ADD and Biofeedback Therapy
The volume of information relating to Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is staggering, and growing.
Long ago, kids afflicted with ADD were probably considered "high-strung"--whatever that means, and were seldom helped via the public school system.
Today, there are probably hundreds of thousands of schoolchildren, and now adults, taking medications to help them with this disorder. Symptoms can range from mild (day dreamers) to severe (learning disabilities).
Fortunately many teachers now realize that ADD kids have more trouble than the average kid in distinguishing between same-sounding-different-meaning words, and teach ADD kids the difference between them. This is simple and effective for language learning.
Aside from the medication regime for ADD, Biofeedback Therapy has been used for over 20 years and teaches the child to pay attention via a computer monitor and electrodes pasted to his or her head. When attention wanders, the mis-behaving brainwaves signal software, and a beep is emitted from the computer. This beep signals the child that their attention has wandered off.
Some children require a handful of sessions, severe cases may require up to 60. The price tag is not for the faint of heart. But the benefits are well worth the price.
There's a problem however. While the biofeedback-trained child will have a marvelous attention span, if there are any sequelae such as impulsivity, chronic lying, or other disorders, they'll still be there. And since the child can now pay attention, they either 1) stop the other bad behaviors or 2) seem to learn how to perform bad behavior even better!
Still...they're in a catch 22 situation. Part of them is "fixed" and part is not. Eventually most ADD children learn splinter skills to help them deal with the other parts of the disorders. Meanwhile it's stressful for the parents and families, a stress that's not easily relieved.
Some don't believe this disorder exists. All I can say to those disbelievers is--borrow an ADD child for a weekend, then talk to me about it?
Long ago, kids afflicted with ADD were probably considered "high-strung"--whatever that means, and were seldom helped via the public school system.
Today, there are probably hundreds of thousands of schoolchildren, and now adults, taking medications to help them with this disorder. Symptoms can range from mild (day dreamers) to severe (learning disabilities).
Fortunately many teachers now realize that ADD kids have more trouble than the average kid in distinguishing between same-sounding-different-meaning words, and teach ADD kids the difference between them. This is simple and effective for language learning.
Aside from the medication regime for ADD, Biofeedback Therapy has been used for over 20 years and teaches the child to pay attention via a computer monitor and electrodes pasted to his or her head. When attention wanders, the mis-behaving brainwaves signal software, and a beep is emitted from the computer. This beep signals the child that their attention has wandered off.
Some children require a handful of sessions, severe cases may require up to 60. The price tag is not for the faint of heart. But the benefits are well worth the price.
There's a problem however. While the biofeedback-trained child will have a marvelous attention span, if there are any sequelae such as impulsivity, chronic lying, or other disorders, they'll still be there. And since the child can now pay attention, they either 1) stop the other bad behaviors or 2) seem to learn how to perform bad behavior even better!
Still...they're in a catch 22 situation. Part of them is "fixed" and part is not. Eventually most ADD children learn splinter skills to help them deal with the other parts of the disorders. Meanwhile it's stressful for the parents and families, a stress that's not easily relieved.
Some don't believe this disorder exists. All I can say to those disbelievers is--borrow an ADD child for a weekend, then talk to me about it?
posted by KennewickMusing at
7:21 PM
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