Changing the ADHD Brain: Moving Beyond Medication

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David Nowell, Ph.D. Related seminars and products

Clinical Neuropsychologist

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David Nowell, Ph.D., is a clinical neuropsychologist in private practice in Northborough, Massachusetts. He offers consultations to patients on an inpatient rehabilitation unit and is an adjunct instructor in neuropsychology to graduate students in the Clark University psychology program. He serves as a physician advisor with the University of Massachusetts Medical School Disability Evaluation Service where he was the former clinical director of the Learning Disability Assessment Program. Dr. Nowell writes a popular blog at Psychology Today on motivation and time management, and speaks internationally to clinicians on such topics as executive functioning, non-medication management of ADHD, and applying findings from Positive Psychology.

Speaker Disclosures:

Financial: David Nowell maintains a private practice.  He receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. 

Non-financial: David Nowell has no relevant non-financial relationship to disclose.

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Objectives

1. Evaluate the relationship between the frontal lobe of the brain and ADHD symptomology for the purpose of client psychoeducation.
2. Determine the impact of movement and exercise on the reduction of ADHD symptoms as it relates to assessment and treatment planning.
3. Employ treatment interventions for improving impulse control and working memory in clients.
4. Analyze the influence of diet and nutrition on ADHD symptoms in relation to assessment and treatment planning.
5. Develop clinical strategies to calm the nervous system of clients diagnosed with ADHD.
6. Assess the clinical implications of environmental influences on ADHD symptoms in clients.

Outline

• Useful as a short-term tool
• Concerns with long-term use: Effects on the brain

• Brain imaging evidence of ADHD
• Research regarding ADHD brain development
  • Frontal lobes mature more slowly in the ADHD brain
  • Excess theta brainwaves
• Implications for treatment

• Wake up an underaroused ADHD brain
• Hyperactivity as an adaptive mechanism
• The impact of play and exercise on the brain
• Role of rhythm and timing training
• Integrated movement systems for ADHD

• Use it or lose it: Increase memory, attention and focus
• Games for impulse control and working memory
• Computerized cognitive training programs
• Meditation and mindfulness for ADHD
• Neurofeedback

• The impact of sugars, fats, proteins, and water
• Diet and dopamine
• Omega 3-6-9: What you need to know for brain health
• Multivitamins/mineral: Do they make a difference?
• Gluten, food additives, and pesticides

• ”Overaroused” subtype of ADHD
• Stress, anxiety, and ADHD: the connection
• Breathwork and movement for nervous system calming
• Heart rate variability biofeedback
• Art therapy techniques to quiet and focus the brain

• Video games and Social Media
• Sleep deprivation
  • Same symptoms as ADHD
  • Strategies to help insomnia
• Environmental toxins: lead, phthalates, pollution
• The impact of time in nature on ADHD symptoms

Target Audience

• Counselors
• Social Workers
• Psychologists
• Marriage and Family Therapists
• Speech-Language Pathologists
• Teachers
• School Administrators
• Occupational Therapists
• Occupational Therapy Assistants
• Nurses
• Other Helping Professionals who Work with Children

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