Brain development/balance--interesting info

[petesgirl]

So I posted a few weeks ago about having my DS1 evaluated for ADD/ADHD. Since then, I have been researching all kinds of different strategies to improve executive function as well as local programs that do therapy for learning disorders etc. I know, overkill for not even having a diagnosis yet....ha ha. I stumbled upon the website of Brain Balance centers have been listening to their webinars and interviews.

Here are 2 fascinating ones, the first one has great ideas for practical things that kids (people) can do to develop both sides of their brain. I want to re-watch it and make a list for this summer.

https://info.brainbalancecenters.com..._hsmi=72904206

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGI6iQ1GW-Q

Both are about an hour long, but if anyone else has watched them before/does watch them, I am interested in your thoughts!
I am particularly fascinated by the idea that both presenters bring up about how movement and cognitive learning are interconnected--how important it is for young kids to not be sedentary, and that is for physical health as well as brain health and functioning.

The 2nd presenter talks about human brains develop in layers and if we push our infants to do things they aren't developmentally ready for, such as sitting them up and standing them too early, then the layers of their brain don't develop properly. I don't know if I agree with everything (I'm not a neurologist!) but do find it fascinating. He also has a lot of programs and products on his website that he is trying to sell...so there's that.

[azzeps]

I haven't watched those, but if you're interested in ADHD, I find Dr. Barkley fascinating: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bzhb...wWGP8i0mAs-cvY

I'll be honest, I haven't finished watching the whole thing, but what I did listen to was interesting!

Our sons are the same age! We had our son evaluated (psych ed eval) and are waiting for results. Lots of anxiety/behavior challenges going on at home, and school refusal, so we're trying to get to the bottom of it. I feel like there may be some ADHD, or something that looks like it!

[niccig]

Look carefully at the evidence for Brain Balance. There’s no research to prove their claims or efficacy of treatment. It costs a small fortune


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[LBW]

IIRC there is a book that describes the techniques that are used by the BB centers. Disconnected Kids, I think? If you think the program might be helpful, you may want to try doing the exercises, etc, at home. Would be much cheaper! As niccig stated, the BB centers are pretty controversial and expensive.

[petesgirl]

Look carefully at the evidence for Brain Balance. There’s no research to prove their claims or efficacy of treatment. It costs a small fortune


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Yeah, we definitely aren't doing their program! The founder's website has a bit of a MLM feel also, but I do find the science fascinating. I'm interested right now in finding practical activities we can do at home with the whole family that strength different areas of the brain.

[AngB]

Look carefully at the evidence for Brain Balance. There’s no research to prove their claims or efficacy of treatment. It costs a small fortune


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Yes, I have heard it is a big scam. They train any Joe Schmoe on their "techniques."

[petesgirl]

I haven't watched those, but if you're interested in ADHD, I find Dr. Barkley fascinating: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bzhb...wWGP8i0mAs-cvY

I'll be honest, I haven't finished watching the whole thing, but what I did listen to was interesting!

Our sons are the same age! We had our son evaluated (psych ed eval) and are waiting for results. Lots of anxiety/behavior challenges going on at home, and school refusal, so we're trying to get to the bottom of it. I feel like there may be some ADHD, or something that looks like it!

Thanks, looks interesting!

[niccig]

The issue with Brain Balance and other cognitive programs is that the skills they say they’re targeting don’t generalize outside of their activities. You can increase your performance on their task but it doesn’t generalize to other tasks.

Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. I feel you get more from identifying areas of weaknesses then working out strategies to compensate so your functional performance increases.

Also, our kids executive functioning is still developing. So they do need to use strategies to stay organized with school. And they need to be taught by us and for us to oversee it and give them more responsibility as they get older.
Consistency is key. We’re working with a behavior specialist with DS and dealing with his nerve pain and school. Most of what she said I knew from my work, but I wasn’t applying it consistently and DH wasn’t applying it at all. We’re on the same page now, and school is also implementing the plan. We’ve noticed a change with DS and how he’s coping with school. The behavior specialist has been more beneficial than anything else we’ve done.




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