Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Sounds are Distracting

Background competing speech can distract attention, especially when heard louder and more clearly than speech. Likewise, sounds can be heard more loudly by one person than others.

An Illustration

Think about the loudness of running water. Then, add physically having your back turned to the person talking. The loudness of the running water covers up speech. Additionally, you are unable to subconsciously lip read. Both make it more difficult to listen with comprehension. Imagine feeling like this all day long, especially in a classroom.

Children whose vision blurs are unable to compensate because looking at a face that blurs and clears distracts the brain from listening.

Contrary to what most people believe, a weakness in the hearing system can make it much harder for the brain to turn down the volume of sounds, ignore irrelavant sounds.

With Cheri’s help you can understand confounding behaviors.

Auditory Integration Training Improves Attention

During auditory integration training, parents shared that their child’s behaviors became noticeably calmer with improved attention. However, hyperactivity increased once they finished their listening program.

 Six months later after completion of the second listening program, parents and educators saw continuing improvements in attention and listening behaviors.

Researchers found that it takes time for auditory neural pathways to become strong enough to noticeably change behaviors. Berard-based Auditory Integration Training improves attention in those with a neurodevelopmental diagnosis like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Movement Calms and Develops the Brain

The brain prompts you to move! Hyperactivity, movement, is seeking behavior giving the brain   exactly what it needs for development and emotional health.

Researchers found that repetitive movements are calming and that stimulating movement energizes the brain increasing alertness.

A simplified explanation, vestibular play calms the brain by pushing stimulation in a predictable pattern to the brain.   Thus, the next time you feel uptight or stressed, I encourage you to enjoy repetitious movement like,

• Steadily rock in a rocking chair
• Steadily swing on a porch swing
• Jump up and down
• Play hopscotch or jump rope
• Sit-ups, push-ups, jumping jacks, toe touches

Researchers found that vestibular activities benefitted physical and emotional health of college students. Deep pressure, sharing, and dietary changes also help improve stress hormonal functions.

(The Whole Brain Child, Trauma-Based Intervention—neurochemistry of fear)