ADHD, Video Games, and Brain Training: Improving Focus
Many skeptics question the validity of an ADD/ADHD diagnosis because often these individuals are capable of demonstrating almost obsessive focus in one or two activities. With children, and some adults, the most common activity that can draw attention from an ADHD individual involves video and computer games. Why?
Research from NASA and neurological specialists suggests that there may be a natural dopamine reward system in the brain that creates a positive sensation to video gaming. It is sort of like the pleasure sensation that rewards chocolate consumers, in a broad sense. Video games also provide immediate feedback.
Think about it for a moment: kids in school are encouraged to work hard, turn in assignments, study and take tests, but the reward for their efforts isn't always instant. Report cards are handed out two to four times a year, depending on the curriculum, and those kids who are not doing well may not be receiving any reward despite their efforts.
In contrast, video games have short-term goals (e.g. beat the level, get the points) as well as long-term goals (e.g. beat the game) with a variety of positive rewards along the way. With many games, the levels are relatively short and this provides for a fast reward as the individual keeps playing. Now research suggests that video gaming may be used to help train ADD and ADHD sufferers to have increased and improved attention, focus, and control. This research stems from NASA research for astronauts on long trips.
Click here to read the entire article
Now, playing Mario Kart may not make me smarter but I will say that playing video games and in particular Bejeweled, has allowed me to clear my mind and focus solely on the game for at least that minute. My self diagnosed ADD is consuming at times. Playing these games seems to allow me to get my mind back some days!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Day 68
Can't we all just get along?
Is it so hard to be kind to others? Are people just that unhappy in life or with themselves that they have to talk about others in a negative way? I am shocked by the level of meanness that can be and is displayed by adults toward other adults. I was at a picnic this weekend and a guest at the picnic was making snide remarks and rude comments about someone else at the picnic. I had no words! (well actually I did in my head but out of respect to our hosts, I kept my mouth from saying what I was thinking!)
I mean, if these peanuts can live harmoniously side by side in the same case, why can't people? (I'd hate to see what happens after store hours!)
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Day 67
This is my buddy.I would do anything for her. I would even protect her from evil black cats. Yes, I said it... My 75lb German Shepherd is afraid of a cat. :( that's ok. Can't be worse than her 31, almost 32 yr old owner being deathly afraid of the dentist!?!?!?
This is my buddy.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Day 66
In today’s video game culture, how can we get kids off the sofa and back on the playground?
The answer is NEOS.
NEOS—the world’s first electronic playsystems for the playground—combines the speed and fun of video games with the explosive movement of aerobic exercise to create the most physically challenging and exciting activity ever to hit your playspace. In fact, playing NEOS delivers a workout comparable to jogging or playing soccer, raising heart rates by an average of 20%.
As players race each other and the clock, they’re developing their agility, coordination, strength, and stamina. They’re building teamwork and cooperation skills. And they’re having too much fun to notice!
So wish we had something like this growing up! This is at the playground at Overlook. The kids had a blast! They had fun on the "old" traditional playground equipment too...
The answer is NEOS.
NEOS—the world’s first electronic playsystems for the playground—combines the speed and fun of video games with the explosive movement of aerobic exercise to create the most physically challenging and exciting activity ever to hit your playspace. In fact, playing NEOS delivers a workout comparable to jogging or playing soccer, raising heart rates by an average of 20%.
As players race each other and the clock, they’re developing their agility, coordination, strength, and stamina. They’re building teamwork and cooperation skills. And they’re having too much fun to notice!
So wish we had something like this growing up! This is at the playground at Overlook. The kids had a blast! They had fun on the "old" traditional playground equipment too...
Friday, September 3, 2010
Day 65
COOTIE!!!!
This game was a childhood favorite! It was a staple at my Nana and Pappy's house! Back in the day when you sat down as a family and played games at the kitchen table. Before computers, before gameboys, before cell phones. There were no interruptions... just talking, laughing, and spending quality time together.
Other staples at Nana and Pappy's:
Poached eggs using Pappy's timer
laughing
Pepperidge Farm Oatmeal Toast
love
Murder She Wrote
laughing
The coo coo clock
love
The grandmother clock
laughing
Miami Vice
love
Old Maid
laughing
Go Fish
love
Getting my hair cut
laughing
Christmas in the basement
love
Pizza with hot dog toppings
laughing
The bells when you opened the door
LOVE
This game was a childhood favorite! It was a staple at my Nana and Pappy's house! Back in the day when you sat down as a family and played games at the kitchen table. Before computers, before gameboys, before cell phones. There were no interruptions... just talking, laughing, and spending quality time together.
Other staples at Nana and Pappy's:
Poached eggs using Pappy's timer
laughing
Pepperidge Farm Oatmeal Toast
love
Murder She Wrote
laughing
The coo coo clock
love
The grandmother clock
laughing
Miami Vice
love
Old Maid
laughing
Go Fish
love
Getting my hair cut
laughing
Christmas in the basement
love
Pizza with hot dog toppings
laughing
The bells when you opened the door
LOVE
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Day 64
It's the little things that really make life enjoyable...
This morning I'm a little cranky, a little nervous, a little excited, a little overwhelmed, etc...
I roll into Starbucks in Lititz and order my usual, artisan ham sandwich and a tall iced coffee, extra skim milk and 3 splenda. A quick exchange of goods and money and I'm off.
About 500 feet after turning on Rt 501, I am in a dead stopped line of traffic. Using every four letter word known to man, I am becoming more agitated by the second.
I took a deep breath, a sip of my iced coffee, and decided to take advantage of not driving to eat my sandwich. I went to open the bag and there on the left-hand side was the word, "Enjoy." It instantly put a smile on my face and I felt the muscles loosen a little in my body.
Starbucks was not slow this morning, in fact the line was almost to the main road of the shopping complex. Someone decided to take the extra 10 secs, on a VERY busy morning, to write a little note on my sandwich.
It made my day, reminding to me to slow down, take a deep breath, be thankful that I have a job to go to, and to enjoy the little things!
Thank you Starbucks!
“Plenty of people miss their share of happiness, not because they never found it, but because they didn't stop to enjoy it.” - William Feather
This morning I'm a little cranky, a little nervous, a little excited, a little overwhelmed, etc...
I roll into Starbucks in Lititz and order my usual, artisan ham sandwich and a tall iced coffee, extra skim milk and 3 splenda. A quick exchange of goods and money and I'm off.
About 500 feet after turning on Rt 501, I am in a dead stopped line of traffic. Using every four letter word known to man, I am becoming more agitated by the second.
I took a deep breath, a sip of my iced coffee, and decided to take advantage of not driving to eat my sandwich. I went to open the bag and there on the left-hand side was the word, "Enjoy." It instantly put a smile on my face and I felt the muscles loosen a little in my body.
Starbucks was not slow this morning, in fact the line was almost to the main road of the shopping complex. Someone decided to take the extra 10 secs, on a VERY busy morning, to write a little note on my sandwich.
It made my day, reminding to me to slow down, take a deep breath, be thankful that I have a job to go to, and to enjoy the little things!
Thank you Starbucks!
“Plenty of people miss their share of happiness, not because they never found it, but because they didn't stop to enjoy it.” - William Feather
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Day 63
New Apple Store in Paris... plane ticket to get there... $749
New Apple TV... $99
Apple Special Media Event... free downlaod
Spending time with DS watching said event... priceless
New Apple TV... $99
Apple Special Media Event... free downlaod
Spending time with DS watching said event... priceless
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