Video games have long been thought to worsen ADHD, but current research seems to be turning the tables on popular opinion. L. Eugene Arnold, M.D. of Ohio State University is working to develop a video game system that improves ADHD through neurofeedback.

How Neurofeedback Video Games Might Help with ADHD

According to Dr. Arnold, it’s all about the child’s brain waves. Studies have reported that children with ADHD tend to have slower brain waves than others. Their minds tend to linger at the theta frequency, which is associated with the tuning out of stimuli. As a result, ADHD kids tend to be unable to focus on certain tasks at hand.

What neurofeedback gaming hopes to achieve is stimulating the brain to operate at the beta frequency, which is associated with calm, focused states. Dr. Arnold, with the cooperation of Smartbrain Technologies in California, is developing a video game system that attaches painless electrodes to the gamer’s scalp, allowing the machine to read the frequency of the player’s brain waves. If the waves operate at the beta level, the game plays smoothly. If they drop to the theta frequency, however, the player loses control over the game and cannot progress.

What this hopes to achieve is to develop a method of training ADHD children to work more at the beta brain wave frequency, improving their ability to focus. Dr. Arnold notes that although his current findings seem promising, there is much more research to be done before he can determine whether or not his system is effective in improving ADHD.

Criticisms

Not all experts are convinced by Dr. Arnold’s research, however. Numerous studies have identified video games as a major distraction for children; a study conducted in Iowa State University found that children and adults had more attention problems the more often they played video games. Although many supporters of video games argue that modern games actually require a lot of focus and reward the player for performing structured tasks, video games continue to distract children from their real-life responsibilities.

In addition, video games tend to deprive children of two important developmental activities: physical outdoor play and interaction with peers. While some video game developers have taken steps forward by encouraging cooperative play and incorporating motion controls in their games, these continue to be inadequate replacements for real play and real communication.

Video Games and Your ADHD Child

So what does this all mean for your child? Should she be allowed to play video games, or should she be kept away from them? The answer, according to experts, is balance. Video games can be used as a reward for responsibility fulfillment, or as a small treat during the weekends. Some kids show an amazing degree of focus and concentration when they play video games, and studies have found that the right types of games can be very mentally-stimulating. The key is to limit playtime so that kids can prioritize more important behavior; the American Academy of Pediatrics, for example, recommends limiting television and video game time to a maximum to two hours a day.

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Anyone who has ever taught, lived with, or spent time with an ADHD child has noticed that the disorder is more than just the three core symptoms. They are correct in this observation; inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are just the tip of a large iceberg.  What lies underneath its surface?

A diffused attention span

The very name of the condition, attention deficit-hyperactive disorder, is actually a little inaccurate. Children with ADHD don’t have a deficit of attention per se; they just have trouble directing their attention towards the stimuli that matters. I often ask my young ADHD clients what’s going on in the clinic. They could tell me about the bird flying outside the window, the sound of other children waiting outside, a little of what I was explaining to their parents, and the amount of books on the wall. Children with ADHD have a lot of attention. The only problem is that this attention is spread over a wide area of stimuli throughout the day, making it difficult for them to focus on the things that truly matter.

A problem with executive function

The symptoms of ADHD are also signs of an underlying imbalance in the brain’s domains of cognition, or executive functions.  Aside from the inability to direct attention, ADHD also makes it difficult for a child to organize tasks and thoughts, causes problems with short-term and working memory, and controlling emotions or behavior.

A functional disconnection syndrome

Have you ever wondered why children with ADHD tend to experience related problems like anxiety or oppositional defiant disorder? Brain imaging technology has allowed neuroscientists to discover the root cause of many such mental disorders – functional disconnection syndrome, a communication problem between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. For the brain to function properly, both hemispheres have to be in sync and working on the same wavelength; when one hemisphere lags, the brain’s function gets disrupted, and symptoms appear. Western medicine then labels these symptoms and calls them mental disorders.

ADHD needs a comprehensive solution

How can one treatment possibly address all these problem areas? Well, a single treatment isn’t enough. The primary treatment for ADHD is stimulant medications, but drugs cannot correct the problems in these cognitive domains. That’s why many parents see few long-term improvements among medicated children.

There are many treatments designed to address the unique behavioral, mental, and physical problems experienced by children with ADHD. But how do you know which treatment is best for your child? This is where the UnRitalin Solution steps in. The 14 keys organize the many strategies and tools available for ADHD children and create a personalized, comprehensive plan tailored to the needs of each child.  All children are biochemically unique, and each child has different problems lying underneath his own ADHD iceberg. The UnRitalin Solution helps me determine what treatments are the most important for this particular child so that he or she can have long-term recovery from ADHD.

To most parents of kids with ADHD, the disorder can be nothing but a constant source of frustration.  When their kids have a hard time making friends or staying out of trouble in school, it’s difficult to find the silver lining of this condition. Yet there is an upside to ADHD that was recently confirmed by a new study – ADHD makes people more creative.

The link between ADHD and creativity was often seen as something parents clung on to console themselves.  Yet there’s no denying the studies that have found that those with ADHD have great “divergent” thinking yet problems with “convergent” thinking. Divergent thinking is the thought process where original solutions and ideas are generated spontaneously and unexpectedly. Convergent thinking, on the other hand, is the kind of thinking used for standardized tests – the ability to logically deduce a single correct answer.   Since the hallmark symptoms of ADHD include a lack of intellectual and behavioral constraint, it’s easy to see why a hyperactive child is more likely to come up with an out-of-the-box idea than one without ADHD.

Dr. Holly White from the University of Memphis sought to examine if there really is a link between ADHD and creativity or creative problem solving. The study involved the participation of 60 undergraduate students from the University of Memphis, 50% of which have an ADHD diagnosis. Using the Creative Achievement Questionnaire (CAQ), which asks about accomplishments in 10 creative domains like writing and drama, Dr. White discovered that those with ADHD are more likely to be better at certain creative domains than others.  It was interesting to note that the subjects with ADHD excelled most at those that require a lack of inhibition, such as the performing arts.

The other test used on the participants is called the FourSight Thinking Profile.  Like the CAQ, this is a self-reported test that measures creative problem solving in four phases – the Clarifier (“Let’s look at the problem”), the Ideator (brainstorming), the Developer (developing the idea), and Implementer (implementing the solution). Here, the researchers discovered that those with ADHD make great Ideators and Developers, while those without ADHD are better Clarifiers. Both groups were just as proficient at implementing the solutions.

While this study brings a ray of hope for parents, there are two important things to keep in mind.  First, Dr. White’s subjects may not be representative of young adults with ADHD. These are students who have graduated from high school, study at a university, and are motivated enough to be part of a study.  ADHD presents a number of challenges to school-age children, and it will take a great deal of support from family and teachers to get through high school.

Secondly, the creative potential of ADHD cannot be harnessed while the destructive aspects of ADHD are still dominant. ADHD symptoms need to be kept under control before we can start working on developing the strengths that come with ADHD.   At the UnRitalin Solution, we show families that ADHD does not always have to be a curse. There are ways to transform ADHD into powerful gifts so that the child can develop his or her fullest potential.    But of course, treating the immediate problems caused by the disorder remains our first priority.

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Just as there is more than one way to skin the proverbial cat, there are many ways to test for ADHD.  The UnRitalin Solution’s ADHD test protocol is designed to uncover the causes of the disorder, and the first step we take is to confirm that the child indeed has ADHD. ADHD cannot be diagnosed based on the symptoms alone because they resemble normal childhood behaviors or symptoms of other disorders.  In addition, doctors need input from parents, teachers, and relatives, who each have subjective interpretations on the severity of the child’s symptoms.

Recently, a company called BioBehavioral Diagnostics was able to design, test, and release an ADHD diagnostic system called the Quotient ADHD System.  This non-invasive device is the first FDA-approved diagnostic test for ADHD, and it claims to objectively measure the three symptoms of ADHD using functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and motion sensors.

The Quotient ADHD System simplifies the ADHD diagnostic for children and adults – it takes only 15 minutes for children under 13, and 20 minutes for teenagers and adults.  Before the test begins, a small reflector will be placed on the forehead and/or legs so the device can plot the pattern of movement. The child will then be asked to sit in front of the computer screen and respond to the geometric shapes that appear. While the child takes the test, the system collects data on his or her ability to inhibit impulses, sit still, and respond accurately to the images.  Minutes after the test is done, the computer releases a report analyzing the attention, shifts in attention, and motion of the child.  These patterns are then uploaded online and compared to a large database of over 2,000 children.  The doctor will receive a copy of the report and interpret it for you.  Of course, any results from the Quotient ADHD System should always be contextualized and used with other assessment tools to guide a child’s treatment plan.

The Quotient ADHD System should only be administered by trained health care professionals in a clinical setting. The BioBehavioral Diagnostics website has a search tool of practitioners who have the Quotient ADHD System, as well as more information about the tests and published case studies.

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Although it’s not the most affordable of therapies available, neurofeedback is one of the most promising and interesting natural treatments for ADHD.  Basically, the goal of neurofeedback is to “train” a child to change the way his brain works, so that he can function as if he doesn’t have ADHD. In other words, neurofeedback teaches a brain how to not have ADHD.  Sounds fascinating, doesn’t it? Neurofeedback treatments are non-invasive and safe for children to take, especially if they have problems maintaining their focus and ignoring irrelevant stimuli. We have an article in the Article Library that explains how this mechanism works.

Neurofeedback is also one of the most well-studied alternative treatments for ADHD.  A German study published in the Journal of Child Psychology was able to address some limitations in previous research of neurofeedback and ADHD. The study authors discovered that children who received neurofeedback treatments had fewer inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms than those in the control group.

More recently, a paper published in the Journal of Neuropathy found evidence of neurofeedback as a “safe and efficacious treatment in the intervention for ADHD.” The paper reviewed over 40 studies that used various neurofeedback techniques for ADHD and compared to control groups, including placebo treatments and stimulant medications.  Most of the research evaluated attention span, impulse control, and hyperactivity symptoms.  According to the review, neurofeedback is most effective at treating poor attention span and impulse control issues.

Current research is evaluating the effectiveness of neurofeedback for related disorders like anxiety, autism, insomnia, and substance abuse. So far, the results seem promising.

So if your child is afflicted by predominantly inattentive ADHD, he or she might have a good chance of overcoming the symptoms with the help of neurofeedback. To find a neurofeedback provider in your area, visit eeginfo.com.

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We’ve known for decades that exposure to toxins is one of the leading causes of ADHD, but it’s always unsettling to receive news that confirms this discovery. A 2006 issue of The Lancet recognizes that industrial chemicals (e.g. methylmercury, polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs, and arsenic) are one of the causes of neuro-developmental disorders, violent behavior, lowered IQ, short attention spans, and antisocial behavior.  In the same year, a study by the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental health discovered that children who have high levels of a flame retardant called PBDEs in their umbilical cord blood scored lower on mental and physical development tests. More recently, a research study published in the journal Neurotoxicology in 2009 discovered a strong association between polyvinyl chloride (PVC) on floor paneling and the incidence of autism.

Spurred by these findings, 12 leaders from the learning and developmental disabilities community published a report called Mind, Disrupted: How Toxic Chemicals May Change How We Think and Who We Are. For this report, the 12 participants volunteered to have their bodies tested for 89 chemicals suspected of being neurotoxins – chemicals that affect brain development and function.  These chemicals include lead, mercury, bisphenol A, prchlorate, triclosan, pesticides, and more.  Of the 89 chemicals, 61 were found across the participants. Each participant had at least 26 chemicals and as many as 38.  The test results were quite shocking to the participants, especially those who had already made the switch to organic produce and products.

This report reinforces the fact that chemical exposures and other environmental factors are often overlooked when it comes to the diagnosis of chronic disorders and diseases.  Although ADHD is the outcome of a complex set of factors, studies show that chemical exposures do play a role in its onset, especially among children. After looking at studies and interviews, the authors were able to collect data on ADHD and its associated chemicals.

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The Mind, Disrupted report reinforces the necessity for toxic element screening in the ADHD evaluation process.  There is no such thing as a “safe” level of exposure for any of these toxins because children have not yet developed the defenses to resist them. And no matter how hard we try to avoid contaminating our bodies, neurotoxic chemicals continue to lurk in the most unlikely of places – in the bottles we use to drink, the toys our children play with, and the personal care products we use.

You can download and read the whole report at Mind Disrupted.

Most pediatricians and psychiatrists diagnose ADHD based on a series of criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).  According to the DSM-IV, there are three types of ADHD: inattentive type, hyperactive-impulsive type, and combined type.  But did you know that there are more than three types of ADHD?

Psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen has handled hundreds of children and adults with ADHD and developed a special brain imaging technique called the SPECT test to help him find the cause of the condition.  His work on SPECT imaging made him realize the full complexity of the disorder.  Over the years, he noticed that there are six distinct SPECT patterns in his ADHD patients, and that each requires a specialized treatment. Based on these observations, Dr. Amen came up with the six types of ADHD.

Type 1: Classic ADHD

Classic ADHD describes the hyperactive-impulsive type with a little inattention.  This is usually treated with omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids like L-tyrosine, and multiple vitamins.

Type 2: Inattentive ADHD

Inattentive ADHD is similar to the DSM-IV’s Inattentive Type – low energy, low motivation, always daydreaming, etc.  This type is common in girls and is often diagnosed later in life.  Like Classic ADHD, Inattentive ADHD can be treated with omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins.

Type 3: Overfocused ADHD

A child with Overfocused ADHD experiences typical ADHD symptoms as well as oppositional behavior, argumentative tendency, cognitive inflexibility, a need for sameness, or negative behavior. This type of ADHD is common in families with obsessive-compulsive tendencies or addiction problems.  This can be treated with the amino acid L-tryptophan, St. John’s Wort, omega-3 fish oils, and vitamins.

Type 4: Temporal Lobe ADHD

A child with Temporal Lobe ADHD experiences typical ADHD symptoms as well as headaches, periods of anxiety, a short fuse, memory problems, dark thoughts, and difficulties learning to read.  This type is common in families with a history of mood disorders and learning disorders. Treatment includes GABA for irritability, vitamins, and omega-3 fish oils. Sometimes, anti-seizure medication is given.

Type 5: Limbic ADHD

A child with Limbic ADHD experiences typical ADHD symptoms and low self-esteem, mild depression, poor social skills, irritability, insomnia, and poor appetite. Treatment includes omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, St. John’s Wort, and vitamins.

Type 6: Ring of Fire ADHD

A child with Ring of Fire ADHD experiences typical ADHD symptoms as well as angry outbursts, extreme mood swings, excessive talking, fast thoughts, inflexibility, and sensitivity to light and sound.  This ADHD type was called “Ring of Fire” because of the ring of overactivity seen in brain scans of affected children.  Treatment includes vitamins, omega-3 fats, and amino acids.

While these six ADHD categories make it easier to identify appropriate treatments, try not to get too focused on what type of ADHD your child has. At the very core of it all, ADHD and its co-morbid disorders are caused by the same underlying problem – a functional disconnection syndrome. This means that the regions of the brain aren’t communicating with each other as well as they should. What’s important is finding the type of treatments that will best rehabilitate your child’s brain and address his or her unique constellation of symptoms.

If you’re interested in finding out more about Dr. Amen’s work, you can visit his website at amenclinics.com.

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The words “electro” and “therapy” often bring to mind cruel psychiatric treatments that seem more fitting in haunted asylums than in hospitals. Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) is nothing like that. This fairly new technology involves administering very low electrical volts on the head to relieve depression, anxiety, and the symptoms of ADHD. Instead of going to a mental hospital to receive the treatment, CES can be done at home using a small handheld device. CES is approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States as a medical device, and recent studies show that it can improve attention spans and behavior among kids with ADHD. But is it really safe? Are there any side effects to CES?

A brief history of CES

CES was first developed by the Soviet Union in 1949 as a treatment for insomnia – hence the original name “electrosleep.” Soon, its developers discovered that the device could be used to treat depression and anxiety. In the early 1960s, physicians in the United States and Canada began using CES for a wide range of psychiatric conditions and continue to do so to this day. However, CES is not considered a mainstream treatment because not all doctors in general medical practice are aware of this technology and its benefits. To date, there are 160 published studies on the safety and efficacy of CES in treating psychological disorders, specifically depression, insomnia, and now ADHD. A study from Harvard’s School of Public Health showed that these low electrical voltages can boost neurotransmitter activity, particularly the production of dopamine and serotonin.

How it works

CES treatments are administered by a small, battery-powered device that resembles transcutaneous electric nerve stimulations – devices often used in physical therapy for pain relief. Electrodes attached to thin wires are then clipped to the earlobe. The CES device sends very low pulses of electricity (less than 1.0 milliampere). The frequency of the pulses can be adjusted depending on the effect desired. During the treatment itself, the child should feel nothing more than a faint tingling sensation. After the treatment, most patients enter the “alpha state” – a feeling of relaxed alertness. Researchers notet hat the results of CES tend to be long-lasting and cumulative; succeeding treatments are said to cause less anxiety, improved focus, and long attention spans. Children who respond positively are also known to sleep better and experience a heightened sense of well-being.

Side effects

There have been no reports of any serious side effects of CES to date. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs for ADHD, it doesn’t cause any lasting damage and it does not interact with any other medications your child will be taking. However, the device should only be handled by an adult or a doctor, and should be used with caution.
Getting started

There are two ways your child can avail of CES. The first is to find a doctor or a medical center trained to administer the procedure. You can also purchase your own cranial electrotherapy stimulators through two companies – Alpha-Stim, Fisher Wallace Laboratories, and their licensed distributors. Although the benefits and safety of CES have been extensively tested on children, consult your child’s doctor before trying this therapy at home.

Photo taken from Biofeedback Center of Florida

At the UnRitalin Solution, we believe that the onset of ADHD is caused by the complex interaction between a genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Although our destinies are not determined by the limitations imposed by our genes, it helps to take a look at the genetic influences of ADHD and its co-morbid disorders. The presence of some of these genes can explain the dominance of certain ADHD symptoms over the others. Try not to be too overwhelmed by the terminology – the main point of this article is to show the intricate relationship between ADHD, genes, and how these can influence some treatment outcomes.

DAT1 Gene

The dopamine transporter gene or DAT1 is a mutated form of the dopamine transporter protein that carries the neurotransmitter dopamine to and from neurons. If you remember, dopamine is the neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure, motivation, and movement. It is also the target of ADHD medications like Ritalin. The dopamine transport protein allows for the normal movement of dopamine among neurons, but DAT 1 tends to make it move the opposite direction at high speeds, affecting the distribution of dopamine and resulting in ADHD symptoms.

MAOA Gene

The moanamine oxidase enzyme (MAOA) is a unique ADHD-related gene because it is located on the X-chromosome – the sex-linked chromosome. The presence of this gene can probably explain the gender differences in ADHD types – boys typically exhibit hyperactive symptoms whereas girls experience inattention and are more likely to develop anxiety disorders. Research on mice suggests that certain mutations on the MAOA gene may be linked to higher anxiety levels. A small study shows that a deficiency in this gene is also related to aggressive and impulsive behaviors.

NET

Yet another gene that can account for gender differences in ADHD, NET or the norepinephrine transporter protein often turns up in higher frequencies among women. Norepinephrine is an important neurotransmitter that activates the fight-or-flight response, and deficiencies in this chemical are often spotted in individuals with ADHD. Some studies show that individuals with ADHD who have the NET gene have higher rates of eating disorders than the rest of the population; in fact, a certain form of this gene seems to be related to the risk of developing anorexia.

Fatty acid desaturase genes

Omega-3 fatty acids are critical to the proper functioning of the brain and maintaining the structure of neurons. There are two long-chain omega-3 fats that have this specific purpose – eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Alpha linolenic acid (ALA) is the “mother” of omega-3 fats that become converted into EPA and DHA in the body using a substance called desaturase enzymes. When the desaturase enzymes function properly, the body can make use of omega-3 fatty acids efficiently. However, there are some genes and external factors (like eating other types of fat) that can impair the function of desaturase enzymes and slow down the conversion process. In some cases, these genes can even prevent the body’s use of omega-3 fats. The presence of fatty acid desaturase genes can explain why omega-3 supplementation does not reduce ADHD symptoms in some individuals.

CREM Gene

One commonly overlooked symptom of ADHD is sleep disturbances. Children and adults with ADHD have a harder time falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up than those without the disorder. They are also more likely to have abnormal sleep patterns. Experts believe that the mutations in the CREM gene may be responsible for this. The CREM gene regulates the production of the sleep hormone melatonin. Normally, low levels of melatonin are produced in the daytime, while high levels of melatonin are produced at night, which brings about the feeling of sleepiness. However, problems with the CREM gene can cause certain changes, such as disrupted sleep patterns, high melatonin production in the daytime, and excessive activity at night.

Researchers have also found evidence that some of these ADHD genes might work together to bring about certain symptoms. For instance, some variations in the DAT gene and the MAOA gene may be associated to the presence of anxiety disorders with ADHD.

In this blog, I have reviewed the main genes that prepare the ground for ADHD. However, genes are just the loaded gun. A child won’t develop ADHD until someone press the trigger, and the triggers for gene expressions are environmental factors. By changing those factors you can reduce the risk of developing ADHD or reduce ADHD symptoms expression. Check out our Unritalin Solution to view an organized map of all the environmental factors you can change.

For many kids with ADHD, the biggest challenge they confront everyday is the inability to pay attention – in the classroom, while doing their homework, sometimes while watching a movie. Of all the human faculties, attention used to be one of the least understood. It’s neither a skill nor a talent; it seems to be an inborn ability that cannot be taught or acquired. However, the latest developments in neuro-imaging and genetics provide us with a wider and more sophisticated understanding of how attention works. Studies show that attention is critical to more practical life skills, like the ability to organize things, make deep connections with others, even developing a conscience. More importantly, researchers have discovered that people can be taught how to pay attention, even if they suffer from ADHD.

Brain retraining programs are designed to correct old habits of thinking that lend itself to distractibility, inattention, and lack of focus. Using imaging technology and foundations in neuroscience, brain retraining programs are an alternative treatment that can target the same deficits ADHD medications seek to correct. Although these technologies have not been around long enough to determine if their benefits will last, kids and adults who have tried them found that brain retraining helps in the here and now. The following brain retraining programs are particularly helpful for children with ADHD, but they come with their own drawbacks and limitations.

Neurofeedback

What it does: Neurofeedback is based on the principle that individuals with ADHD have abnormal brain wave pattern that are either over-stimulated or under-stimulated. Beta waves should appear in tasks that require concentration and focus, but individuals with ADHD usually have large theta wave patterns, which indicate a state of daydream. Neurofeedback can retrain the brain until they emit beta waves, thus eliminating symptoms of inattention and distractibility.

How it works: The practitioner will take the medical history of the child and identify the symptoms that need to be treated. Then electrodes will be strapped on to the child’s head while he or she performs a cognitive task like reading out loud. The brain wave activity will be mapped out so the practitioner can figure out the abnormalities in the pattern – which is the theoretical source of the child’s ADHD symptoms. Through a computer game, the child’s brain will then be retrained. The computer game will only work if the child concentrates and emits beta waves. If there are too many theta waves, the game stops working and will only resume when the child concentrates once more. The positive benefits of neurofeedback training remain for months and years after the last session. After a year of therapy, patients tend to reduce their medication dose by 50% or stop taking them altogether.

Costs and drawbacks: The sessions are only 30 minutes long and completely painless. However, the average cost of a treatment course can range anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000. Neurofeedback practitioners are also only available in certain areas. Finally, neurofeedback can only address the inattention issues of the ADHD spectrum and should be used in combination with other treatments.

Bottom line: If you can afford to pay for the neurofeedback treatments, it seems to be worth a shot, especially if your child cannot concentrate on schoolwork.

Working Memory Training

What it does: Working memory is the region of the brain that retains information long enough to accomplish a task. For instance, a child taking a test holds the instruction in the mind as he or she writes the answers. This program can help improve working memory, thus improving the child’s ability to finish tasks, solve problems, and adapt to new situations.

How it works: Of all the brain retraining programs, Cogmed Working Memory Training is the only one that provides convenience and flexibility. A computer program called Robomemo is downloading on to a home computer like an ordinary software. For five weeks and five days in a week, the child will then spend one hour performing several exercises that are designed to improve working memory. As the days go by, the exercises become more and more challenging. Purchasing the program also entitles the child and parent to sessions with a trainer, who can keep track of progress, troubleshoot the program, encourage the patient, and provide feedback.
At least 75% of children who complete the program have improved attention and reduced hyperactivity. Parents also report that they become more “mature” – they accomplish chores without being reminded, and they no longer lose schoolbooks and other materials. Follow-up studies show that 80% of children retained or improved upon their working memory gains a year after their last session.

Costs and drawbacks: The Cogmed Working Memory Training is a rigorous program designed for older children and for children who have better control of their ADHD symptoms. Kids aged 7 and below may be too young to understand or accomplish the exercises. The program is also expensive and costs at least $1,500.

Bottom line: The convenience provided by the Cogmed Working Memory Training is attractive to parents who live too far away from clinics that offer other non-medical ADHD treatments. Like other treatments for ADHD, the Working Memory Training program should be a component of a more holistic solution.

LearningRx

What it does: LearningRx is a series of tutorial centers in the United States that offer one-on-one training to improve cognitive skills. Kids with ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities can benefit from LearningRx’s specialized programs based on their problem areas.

How it works: The child will be asked to take an evaluation exam that will reveal his or her unique learning style and cognitive skills. The exam is an important first step because this will determine which of the LearningRx programs is best suited for him or her.
There are four programs offered by LearningRx. The first is ThinkRx, which provides the foundation of the whole learning program. ReadRx is designed to improve the reading abilities and correct dyslexia. MathRx teaches the child how to use mathematical concepts and logical reasoning. Liftoff provides the cognitive training needed by pre-school children so they can prepare to enter elementary school. Unlike most tutorial centers, LearningRx does not teach academic subjects. Rather, this program teaches children how to use their basic cognitive skills, control their attention span, and overcome their weaknesses with the help of a trainer. The program lasts 12-18 weeks, depending on the child’s needs.

Costs and drawbacks: The first drawback to LearningRx is the expense – the evaluation test costs $100, and every hour spent on the program costs around $90. This means that a whole course of treatment can range anywhere between $2,000 and $5,000. Unlike the first two brain retraining programs covered by this article, there are no published studies evaluating the efficacy of LearningRx’s approach. A small, yet unpublished study, suggest that a 24-weeks program might have a beneficial effect on various cognitive functions.

Bottom line: The evidence for this program is mainly anecdotal and through testimonials. If money is no problem then LearningRx might be worth trying.