The number of children being diagnosed with ADD and ADHD is continually increasing. Survey results from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention summarizing the past 10 years on the prevalence of this diagnosis are sobering:
- Approximately 11% of children 4-17 years of age (6.4 million) have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2011.
- The percentage of children with an ADHD diagnosis continues to increase, from 7.8% in 2003 to 9.5% in 2007 and to 11.0% in 2011.
- Rates of ADHD diagnosis increased an average of 3% per year from 1997 to 2006 [Read article] and an average of approximately 5% per year from 2003 to 2011.
(http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html)
Have you noticed lately how difficult it is to maintain your attention on any one thing for an extended period? There are so many distractions in our environment that make focusing your attention a formidable task at the best of times.
For those with symptoms of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) the task is even more formidable.
Here is some good news! There are many non-invasive ways to use music and sound as a viable alternative therapy.
It is possible that up to 30 percent of those diagnosed with ADHD may have Auditory Processing Disorder. Difficulties with auditory processing mean that it can be really hard to understand verbal instructions, for example. Especially if several instructions are listed together.
“Visual processing and ADHD have common genetics and auditory processing and ADHD do too. Interestingly, it appears that impulsive behavior, in particular, is tied to the DRD2 gene which is one of the several ADHD genes that can be influenced by music. Studies on the DRD2 gene and music have found that listening to music improves functional and effective connectivity between brain regions mediating reward, autonomic and cognitive processing.” (From an article called “Auditory Processing, Music and ADHD” http://www.primarilyinattentiveadd.com/2010/05/auditory-processing-music-and-adhd.html
One company that is at the forefront of the research on music and auditory processing is Advanced Brain Technologies (www.advancedbrain.com) and the clinical work they do through The Listening Program. (www.thelisteningprogram.com).
I highly recommend their programs.
A Canadian company that has also had success with clients with symptoms of ADD and ADHD is The Listening Centre with offices in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. (www.listeningcentre.com). This company’s services are based on the work of Dr. Alfred Tomatis.
For those in Calgary there is now a Tomatis practitioner here in the city, Adelina Coresi. http://www.tomatiscalgary.ca/
Hemi-Sync® has also created audio programs using brainwave entrainment technology. You can find out about them here: http://www.hemi-sync.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=204&cat=ADD
Another company is creating what they call BrainBalance Music with specific applications of the music to the hemispheres of the brain in treating symptoms of ADD, ADHD and other conditions. You can check them out at: http://www.i-waveonline.com/
Here is a recent news program from Utah about how a composer is exploring composing music to show down hyperactive children – Really cool! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76F8ot8Cb9U
Various music therapy associations also support ongoing research in how music assists many conditions. If you are interested in more of the research, check out the association’s websites.
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About Sharon Carne:
Sharon Carne, BMus, M.F.A. is an author, speaker, musician, recording artist, sound healer, Reiki master and consultant. Sharon is the founder of Sound Wellness, whose programs are at the forefront of education in how sound and music can be easily applied to your everyday life – to reduce stress, help you concentrate, energize you, inspire you, support your health and so much more.
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