ADD, ADHD & Hyperactivity 


Attention deficit & hyperactivity learning disorders

Some people have trouble paying attention and sitting still, either in the classroom, at home or at work. They are usually distractible, find it difficult to filter out background noises and struggle to focus on what’s meaningful.

The need to move, which is more prominent in males can disrupt classrooms and workplaces. Hyperactivity can be caused by a dopamine deficiency and if you move it allows the body to release dopamine, which improves attention. This is why some people wiggle or fidget with a pen when they are trying to concentrate.

Many of those with an attention deficit process slowly. They can only manage to comprehend a few words at a time, sometimes half of a sentence. They quickly become overloaded and lose attention. Their memory and output is often mixed-up, resulting in a delay in speech and language.

 

Understanding ADHD

ADHD is complex and challenges include phonics, understanding new words, reading, spelling and comprehension. ADD or ADHD is a common diagnosis given to children with these symptoms. Auditory processing problems are seen in approximately 70% of children with learning difficulty and 50% of children labelled ADD/ ADHD.

Attention and reading difficulties can be addressed with listening therapy. It is not commonly understood that we actually read with our ears! Reading involves the coordination of visual input and analysis of letter sounds, simultaneously. The brain interprets these sounds by analysing pitch, loudness and duration. Therefore, the process of decoding letters into sound is improved significantly when auditory processing skills are more accurate and efficient.

Many children with learning difficulties are prescribed drugs and referred to speech or other therapies, which target the symptom rather than the cause.

Targeting the causes

Our experience suggests that it is more productive to target the sensory causes of a learning difficulty rather than the symptoms. Interventions like auditory, motor and vision therapy target these causes and have the potential to deliver life long changes in performance.

Start today! Take the Listening Scorecard.

What else might help?

  • Introduce a balanced, fresh and varied diet
  • Eliminate soft drinks, fruit juice and processed food
  • Identify appropriate dietary supplements
  • Investigate digestion
  • Intermittent Hypoxic therapy