Simple “brain exercise” sessions can improve ADHD symptoms in kids
Children with ADHD experience one or more neuropsychological impairment of functions such as concentration, memory, impulse control, processing speed or ability to follow directions. These impairments are no different from those caused by head injury or neurological disease. It has been standard practice for trauma or neurology patients to go through cognitive rehabilitation to restore functioning. Recently, research has shown that children with ADHD may also experience improvement in neuropsychological functioning through a similar process. Also, this procedure is now being recommended for middle age adults to improve and/or maintain cognitive functions as the progress into later stages.
For years it was thought that each of us was born with a generous supply of brain cells but we could not produce additional cells or changes in how they function. Fairly recently neuron scientists discovered the presence of neuroplasticity which enables the brain to grow additional cells or modify the function of existing cells. Cognitive exercises have been found to produce desired changes in not only how the brain works but how it looks.
Total Focus includes step by step instructions for a number of cognitive exercises designed to improve specific functions that are often compromised in children with ADHD. The exercises are presented as games and are actually fun. Scores are kept after each practice session to track progress. In addition to the exercises in the workbook, additional activities including some common games and links to computer games are provided.
If you would like to try this process out with your child to see how it works, here are a few simple suggestions. Kid games such as Memory or Simon are great ideas. Also, here are some free computer games I found on the internet that can improve concentration or memory: Memory, Mosquito Killer and Memorizer. For older children and adolescents, check out the cognitive exercises provided by Lumosity.
Other possibilities are crossword puzzles to improve attention for words and sequencing ability while picture puzzles in which the child has to look for things that are wrong in the picture or look for hard-to-find objects also improve attention and concentration.
Parents should work together with the child serving as a coach to provide encouragement and track progress. This type of activity also improves parent/child relationships. Go ahead. Have some fun. Do the exercises along with your child and who knows, you may find your brain too will work a little faster or smarter.
Other activities that are beneficial to kids with ADHD are physical activity. Playing a sport is great. Individual sports such as tennis or swimming are better that team sports for kids with major problems with frustration. Two great activities that I have recommended are karate and yoga. These definitely help improve attention, concentration and impulse control.
These suggestions are provided as activities to supplement medical and/or psychological treatment provided under the guidance of a physician or psychologist. They will enhance the benefits of the treatment but will not on their own resolve serious symptoms for a child who has been accurately diagnosed with ADHD.
