Do Brain training games really help with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?

Some studies suggest that playing brain training games have helped improve children suffering Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD or ADHD). Another study found that playing video games for more than an hour a day worsened ADHD symptoms. It may have been that the child gets addicted to the video games instead of playing outside. But you will say that this is the case with even children who do not suffer with ADHD. True. Video games are not actually harmful, especially Brain Training Games. But the secret here is in ‘moderation’. Anything in excess is bad and we all know it.

A growing body of research suggests that neurofeedback may be helpful and viable in the treatment of ADHD. Most studies have been small but with promising results, though not conclusive. Psychiatry unit at Ohio State University started a controlled study of BrainGames system. The research was funded by the National Institute of Mental health. The research was based on the theory that people with ADHD have been found to have brainwaves that are slower than what’s considered normal. The brainwaves of ADHD kids tend to spend too little time in the beta frequency (i.e. the frequency associated with calm state of focus), and too much time in the theta frequency (this is where the brain tends to be when ‘tuning out’).

The brain training games helps, over successive sessions, the brain of the ADHD sufferer to be more in the beta range. Medications like Ritalin have the same sort of effect on the brain waves.

Does this mean that all parents should splash money on buying their ADHD kids these brain training video games???

It is highly possible that these parents might find themselves in another problem because their kids have now experienced a sense of accomplishment in the gaming world that can be rare in the lives of kids suffering from this disorder. The fast pace and sensory overload might get them hooked to the games and push real life and school work into the background.

Therefore, it is most essential that brain training games are used in moderation as there have been strong feedbacks that they do help the children. It is also seen that the adults suffering from the disorder also find it helpful.

Is James Lehman’s ‘Total Transformation’ a Scam?

If you are reading this article, then I presume that you are already aware of the fact that there is a parenting program available in the name of Total Transformation program by James Lehman.

And of course, if you are still reading on, then the big question in your mind right now is, ‘Is Total Transformation Program’ a big scam or is it really effective?

A very legitimate question in this world and age of internet where anything and everything goes. All that is required is the sales page, capable of sucking in the innocent and needy readers.

I heard of Total Transformation a few months ago. Naturally, the first question was, nay, the first thought was, Total Transformation  program is yet another scam.

I ignored it for a while. But whatever little I had heard and seen of Total Transformation, I could not keep it out of my mind simply because of what this program promised. To be honest, the video that I saw had everything to do with my current need of dealing with my teenage niece.

I am a big skeptic. More so because I am in the field of Human Development and I totally understand what it takes to bring about any kind of shift in human beings. The promises of Total Transformation looked too big to achieve, too good to be true, too instantaneous and Nescafe solution.

But then, the money back offer clinched the deal in favor of Total Transformation. Scam or no scam, I knew one thing. They cannot lie about refunding the amount especially if they are advertising on a National TV channel. Their requirement is that we should send them the feedback about the Total Transformation Program in terms of its effectivity and whether it made any difference in the behavior of the child.

So to answer your question, ‘Is Total Transformation Scam?’, my simple response is ‘No’. Because my money is safe. What more, I can keep the product even after getting back my refund. It will be FREE.

But what about the quality of the program. Is it worth spending my time, going through the entire product and implementing it on my child?

This is a big question and a real question and here I would like to write about the program, to evaluate the effort of James Lehman in creating a product which addresses one of the most important needs of today’s parents. Nothing can be more stressful for a parent than a child who does not listen, who misbehaves, and in cases of ADD and ADHD (children having the disorder of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) a program like this can be a blessing in the true sense of the word.

Elsewhere I have not just done Total Transformation reviews. I have also brought out the important aspects and approaches of this program including some techniques and tips for parenting a child who does not listen or take responsibility or has ADHD syndrome. I have done this for those readers who still may not want to buy James Lehman’s Total Transformation scam or no scam. This would be my way of supporting parents in their mission to raise a responsible and joyful child capable of making a difference in the world.

Are there celebrities with ADHD?

Do celebrities suffer from ADD or ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

If it is any consolation to you, then the answer is Yes.

There are many celebrities with ADHD and if you like to know their names, you will find list of celebrities with ADHD here along with what some of these celebrities with ADHD have to say about this disorder.

What is ADD or ADHD?

Attention Deficit Disorder is all about children showing signs of non-attentiveness, hyper active, non-focused and impulsiveness. However, this disorder is not restricted to just children.

In fact the studies have shown that approximately 10 million people have attention deficit disorder and what is more important to note is that 80 percent of children and toddlers who show signs and symptoms in their early age, grow up into adults with ADHD.

And this is valid even for the celebrities who may have shown symptoms in their childhood but because it may not have been noticed or taken care of at that point in time, they turn out to be celebrities with ADHD.

What are the main symptoms of Adult ADHD?

The adults with ADHD disorder will have the symptoms of generally being not organized. They tend to postpone things or generally procrastinate since they cannot be organized. This would lead to being forgetful and hence would have impact on their entire lifestyle as well as their careers as well.

What is worse is that their relationships also tend to suffer because of this disorder.

But support is available. And from the same celebrities who have had considerable difficulties coping with ADHD, here is what they have to say about this widespread disorder.

Celebrities with ADHD list:

Comedian and actor Jim carrey was not restless only in his movies. He was also restless and fidgety as a child.  He acknowledges that when in school, he used to complete his assignments quickly and then would disrupt and disturb the other students in the class. Since there is no treatment for ADD or ADHD to cure it permanently, there is always the possibility of controlling the symptoms.

Carrey did take the treatment but he converted his concern and challenge into opportunity and used his disorder to his advantage in his acting career. Because of his creativity and energy level, he became famous for these attributes and achieved his rare success as a comedian, very unique and creative.

If you need another celebrity with ADHD, who is not from the movie industry, then listen to what Olympic medalist Michael Phelps has to say. He is a celebrity with ADHD with a slight difference.

He was  identified with ADHD as early as 9 years old. He was given treatment including medication which helped him up to a point. However, with his energy level being so high, he diverted it to achieve excellence in the sport he loved most which was swimming.

The recommendation is that celebrities with ADHD have used this disorder in a very effective way. They were given a set routine to do the task they loved and which required the energy level they possessed.

A child, especially, will feel really good when he or she is rewarded for a set behavior which is considered a good behavior leading to outstanding achievements as it happened in the case of Olympick medalist Michael Phelps.

In my other articles, I have continued with celebrities with ADHD and their recommendations about how to deal with ADD or ADHD

ADHD in toddlers or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Toddlers is a syndrome.

Generally speaking, it is distinguished through the following characteristics or symptoms:

Distractibility
Inattentiveness
Hyperactivity
Impulsivity

The parents generally get concerned when they begin to see early sign of ADHD in toddlers. But how can you figure out or become sure that the above symptoms are necessarily related to the syndrome of ADHD. When does it become a realistic worry or cause for concern?

ADHD in Toddlers – 4 Early symptoms or Alert signs:

To identify the warning signs for ADHD in Toddlers is a challenging task. While the warning signs get displayed because of certain behavioral  issues that go beyond the challenges of early childhood found in normal children, one needs to be aware that ADHD in toddlers cannot be identified in a straight forward manner.

Toddlers do demonstrate abnormal behavior like anger, throwing tantrums, hitting or biting, or other symptoms, it is important to take note of the guidelines provided by American Academy of Pediatrics which says that children below the age of 6 cannot be diagnosed. Below the age of 6, the toddlers may show this problematic behavior not because of ADHD but could be because of some other disorders or emotional  upsets.

The doctors also do not make use of any imaging or laboratory tests. They just go by the behavioral symptoms and signs which are found abnormal and the only way out to diagnose these behavioral patterns as ADHD is by ruling out other possible disorders. This does allow the doctors to give a verdict about ADHD in toddlers.  However, authorities on this subject mention that if these early signs continue to show up, and they persist on a regular and consistent basis, then this must raise a red flag or warning sign for the parents.

Watch out for the early signs and symptoms of ADHD.

Hyperfocus:

The problematic behavior relates to the toddler not being able to pay attention to what you are trying to show him or her. However, it could also be possible that the toddler has got attracted to something other than what you are showing. To label a child as suffering from ADHD, they must show signs of seeking different activity one after the other, not being able to keep the focus on any one activity.

Hyperactivity:

Children generally are very activity oriented. For toddler to be labeled as ADHD, he must display hyperactivity by not sleeping enough. The toddler, as per the Academy, must sleep for 12 hours on average. While the parents get exhausted by taking care of the toddlers, the toddler would seem unaffected and would continue to display energy and hyperactivity. They don’t seem to feel the sleep deficiency that we adults generally do. The toddler will also resist sitting at one place, even when it is lunch or dinner time. The movement will be a constant feature for such a toddler.

Food Sensitivities:

Toddlers who are genuinely suffering from ADHD will also have problems with certain kind of foods. They will be sensitive and hence it would be important not to serve things like sweeteners or food coloring or any other type of preservatives and in some cases even sugar may be eliminated. Some parents go as far as avoiding wheat, eggs, dairy products, soya and even chocolates.

Impulsivity:

The toddler suffering from ADHD syndrome will have difficulty in giving space to others. For example, they will not allow others to speak, or will interfere constantly when others are speaking. They will keep talking loudly and without stopping. They will also have the tendency to act before considering the possible consequences of their action. The reactive nature would be very evident in spite of the fact that they get hurt while reacting. These behavioral problems lead to impulsivity as they grow up.

The above symptoms or signs are the early warning signs. Keep a watchful eye on such children if you are teacher or a parent. Consistent pattern should become the cause for concern. But do wait till the toddler becomes 6 year old before any final verdict is given by the doctor about ADHD in toddlers.

Are you looking for ADHD checklist for your child?

If you are, then this article will help you. I have arrived at this adhd symptom checklist based on my personal experience plus my research related to adhd symptoms. My conclusion is that this ADHD checklist may be a good guide to indicate the possibility of adhd but cannot be taken as the evidence of adhd in children.

Whenever it is suggested that the child is suffering from ADHD i.e. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, the process of evaluation begins by looking at the following ADD ADHD checklist of symptoms.

When there are enough symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity and impulsivity, then it becomes necessary to refer the child to the expert or professionals in this field.

Despite these symptoms, there is always a possibility that it is not because of ADHD but other behavioral problems. Hence, it is extremely important to take professional advice before giving any treatment or medicine.

The ADD ADHD checklist for symptoms are related to the following areas:
Inattention
Hyperactivity
Impulsivity

Inattention:

• Failure to give attention to details leading to errors and mistakes which would be considered careless when doing school work or other activities.

• Difficulty in sustaining attention on any task or activity for a reasonable period of time

• Does not pay attention to the speaker and hence finds it difficult to listen.

• Has consistent shown that there is no follow up on activities whether school work or personal

• This leads to disorganization and lack of prioritization of tasks

• Clearly shows dislike or constant reluctance and resistance that require mental tasks or activities that require longer duration of attention.

• Losing necessary things would be a constant affair. Small and big things, important and critical things are also forgotten often.

• Distraction is a common feature. Always gets distracted by outside triggers.

• Generally forgetful in daily chores and activities and cannot be relied upon to take care of any task independently.

Hyperactivity:

• Constantly keeps fidgeting with hands or feet

• Cannot seat at one place for a reasonable period of time. Ends up leaving the seat whether in classroom or any other place.

• Runs or climbs even in non-appropriate places

• Cannot remain quiet nor can play any games quietly. Talks too much without any real need.

Impulsivity:

• Reacts very fast in most situations.  Answers before the question is completed. Does not take time to think through in most situations.

• Keeps interfering without waiting for his or her turn. Cannot hold himself back in any conversation or activity.

The above symptoms have been adapted from various authentic studies done.

To reiterate, this ADHD checklist for parents is for a quick reference and to identify the possibility. This ADD ADHD checklist is not the conclusive evidence of the existence of ADHD in children.

Habits of highly effective parenting is a helpful parenting program for all parents. In this article, I will dwell upon the Fourth habit or rule or guideline that we need to bring into play if we desire to be an effective parent and of course, to ensure that our child grows up into a healthy and responsible human being.

The Fourth Effective Parenting Habit relates to the following aspect:

Love must be unconditional or it is manipulation. Unconditional love only affirms a human being and enables that person to grow.

If you like, you may consider this aspect to be the mother of all habits.

Nothing works and nothing will work in any relationship if it is based on give and take philosophy.

The give and take principle is ideal when it comes to fairness or when you are involved in a business transaction. But the moment you bring this notion into play in your relationship with your child, you are asking for trouble.

Parenting is all about love. It is all about unconditional love.

Unfortunately, we have forgotten this basic law in this equity based society where it has been grilled into our heads that we must not let anyone take us for a ride, we must learn to assert ourselves, and we must get what we deserve.

While it is a very valuable lesson for survival, it is crucial to remember that this very approach has made our society less tolerant, less trusting and most important, less and less Giving.

When does a relationship thrive?

Which relationship survives and grows into a healthy and happy companionship?

Definitely not, when the predominant notion is 50:50.

The notion that I will give 50 percent of my share and you give the other 50 percent. I will take care of 50 percent of household work, earnings, taking care of the children, taking care of the parents, etc and you do the other 50 percent. Even when it comes to offering my love, I will give 50 percent and you do the same.

In real life, in love life, 50:50 theory is destined to fail.

The only theory that works and will work is ’100 percent from my side’.

When you love someone, you don’t worry about how much you love and are getting in return. When you are in love, all that matters is your love. The satisfaction and happiness arises out of being in love, not in getting results or rewards for your love.

To clarify a bit more, assume that one partner is offering 51 percent and the other gives 49 percent. Eventually, the first partner will bring down his share to 49 percent. In reaction, this will lead the second partner to offer 47 percent. And this tug of war will then continue.

And what will be the end result?

Both will be bring down their share to zero percent. This is what divorces are made up of.

If you are looking to be an effective parent, if you are seeking to bring about a shift in the behavior of your child, it happens only and only when the you are able to distinguish the self from the behavior of your child.

What is not appropriate is the child’s behavior. Not his self.

You love his self and that has no relationship to how the child behaves. The love remains constant. All that is sought to be corrected is the behavior.

And that is being asked of the child in his or her own interest. Then it does not matter whether you apply the strategy of supporting and counselling or you take the strategy of directing and punishing. The child will get it.

The child will eventually realize that it was the love that directed him/her to the appropriate path, the unconditional love. And this will reaffirm the human dimension of the child and enable him to grow.

And finally, this brings us to the question:

Should a child with performance or behavior problem need different strokes, different rules?

Should they be held to different standards compared to a normal child?

This will be covered in the fifth habit of highly effective parenting.

The next article we will talk about the Fifth Habit of Highly Effective Parenting.