Individuals with specal needs form our largest clientele. Working with a special needs child can be very challenging but at the same time rewarding. Many often do not "outgrow" their condition, but are able to lead a fuller, healthier and more meaning ful life. With the implementation of proper intervention and support, many have normalized to a significant extent.
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Description
Attention deficit disorder (ADD), also commonly identified as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder. It is primarily characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. These behavioural characteristics often significantly disrupt academic performance and social relationships.ADHD Biochemistry
Exposure to pollution and nutritional imbalance can affect the brain function, learning and behaviour.
Most children with attention deficit disorder hyperactive type have been found to have an active thyroid and adrenal glands. This activation increases body metabolism while those inattentive type tend to have slow metabolism due to low thyroid function. Furthermore, a variety of toxins such as allergens and food additives have been considered as possible causes of attention deficit disorder over the years. The following nutritional profile has been found to have correlation with attention deficit disorder and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder:
- Active thyroid and adrenal glands.
- High lead level
- High mercury level
- High sodium level
- High potassium level
- High acidity
- High copper/zinc ratio
- High manganese level
- Low calcium, magnesium and zinc levels.
ADHD symptoms
The core behaviours of ADD/ADHD are inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Other symptoms include:
Disorganization
Impatient
Aggressive behaviour
Sensation-seeking behaviour
Daydreaming
Poor coordination
Memory problems
Difficulty in listening
Avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort.
To be diagnosed as ADD/ ADHD, these symptoms must prevail in at least two settings.
Attention Deficit Disorder Hyperactivity Intervention
High levels of sodium and potassium indicates acidity in the body. Acidity has been known to cause learning difficulties, especially in speech and language while high copper/zinc ratio or high level of manganese have been known to cause symptoms of hyperactivity and behavioural problems. Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis test is an inexpensive yet effective method in identifying mineral levels and toxicity in the body. Intervention through supplementation and dietary habits could be designed to overcome the imbalances and toxicity.
One of the hallmarks of ADD/ADHD is the excess of a type of brain wave called Theta (4-7Hz). Many researchers found that these excess are commonly found in the frontal and prefrontal regions of the brain. We routinely do a QEEG brain mapping for our clients. We found that Theta brain wave excess can also occur at other parts of the brain which can affects impulse control and learning. Our QEEG allows us to be more elaborate to see where the excess Theta brain waves are and also whether there is any other issues such as cortical fatigue to be addressed.
Neurofeedback has been used as an intervention for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) since the 1970s. Neurofeedback intervention is non-drug alternative that aims at exercising specific parts of the brain. With neurofeedback, attention deficit and/or hyperactive individuals will learn to regulate the neural activities at these brain locations, thereby changing their brain wave patterns. Finally, these regulations will result in:
- Improved attention span and focus or concentration
- Decrease in day-dreaming
- Decrease in hyperactivity or restlessness
- Improve academic performance
- Decrease disruptive behaviour
- Improve social skills
