Understanding and Improving Attention NAMI 2011

“The idea that the brain can change its own structure and function through thought and activity is, I believe, the most important alteration in our view of the brain.” “The Brain That Changes Itself” by Norman Doidge

Research Has Confirmed Neuroplasticity of the Brain Research Has Confirmed Neuroplasticity of the Brain Brain function in children with no reading disability Brain function in children with developmental dyslexia Children with dyslexia showed increased brain function after only eight weeks of training Brain function in children with no reading disability Brain function in children with developmental dyslexia Children with dyslexia showed increased brain function after just 8 weeks of intense training

Brain Plasticity - Neuroplasticity Imagine the difference between telling a child or an adult that she has a brain disorder VS She can be like an athlete and with practice re-wire her brain to work better for her

DECISION Model of Processing New & Known Information How We Learn Input Output Attention Working Memory Processing Speed Logic & Reasoning Long-Term Memory Auditory Processing Visual Processing New Known Learned Information Cognitive Skill EfficiencyAcademic Performance

Real Life Symptoms Can attend to what I’m interested in – Can’t focus when it bores me Can complete work at the last minute – Can’t get much done ahead of time Can work under pressure – Can’t work without the threat of failure or rejection Can be fun and enthusiastic – Can’t easily regulate emotions Can start well with new endeavors – Can’t sustain performance to completion

Attention Sustained Attention Divided Attention Selective Attention The The inability to stay on task for long periods of time, to ignore distractions, or to multitask will limit the student’s other cognitive skills! THIS IMPACTS ALL ACADEMIC AREAS

Sustained Attention Loses interest quickly Gets frustrated when something gets too difficult Daydreaming

Training Attention Skills

Selective Attention Easily distracted Need the environment to be quiet and stable to stay on task

Training Attention Skills

Divided Attention Struggle to multi-task Very deliberate in completing one task before moving to the next Can get easily overwhelmed

Training Attention Skills

Short-term memory Think-pad of our brain – combines info from environment with long-term memory 7 “chunks” of information Struggle to synthesize Multi-step directions/careless mistakes What Do Attention Issues Impact?

Processing Speed Working too slowly on tasks Requiring personalized attention to grasp new concepts Struggling to meet deadlines or complete timed activities/tests Struggling with anything timed What Do Attention Issues Impact?

Impact of Technology Technology rewards distracted thinking and superficial learning. Internet delivers a waterfall of visual, auditory and tactile sensory stimulation Cornell University study results L

Reactive vs. Focused Attention Reactive attention system – hardwired and automatic (required for survival) Focused attention system – prefrontal cortex, required when paying attention to something not stimulating Most youth have an overdeveloped reactive attention system and underdeveloped focused attention system

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