American Academy of Pediatrics endorses neurofeedback as effective treatment for ADHD

Posted on July 7 2010

Based on a recent analysis of evidence-based studies, the American Academy of Pediatrics has now recognized neurofeedback as clinically efficacious in the treatment of attention and hyperactivity disorders. AAP’s analysis determined that using these interventions significantly improves attention and reduces hyperactivity.  The AAP officially recognizes biofeedback/neurofeedback as “Good Support” treatment on the continuum of interventions.  This is a significant development as the Academy had previously not endorsed biofeedback/neurofeedback until this recent publication.  Although the AAP continues to endorse medication as a primary intervention for ADHD - the fact that a medical organization is recognizing the brain-based treatments is a very positive development. 

Evidence Based Child and Adolescent Psychosocial Interventions (click to download)

Ready To Focus Program Satisfaction Survey Results

Posted on February 10 2010

Ready To Focus is committed to excellence, honesty, and integrity in all that we do.  We also actively measure whether or not we are meeting the high standards we set for ourselves in these areas.  From September 2009 until February 2010 we surveyed each participant in the program each week on his or her overall satisfaction with the program.  This included satisfaction with his or her (or his or her child’s) clinical progress, satisfaction with the Ready To Focus team, and satisfaction with the equipment being used. 

Level of satisfaction responses were given on a 1-5 scale as follows:
1 - Poor
2 - Poor/Good
3 - Good
4 - Good/Excellent
5 - Excellent

From September 2009 until February 2010 over 175 individual responses were obtained.  Of those responses, 91.5% rated satisfaction as Good, Good/Excellent, or Excellent!  We are excited to get these results and remain committed to excellence in all that we do! 

Ready To Focus Visits Japanese School

Posted on February 8 2010

By Brad Oostindie, MA, LLP - Clinical Director

Last month I had the pleasure of visiting the Meysen Academy in Sendai, Japan.  This is the third international school I have visited (India - 2003 and Dominican Republic 2007) and I found the experience to be very informative.  The Meysen Academy is known for its interactive learning style, teaching English as a second language, and is a community leader in the area.  There are two Meysen campuses in Sendai and about 4000 students attend classes at the school everyday. 

Prior to going to Japan I spent sometime researching topics related to the Ready To Focus program as it related to this trip.  A recent UNICEF study placed Japan in the top 5 of countries for scores in math and science.  Only 2.2% of the high school age students in Japan fell below international benchmarks of achievement.  This is compared to 16.2% of students in the United States falling below benchmarks during the same time period. Also, you may not be aware of this but according to the National Institute of Health the United States uses approximately 85% of all the stimulant medication produced in the world.  Although ADHD is recognized in Japan and different types of psychostimulant medication are used for treatment, the treatment model follows a paradigm of using medication as a last resort as opposed to a first line of intervention in all but the most serious cases. 

In Japan the model of ADHD intervention is as follows:
1. Environmental coordination and psychoeducation. 
2. Behavioral Therapy. 
3.  Review of these interventions. 
4.  Specialists (for drugs or other therapies). 
A link to this research article is provided below. 

There is so much more I could report regarding my visit to the Meysen Academy!  I hope you find this information helpful as you consider your own child’s academic, behavior, and other needs and as you make decisions on how to best intervene for your child in these areas.  Please feel free to email me at brad@readytofocus.com for more information.


Link to research article
Psychopharmacology_for_ADHD_in_Japan.pdf
Pictures of visit
Meysen.pdf

 

 

 

Ready To Focus Annouces Start of “Mission Unit” Program

Posted on September 28 2009

By Brad Oostindie

I am so pleased to announce that the Ready to Focus program will be able to offer services either free of charge or at a significantly reduced rate to some families because of a generous gift from Spring Lake Wesleyan Church (www.slwc.org).  SLWC donated the costs for purchase of one neurofeedback unit for use with families unable to afford the services.  Ready To Focus will donate clinical and technical time to the families.  It is likely many families per year will be positively impacted by the “Mission Unit.”  In fact, the first family has already started the program!  The unit is currently set up in the home of this family and is being used by a 5 year old boy.  This five year old boy needs help with his sleep problems, needs to reduce or eliminate his stimulant medication prescription, needs help with improving focus,  and help with other cognitive/social issues. 

Ready To Focus is accepting donations to provide services to “Mission Unit” families, as well as donations for purchase of additional units to expand the program.  Donors will be provided a receipt for tax-deduction purchases.  Please contact Brad Oostindie at Ready To Focus for further information (brad@readytofocus.com or 1-800-850-0535). 

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