A.D.D. AND LEARNING WITH THE D.A.V.I.D.by Donalie Caldwell, Mind Connection

Attention Deficit Disorder with or without hyperactivity can be a serious disability. Between 5 and 10% of all children have this disorder which can lead to significant under-achievement. Left untreated almost 80% are retained one or more years and nearly half will drop out and fail to graduate. Low self-esteem and depression are a too common outcome. ADD is a chronic disorder that usually continues into adulthood. There is no known "cure" for ADD/ADHD. Often these people simply learn to manage their symptoms through behavior modification. There are various treatments available: Medication, Homeopathic, Behavior Modification, Neurofeedback and Brainwave Entrainment.

Recent research suggests the behavioral manifestations of ADD as secondary outcomes, consequences of neurological abnormalities. EEG recordings show that children with ADD produce more theta activity in the frontal and central cortical regions on the brain and less beta activity. These disproportionate levels of brain activity indicate under arousal. Studies using positron emissions tomography confirm that reduced cerebral blood flow and lower levels of glucose metabolism characterize ADD. To compensate for this under-arousal, stimulant medication is often prescribed. An alternative approach to treating ADD is brainwave entrainment.

Studies using the DAVID (Digital Audio-Visual Entrainment Device) have shown improvements in attention, impulsivity and behavior. This was based on 20-minute sessions daily over a period of two months. The process of the flashing lights and pulsed tones of the DAVID, stimulates the cerebral blood flow and glucose metabolism. It also causes the electrical activity of the whole brain to resonate or entrain at the same frequency as the stimulation. Thus, the brainwave frequency can be raised, overcoming the under-arousal state.

In the same study, learning disabled children with reading difficulties were also included. The results showed significant improvement in reading, spelling and fluency. The teachers reported the students seemed to have enhanced self-esteem and were generally happier. The DAVID is now being used increasingly within the Minnesota school system, where one study was conducted. Special needs school teachers and counselors are also starting to be trained in the use of this incredible technology.

Other slow brainwave disorders believed to respond with the DAVID are: closed head injury(cerebral palsy), fibromyalgia, PMS, chronic fatigue, SAD and insomnia. The device can also be used for meditation, stress reduction, pain relief, to improve sleep, enhance mental performance, increase peak sports performance and boost creativity.

Children with autism have responded with improved sleep patterns as well as reduction in their stress level, and improvements in behavior and socialization skills.

The DAVID programs have the capability of slowing or increasing the brainwaves as well as stimulating one brain hemisphere more than another or integrating both hemispheres for maximum whole brain functioning.

This amazing technology truly can change lives and make our journey through life so much easier.


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