Research & Future Tech
The issue is Attention
Hi there and welcome to our research zone please remember to look at the other tabs under the Research and Future Tech Tab were you should find all the answers to most of your more technical questions.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has a prevalence rate of between 2%-18% in school children (Skounti et al, 2007), although many children may suffer without being diagnosed.
- ADHD is an enduring mental disorder, characterised by symptoms of inattention alone or a combination with hyperactivity and impulsivity (American Psychology Association, 1994).
- The inability to attend tends to lead individuals to be impatient, restless, and impulsive in their interactions (Thompson & Thompson, 2005) exacerbated in under active attend conditions (low stimuli) (Barry et al, 2003), which may be comparable of a school classroom.
- The severity of which of these symptoms are displayed is known to significantly impair a person’s ability to function effectively at home, school and the work place .
- Many children with ADHD also reveal other learning difficulties including dyslexia (Shastry, 2007).
- In addition to observed learning difficulties, common co-morbid problems are specific language impairment, clumsiness, visual-motor dysfunction and emotional disorders (Bauermeister et al, 2007; Bruce et al, 2006).
- Without treatment children and adolescents with ADHD are at greater risk of developing academic, behavioural, mood and anxiety disorders, incur injury, and struggle with solvent abuse disorders. Similarly when not treated, adults with a childhood history of ADHD have lower academic achievements, more expulsion, higher incident of psychiatric disorders, substance abuse and criminal behaviour, have more jobs, lay-offs, and an overall job status lower than peers of similar intelligence (without ADHD) (cited in Monastra et al, 2005).
EEG and ADHD
- Electroencephalography (EEG) is the measurement of electrical activity produced by the brain as recorded from electrodes placed on the scalp.
- EEG is indicative of both function and processing, by measuring the electrically active various brain regions and how responsive they are to stimuli or during cognitive tasks.
- EEG comparative studies between children with and without ADHD display constantly show differences in brain activity (Chabot & Serfontein,1996, cited in Loo & Barkley, 2005)
- Collectively, the EEG findings in children, adolescents and adults with ADHD show an increase in slow-wave activity in the frontal regions suggesting cortical hypo-arousal (Loo & Barkley, 2005).
- Due to EEG patterns differing in individuals with ADHD and those without and since operant conditioning of brain wave patterns is possible (Sterman, 2000), it follows that people can learn to produce EEG activity that is associated with being calm, alert and focused and thus control their ADHD symptoms.
- In addition, be able to change the brain with neurofeedback training, which is consistent with discoveries of neuroplasticity which suggests that growth of dendrites and new neurons (brain cells) is possible even later in life (Snowden, 2001).
- Full references available upon request.
Play Attention Solution-Option
- Play Attention is a powerful learning system that uses a patented ‘edufeedback’ protocol while Play Attention computer games are linked via a high-tech helmet to ‘listen’ to brain signals via EEG indicative of focus or concentration. No Focus = No Play.
- These brain signals control our computer games. Your mind becomes the mouse! These games not only teach you to improve focus, but also to ignore distractions, develop memory skills, finish tasks, and become organised. These skills can improve school work, improve self-esteem, and make life at home much happier.
- Scientific research has demonstrated that the brain is adaptable and capable of learning throughout life. This is termed neuroplasticity (as described earlier).
- Play Attention allows the user to view the attentive state in real time. Over time, through deliberate practice, Play Attention students can learn to increase focus and concentration.
- Deliberate practice entails setting goals to improve skill performance. The interactive exercises also challenge Play Attention students to improve memory, finishing tasks, visual tracking, and filtering out distractions.
- Gradually, the student can retain the skills necessary to be successful in the classroom, work, and home.
- Commitment by a Play Attention student and parents is required for approx 10-12 months, thereafter research has shown that positive changes in the brain are still evident 12-months later and just an annual Play Attention check up may be advised (just like going to your gym and working on your other muscles!).
