"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away." --Henry David Thoreau

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that is characterized by problems with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. For parents, it can make working with your child a frustrating experience. Simple tasks such as completing homework, cleaning their room, or getting them out of the house can feel like enormous challenges. However, there are many positive characteristics of children with ADHD including creativity, spontaneity, and a surplus of ideas. You just have to figure out how to employ these strengths to help your family’s life run smoothly!

Children with ADHD are often thought of as right-brained people in a left-brained world. Right-brained people tend to see the world in the "big picture" sense where imagination rules and risk-taking behavior is the norm as opposed to an exception. Their creativity, however, can give them an edge above others. They are stimulated by visual images and these “attention deficit” children can spend hours on the computer! Computer-based programs are appealing for children with ADHD because it enables them to satisfy their need for immediate gratification.

A local company is leading the fight against ADHD’s disruptive behaviors. Founded in 2004, Mind Gains, Incorporated Learning Center, www.mindgainsinc.com, uses the strengths of children with ADHD and channels them in a meaningful and productive direction. Mind Gains uses a computer-based program called Play Attention to help increase your child’s ability to focus. Play Attention was developed by NASA to improve pilots’ ability to stay focused. It uses engaging and innovative games that keep your child’s attention by providing visual images to track their focus. For example, a plane will fly up if your child is focused, mirroring their level of attention. If they lose focus, the plane will drop down, showing them that they are not paying attention. The program provides immediate feedback in real time as to whether or not they are concentrating.

Children with ADHD thrive on visual imagery and stimulation, so this program naturally works with their gifts. Mind Gains also utilizes one-on-one coaching to address each child’s specific needs. Coaching is a key component that can help translate what the child is learning to the real world. Mind Gains focuses on your child’s unique qualities and builds upon them to enhance their strengths so that they will be more successful in school, peer relationships, and at home! The Mind Gains program is also appropriate for children without a diagnosis, but for some reason need help with increasing focus.

For more information, go to:
www.mindgainsinc.com