We can think of neurofeedback for ADHD ( also known as EEG Biofeedback)as a means of monitoring the body through the mind.
Most of us are not aware of the way our brain's electrical activity can affect our emotions and behavior. It is a form of treatment using a monitoring device that provides immediate feedback of brain electrical activity to the child, allowing him or her to learn what positive changes in the body, emotions and mind feel like. In this sense, EEG Biofeedback manages behavior by controlling the brain.
Because hyperactivity is mainly a problem with the proper functioning of the frontal lobes, proponents of neurofeedback claim that by monitoring and training brain wave activity, this self-regulating therapy can bring about changes in the child's behavior.
How Effective is Neurofeedback for ADHD?
A new study conducted in Germany suggests that neurofeedback for ADHD provides dramatic results for hyperactive children.
102 children aged 8-12 were randomly assigned to two treatment options - 36 sessions of neurofeedback training or 36 sessions of computerized attention training.
These children have all been diagnosed with ADHD; over 90 have never received medication and 80% of the children were boys.
Children in both groups took part in 2-3 training sessions per week. In EEG Biofeedback group, children learned to create and sustain a state of focused attention by monitoring their body responses. These children received direct feedback on their EEG state.
Children in the computerized attention training (the control group) were given systematic exercises to train their visual and auditory perception, attention and reactivity; however these children received no direct feedback of their EEG state.
Results showed that neurofeedback treatment yielded significantly greater reductions of ADHD symptoms than the control group treatment. 51% of children in the EEG Biofeedback group experienced at least 25% reduction in ADHD symptoms.In the control group, only 26% of children achieved this level.
Showing posts with label ADD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ADD. Show all posts
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Friday, April 3, 2009
Back to Nature
The number of children diagnosed with ADHD, ADD and anxiety disorders has increased dramatically over the past 20 years. Why?
One reason, speculates Richard Louv in Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder is that modern children have become disconnected from the natural world. Early exposure of children to nature helps them thrive intellectually, physically and spiritually. Scientific research also shows that immersion in nature has successfully healed many forms of stress and anxiety disorders in both children and adults.
Perhaps the artificial setting of TV and Computer monitors, hermetically sealed air conditioned rooms, schools and shopping centers have taken away the rhythm of the natural setting from our kids. We have lost a deep and organic connection to our primal nature.
Getting them back to nature can help them reconnect with their emotional and spiritual centers.
Richard Louv makes a lot of sense to me! That's why it is so heartening to see that an agency in UK is actually taking steps to re-connect English children with the natural setting.
Environmental agency Natural England plans to take a million children to nature reserves and farms over the next three years following research showing that contact with nature has halved in a generation.
Members of Natural England feel that nature-based activities like tree-climbing, running through the fields can play an important role in the educational and social development of children.
According to Natural England's Childhood and Nature survey, "less than 10 per cent of children play in natural places such as woods, countryside and heaths. This compares with 40 per cent of adults who said they played in natural areas when they were young."
Their support of natural settings for children is commendable!
Read on:
http://www.cypnow.co.uk/news/ByDiscipline/Education/896105/One-million-children-go-back-nature/
One reason, speculates Richard Louv in Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder is that modern children have become disconnected from the natural world. Early exposure of children to nature helps them thrive intellectually, physically and spiritually. Scientific research also shows that immersion in nature has successfully healed many forms of stress and anxiety disorders in both children and adults.
Perhaps the artificial setting of TV and Computer monitors, hermetically sealed air conditioned rooms, schools and shopping centers have taken away the rhythm of the natural setting from our kids. We have lost a deep and organic connection to our primal nature.
Getting them back to nature can help them reconnect with their emotional and spiritual centers.
Richard Louv makes a lot of sense to me! That's why it is so heartening to see that an agency in UK is actually taking steps to re-connect English children with the natural setting.
Environmental agency Natural England plans to take a million children to nature reserves and farms over the next three years following research showing that contact with nature has halved in a generation.
Members of Natural England feel that nature-based activities like tree-climbing, running through the fields can play an important role in the educational and social development of children.
According to Natural England's Childhood and Nature survey, "less than 10 per cent of children play in natural places such as woods, countryside and heaths. This compares with 40 per cent of adults who said they played in natural areas when they were young."
Their support of natural settings for children is commendable!
Read on:
http://www.cypnow.co.uk/news/ByDiscipline/Education/896105/One-million-children-go-back-nature/
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Attention Deficit Disorder and Your Child
Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder
Attention Deficit Disorder or A.D.D. symptoms include the following:
The child has a hard time focusing on the task at hand.
The child has a very hard time organizing.
The child is very forgetful or at least seems to be.
Examples of Attention Deficit Disorder Scenarios
Your child has homework and seems to have difficulty starting the homework. It seems like a never ending battle night after night to get his or her homework done. Your child may sit at the table, complaining that he or she does not know how to do it.
Help Suggestion
Every night have a routine called “homework time.” Sit down with your child every night at the same time at the kitchen table or desk where homework is done. Go over the directions with your child. Focus on one step at a time as too many directions can easily confuse the A.D.D. child. Let the child do the homework, but if he or she needs more help with the explanation of the directions, make sure you are readily available.
Your child seems messy and/or incapable of organizing his or her school satchel and room. Your child may have a hard time focusing on packing up his/her backpack the evening before school. You feel like a broken record having to tell your child to pack up.
Help Suggestion
You must be organized yourself. Start with your home, perhaps the kitchen, and start organizing the clutter. Clean and remove unwanted or unused items. Move to the living room, bedrooms and bathrooms. You will feel better yourself after this is done. Be an excellent example to teach your A.D.D. child how to be organized. Help your child develop a routine for his/her responsibilities this sense of organization can be carried into adulthood.
Forgetfulness is something that can be reduced with calendars and notes. Teach your child write reminders in a notebook. Have your child carry the notebook in his/her pocket and make a habit of referring to the notebook throughout the day.
Where to Get Help
Speak to your child’s teachers at school. The teachers and school psychologist may get started on testing your child. The teachers will fill out forms required for the evaluation. The next step is to make a doctor appointment so your child can be evaluated for A.D.D.
Summary
If you feel your child has A.D.D. symptoms please speak to your school teachers and family doctor.
Attention Deficit Disorder or A.D.D. symptoms include the following:
The child has a hard time focusing on the task at hand.
The child has a very hard time organizing.
The child is very forgetful or at least seems to be.
Examples of Attention Deficit Disorder Scenarios
Your child has homework and seems to have difficulty starting the homework. It seems like a never ending battle night after night to get his or her homework done. Your child may sit at the table, complaining that he or she does not know how to do it.
Help Suggestion
Every night have a routine called “homework time.” Sit down with your child every night at the same time at the kitchen table or desk where homework is done. Go over the directions with your child. Focus on one step at a time as too many directions can easily confuse the A.D.D. child. Let the child do the homework, but if he or she needs more help with the explanation of the directions, make sure you are readily available.
Your child seems messy and/or incapable of organizing his or her school satchel and room. Your child may have a hard time focusing on packing up his/her backpack the evening before school. You feel like a broken record having to tell your child to pack up.
Help Suggestion
You must be organized yourself. Start with your home, perhaps the kitchen, and start organizing the clutter. Clean and remove unwanted or unused items. Move to the living room, bedrooms and bathrooms. You will feel better yourself after this is done. Be an excellent example to teach your A.D.D. child how to be organized. Help your child develop a routine for his/her responsibilities this sense of organization can be carried into adulthood.
Forgetfulness is something that can be reduced with calendars and notes. Teach your child write reminders in a notebook. Have your child carry the notebook in his/her pocket and make a habit of referring to the notebook throughout the day.
Where to Get Help
Speak to your child’s teachers at school. The teachers and school psychologist may get started on testing your child. The teachers will fill out forms required for the evaluation. The next step is to make a doctor appointment so your child can be evaluated for A.D.D.
Summary
If you feel your child has A.D.D. symptoms please speak to your school teachers and family doctor.
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