by Pennie Sempell
ADHD is the most common psychiatric childhood disorder in the USA and it is increasing globally, with use of stimulants drugs on the rise since the early 1990s.
A new study using brain scans is shedding light on ADHD. A report from the National Academy of Sciences finds that most kids with ADHD grow out of it. The scans used new imaging technology to “watch” 40,000 points in the subjects’ brains over time. Apparently, the brain achieves a peak thickness in childhood. Typically, developing kids’ cortex mature at age 7-1/2, but in children with ADHD, this development was three years behind. Aside from time, however, the brains develop the same way.
“The lag was most obvious in the prefrontal cortex, the study found, the area of the brain critical to cognitive functions like memory, attention focusing, higher-order motor control and the ability to suppress inappropriate responses and thoughts.” Interestingly, the primary motor cortex develops faster in the ADHD brain, which may explain the restless behaviors with kids with ADHD.
For many kids and adults with attention deficit disorder the core issue is paying attention. It makes sense that training that helps the mind to focus and pay attention would be a good idea. Mindful awareness, or meditation, is just what doctors at UCLA have been studying to help improve attention in their Mindful Awareness Research Center. Mindful awareness is based on practices developed thousands of years ago, and while part of many religious traditions, is not necessarily religious or spiritual.
I have found that young children can learn simple mindful awareness exercises that help calm the mind and focus attention. Here is one such exercise from our Healthier Happier Life Skills series that you can do together at home, for example at bedtime:
Lying down, place the right hand on the crown of your head (that’s where the rain hits first). Place your left hand on your belly. Breathe normally. Breath in. Notice the breath rising naturally under your hand. Breath out. Count 1. Repeat. Breathe in/out, counting up to 9. Optional: Continue silently for a few minutes. Use a quiet, soothing tone when guiding your child.
I welcome your questions and feedback. A relaxation podcast is available at no cost for busy parents and teachers on our new website.
Pennie Sempell is an integrative health therapist and wellness educator who works with children and adults of all ages and needs. Pennie has taught preschool in Washington, D.C. and California, and directed an aquatic fitness program for children. She has earned numerous professional certifications in mediation and peer counseling, research-based mind-body therapies, and traditional healing art therapies.
Visit her new site for FREE resources: www.healthierhappierlife.com
ADHD is the most common psychiatric childhood disorder in the USA and it is increasing globally, with use of stimulants drugs on the rise since the early 1990s.
A new study using brain scans is shedding light on ADHD. A report from the National Academy of Sciences finds that most kids with ADHD grow out of it. The scans used new imaging technology to “watch” 40,000 points in the subjects’ brains over time. Apparently, the brain achieves a peak thickness in childhood. Typically, developing kids’ cortex mature at age 7-1/2, but in children with ADHD, this development was three years behind. Aside from time, however, the brains develop the same way.
“The lag was most obvious in the prefrontal cortex, the study found, the area of the brain critical to cognitive functions like memory, attention focusing, higher-order motor control and the ability to suppress inappropriate responses and thoughts.” Interestingly, the primary motor cortex develops faster in the ADHD brain, which may explain the restless behaviors with kids with ADHD.
For many kids and adults with attention deficit disorder the core issue is paying attention. It makes sense that training that helps the mind to focus and pay attention would be a good idea. Mindful awareness, or meditation, is just what doctors at UCLA have been studying to help improve attention in their Mindful Awareness Research Center. Mindful awareness is based on practices developed thousands of years ago, and while part of many religious traditions, is not necessarily religious or spiritual.
I have found that young children can learn simple mindful awareness exercises that help calm the mind and focus attention. Here is one such exercise from our Healthier Happier Life Skills series that you can do together at home, for example at bedtime:
Lying down, place the right hand on the crown of your head (that’s where the rain hits first). Place your left hand on your belly. Breathe normally. Breath in. Notice the breath rising naturally under your hand. Breath out. Count 1. Repeat. Breathe in/out, counting up to 9. Optional: Continue silently for a few minutes. Use a quiet, soothing tone when guiding your child.
I welcome your questions and feedback. A relaxation podcast is available at no cost for busy parents and teachers on our new website.
Pennie Sempell is an integrative health therapist and wellness educator who works with children and adults of all ages and needs. Pennie has taught preschool in Washington, D.C. and California, and directed an aquatic fitness program for children. She has earned numerous professional certifications in mediation and peer counseling, research-based mind-body therapies, and traditional healing art therapies.
Visit her new site for FREE resources: www.healthierhappierlife.com
