Maxi Mind Alternative Therapy Reverses Attention Deficits Without Medication
Author: Maxi Mind Learning Centers Inc.
Published: 2012/09/30 - Updated: 2022/03/31
Topic: ADHD and ADD - Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main
Synopsis: Maxi Mind therapy for ADHD is overturning the belief that learning disorders are lifelong conditions that can only be compensated but never cured. Whether it's meds or tutoring or talk therapy, all the old-school methods of dealing with learning disabilities are work-arounds - we get at the underlying causes.
Introduction
A new educational service, based in Thornhill, Ontario, is overturning the long-held belief that learning disorders like ADHD are lifelong conditions that can only be compensated but never cured.
Focus
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder of childhood. It affects about 3 - 5% of school aged children. ADHD is diagnosed much more often in boys than in girls. Depression, lack of sleep, learning disabilities, tic disorders, and behavior problems may be confused with, or appear with, ADHD. Every child suspected of having ADHD should be carefully examined by a doctor to rule out possible other conditions or reasons for the behavior.
"Whether it's meds or tutoring or talk therapy, all the old-school methods of dealing with learning disabilities are work-arounds - we get at the underlying causes," says Dr. Arnie Gotfryd, PhD, Director of Maxi Mind Learning Centers, Inc., that specializes in re-mediating learning disabilities through fun activities that kids enjoy.
But while the methods may amuse, the results are serious. In just over a year, Maxi Mind has deployed more than a dozen therapists who have collectively treated nearly 100 children. Alex, whose son attends a Toronto private school, says his child has literally gone from near the bottom of the class to near the top as a result of his "Brain Training" course, and the side benefit is that he's much happier too.
Rabbi Baruch Zaltzman, Principal of the Shmuel Zahavy Cheder Chabad elementary school in Thornhill, was an early adopter of Maxi Mind's services. He says, "students tend to perform better academically, have fewer behavior problems, and seem calmer and more cheerful overall."
Walking into a typical therapy session, one may find a youngster standing on an adjustable balance board, hitting a pendulum ball over a target with a motor control stick while listening to modified Mozart tracks through bone conduction headphones.
"It sure looks odd to the layman, but to an up-to-date Occupational Therapist or Neuropsychologist it makes perfect sense," says Gotfryd.
Maxi Mind also uses hi-tech educational game systems that have children controlling computers without a keyboard or a mouse, just by their state of mind.
Similar methods have been used by NASA to train astronauts not to "space out" on missions and now Ontario Power Generation is doing the same to train nuclear power station operators to sustain focus while on the job, as reported in the November 14th issue of Time Magazine.
With around 10 percent of children floundering at school because of ADHD and growing discontent with prescription meds, Maxi Mind is gaining traction among parents.
"I left teaching for this," says Gotfryd, "because I saw how it helped my child and I realized there is a need."
Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Maxi Mind Learning Centers Inc. and published on 2012/09/30, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, Maxi Mind Learning Centers Inc. can be contacted at maximind.ca NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.