.1.aspx). In addition, one of the anchor articles called Buzz Kills how does alcohol affect the teen-age brain by Amy Paturel discusses the long-term effects of drinking and the teen-age brain.

While I list some of the major points, be aware that anyone who lists major points takes things out of complete context, thus reading the article in entirety makes the most sense:

Editor in Chief of Neurology Now Robin L. Brey, M.D. discusses in her editorial the best parenting advice she ever received from Louis Caplan, M.D. "Keep children busy… in activities that promote discipline and teach the benefits of delaying gratification."

…The article Buzz Kills discusses how alcohol affects the adolescent brain. Each year, more than 10,000 young people in the US are killed and 40,000 injured in alcohol related motor vehicle accidents, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Young people are more likely to engage in other risky behaviors…

"Alcohol and other substances of abuse affect the developing brain differently than the mature brain."

In the complete article, Amy Paturel focuses on Toren Volkmann of Portland, Oregon who took his first drink when he was 15 years old. He drank out of 'coolness' and boredom (hence, stay busy). Volkmann and his mother authored a book describing his experiences… you can find the title of his book in the article. Woven through the article is scientific evidence of the impact of substance abuse and the impact it has on the adolescent brain.

Aside from knowing that the teen brain is not fully developed and can be hurt by drugs and alcohol, the explanation of the complexities brain connections and networks are explained in simple terms that all of us can understand. Plus, one can see brain images of affected brains.

This is an important article that can be understood from an adult point of view as well as from an adolescent standpoint. Hopefully, teens will read it, and perhaps it will become required reading.
For the complete article:
http://journals.lww.com/neurologynow/Fulltext/2011/07060/Buzz_Kill__How_does_alcohol_affect_the_teenage.8.aspx

http://chronicle.com/article/At-Amherst-Clack-Clack/129998/

I encourage readers to take a look at this article regarding an activity Amherst conducted for students who wanted to stay out late and remain sober form the Chronicle of Higher Education. The assistant director of student activities ordered three manual typewriters, quill pens, postcards, postage stamps and other 'snail mail' accoutrements, and set up 'shop'. While most students needed tutorials on manual typewriters, the activity was a tremendous success and will no doubt be repeated. Students were actually seen typing and heard the clacking (instead of texting) and the ding of the end of the line of when one has to return the carriage of the typewriter (does this bring back any memories?). These students were inclined to write notes to their professors, postcards to friends and family members. Hats off to Crista Reed, the assistant director of Student Services.

This brings me to an article that was written in The Wall Street Journal on October 5th, 2010, repeated in Brain in the News (Dana.org) in the November 2010 edition on the virtues of handwriting and the brain. In the article called How Handwriting Trains the Brain by Qwyndolyn Bounds, she discusses the "benefit of adults studying new symbols such as Chinese characters, might enhance recognition by writing the characters by hand, researchers say. Some handwriting could be a good cognitive exercise for baby boomers working to keep their minds sharp as they age." I wonder if this is a good exercise for all ages in order to slow down our thought processes. The article also cites advantages of children continuing to learn manual penmanship despite our technological universe (or along with) of today.

While one can point out ramifications of bad handwriting on SAT essays (scorers unable to read writing and assigning an 'illegible' score of 0) from the Wall Street Journal/Brain in the News article, I urge readers to read the articles and judge for themselves. As for children and adolescents, the activity of learning a manual typewriter, learning calligraphy and writing with a quill pen and the lost writing of the past may be great fun on one of those snowed in holidays as a way to while away the hours. For older folks… a way to keep the brain in shape and for all, back to an old tradition of communication. These days, it is a thrill to receive a letter in the mailbox.

Becoming a Rhode's Scholar is an extraordinary opportunity. The quarterback at Yale has an opportunity to interview this week end for such an opportunity at Oxford University in England. He has quite the conflict: The Harvard/Yale football game, and this young man is THE starting quarterback. Sounds easy to remedy, right? Just call and say, "Is it possible to change the interview, the biggest game of my life is taking place this week end, as I cannot let my team mates down." Rescheduling does not seem to be an option. From what I gather, there are perhaps over 800 applications for approximately 40 Rhodes Scholars openings in 2012. In all of our lives, we make life-changing decisions; clearly this young man is about to make a huge one. Go to the link view details from NBC News:http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#45199085

University College London (known as UCL) will be piloting a new grading system next year based on the United States' Grade Point Average system. Fearing grade inflation and far more honor degrees granted than in the past, it appears that UCL is trying to figure how to combat this climb in grade inflation. In the UK, it is common for prospective employers to ask to see grade/degree status and if a student has graduated with honors this may be the tipping point for not only an interview, but job status as well. See the complete article at The Daily Telegraph:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/journalists/julie-henry/8815641/University-to-scrap-first-class-degrees-to-combat-award-inflation.html

Students often determine their very specific majors and career paths as they enter university in the United Kingdom. On the personal statement section of their university application, students write about their majors and their commitment to these majors. Liberal Arts education is generally not an option. However, this past week, two universities will begin this educational path next school year.

King's College in London will be offering this degree starting in 2012. From Charline Appleby, Independent Educational consultant states that Year 1 is a basic year with a plan to follow the topic of: 'London Life and Mind'. The city of London will be used as classroom along with intensive reading and seminars to integrate the rich history England brings to the world. Year 2 is called 'Perspectives' and aims to look closely at power and society, especially at politics in the broadest sense. The focus is to develop in students a critical understanding of the individual in the social and cultural context. In this year, a major and minor subject will be chosen for deeper study. Study abroad is available in second semester. The final year is one of research called 'Connections and Research'. Students will produce an in depth dissertation on a topic of choice. Advisers will guide this work and help students develop their research and analytic skills. Students will be required to complete a language requirement and take part in an internship.

University College London will also launch a Liberal Arts degree starting in 2012. The rationale for this Liberal Arts degree appears to be students asking for more choice and flexibility in undergraduate programming. This Liberal Arts program will have students major or minor in a science or humanities with a focus on interdisciplinary studies. This particular program has a three or four year option. If a student wishes to study abroad, then the program will be a four year program. 80 students will be taken the first year of this program.

Both programs will require students to write an additional personal statement to the individual university.

While getting ready to go to work, I had on the Today Show. They focused on four main elements of basic college survival:
Budget, Dorm, Computer and Study Skills. Through the eyes of either students or recent college grads interviewed this morning the points were succinctly presented. For complete details head on to the Today Show's link www.today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/44285536#44285536

Budget:

Only one credit card is needed. The purpose of the credit card is to establish good credit, and each month, this bill should be paid off. Keep track of spending with a special app available for the i phone. Another money saving tip includes renting textbooks from Amazon for electronic readers. Finally, this young entrepreneur from NYU highly recommends beginning to put $15- $20 a month aside for retirement. Never to early to start.

What to Bring to the Dorm:

Living in the dorm is a task of paring down. Dorms do ask that nails not go into the wall, so sided tape is a must. Definitely keep extra batteries around and a surge protector. Save on closet space with a personal valet hanging system, and unfortunately, one must protect themselves from insidious bed bugs with bed bug covers.

College Bound Computers:

From a cnet.com columnist, some terrific advise regarding computers and the type of computer necessary for college ranging from not super-expensive but all inclusive for multi taskers. She recommends lap top screens no bigger than 13 inches, big enough for surfing the net, writing papers, taking notes and of course, kicking back and watching movies after all homework is complete. Bottom line: Affordable, long battery life, and light.

Study Skills:

From a Columbia College of Journalism Grad student, some sage advice regarding the differences between high school and college. The first being that high school finds students with a lot of quizzes and projects. Not so in college. If possible, arrange classes in order to suit your work and intern schedule, always go to class, take good notes, be organized. During exam time, go on a 'social networking diet', surround yourself with study groups and use your syllabus.

All four of these students and young professionals gave terrific advice for students. Be sure to go to The Today Show's website for more details.