The ADHD Lifestyle Part II: Exercise

What if there was a way to treat ADHD without taking a trip to the pharmacy? Believe it or not, this idea is not too farfetched. Many doctors describe exercise as a natural “medication” that can treat ADHD symptoms effectively. While exercise will most likely not replace traditional treatment options, it can be used as a strong compliment. In fact, exercise often affects the same core component as the stimulants do: one’s executive functions. Memory, inhibition, attention, and prioritization are all examples of executive functions.

Does My Child Need Ritalin for ADHD?

Especially for young students with behavioral or academic problems, stimulant medications are thought of as a one-size-fits-all “easy fix.” A parent might be tempted to pursue this route out of legitimate concern for a child and the conception that a pill can be the miracle cure. But not so fast!
At Pathways, we recommend a comprehensive ADHD evaluation

Mindfulness & Your Brain

Since ancient Hindu and Chinese times, meditation has been promoted as a medicine for health and success. But does meditation have any basis in Western science? The answer, based on multiple recent peer-reviewed studies, has been overwhelmingly “yes!”

The ADHD Lifestyle Part I: Diet

The brain is vital organ that, like the other organs in the body, depend on nutrients for healthy function and endurance. Those with ADHD are even more dependent on proper nutrients and sleep. Cognition, memory, and mood may all be affected by eating well. More importantly, unhealthy eating and poor sleep can exacerbate ADHD symptoms and make a profound difference in academic success.

Neuropsychologists – Basic Neuropsychology Tools Video

This video reviews common tools of the trade for Neuropsychologists. We utilize a comprehensive approach based on proven, research-based methods to rebuild and restore cognitive behavior.

Defining ADHD in Light of Brain Injuries

According to the most recent studies, experts define ADHD as a developmental disorder affecting proper use of executive functions. One can think of executive functions as the brain’s “command center,” controlling focus, organization, memory, action, and effort. In short, it is the self-management system of the brain that is tasked with operating unconscious decisions in daily life. As a developmental disorder

How Do You Know If You Have A Concussion?

The dreaded “C-word” is thrown around in everyday life, most notably in sports. However, many can be left unsure if they have a concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Often, there are often no physical signs during a concussion. The most important thing to understand about a concussion is

Fatigue and Insomnia Following Traumatic Brain Injury (and what you can do to help!)

Sleep and daytime energy are two crucial aspects to a happy and successful life. That is why it can be very unsettling to traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients to struggle falling asleep, and consequentially, thrive during the daytime. A disruption in the chemical balance in the brain can leave one with a chronic condition of sleepiness and, frustratingly, the inability to maintain a consistent sleep schedule.

Parenting a Child With ADHD

A great (and immensely important!) starting point for a parent is understanding what ADHD is and what it means to you and your child. It is important to realize that the behavior of a child with ADHD is a result of a developmental disorder that affects executive functions. He or she cannot just “snap out of it”.

While professional help is very important, here are some good starting books to help you start your education about ADD/ADHD:

Brain Injury Awareness

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. As the month comes to a close, it is important to discuss what causes– and what happens during– a traumatic brain injury (TBI). After all, TBI’s effects over 2.5 million individuals in the United States.