How Can Interactive Metronome Help My Child with ADHD?
ADHD makes it difficult for children to sustain attention and focus, especially with action-packed video games, 500 channel cable services and increasingly larger class sizes creating distractions all around them. Focus and concentration are dependent on timing. Much of our lives revolve around timing. Reading relies on timing. Sleep cycles rely on brain timing. Speaking is all about pauses and timing. Walking in rhythm relies on coordinated, timed movement, as does dancing; even baking cookies is a matter of timing. Synchronizing the body’s “internal clock” helps the functional brain networks communicate rhythmically and efficiently. The efficient communication between the brain and body allows all systems to be working at peak levels. When everything is working at the optimum level, the brain’s cognitive processes are free to work on memory, processing and coordinating action, all while still maintaining focus!
Interactive Metronome to the Rescue!
Interactive Metronome® (IM) is a patented and unique training tool that challenges thinking and movement simultaneously, providing real-time millisecond feedback to help synchronize the body’s “internal clock.” IM training also addresses sustained attention by guiding users to repeatedly respond to a cue across varying lengths of time. With IM training, there is no need for medication that only addresses the symptoms, and not the underlying problem. Research shows that combining whole body movements with cognitive tasks leads to overall better outcomes. In fact, a study from Baylor University reveals that students who received “just 15 minutes of IM training, four days a week” in addition to language and reading intervention, demonstrated significant improvement in reading rate, fluency and comprehension over students who just received language and reading instruction.
It isn’t just researchers who see the changes. Parents are noticing a difference also. Take Brian, for example… His parents never thought he would be able to focus and control his behavior. However, IM training has helped Brian really take control of his life. His is no longer acting out, instead he is back to acting at the local theatre. And Laura’s parents state: “Laura seems to be more definitive in what she is trying to communicate.” She is “more vocal in expressing feelings,” and she “seems to have more of a take charge attitude – in a good way! Laura has more initiative to do things.”
IM training is also great because you can take it home with you. You no longer have to worry about working trips to the clinic into your busy schedule. With IM-Home, your child is able to complete their training under the supervision of your therapist, but in the comfort of your own home.
Interested in learning more? Click here to schedule an appointment today!