| Australia currently has well over 50 000 children on | | | | undertake an exercise setting off an electronic sensor, |
| prescription drugs to manage their behaviour, | | | | the timing of which is measured with accuracy of 100's |
| diagnosed as being ADD/ADHD related. This makes | | | | of a second. The concentration, timing, and rhythm it |
| us the third highest consumer of ADD/ADHD | | | | requires, along with the repetitive nature of the |
| medication (per capita) around the globe. With | | | | program, stimulates the individual's ability to focus and |
| approximately 4% of all primary school children | | | | strengthens the neural pathways. This allows sufferers |
| affected, the prescription of Dexamphetamine has | | | | to become more task orientated in other areas - such |
| grown almost four fold between 1984 and 2001, while | | | | as in the class room and at work. This has a profound |
| Ritalin prescription rose by 18 million tablets (an increase | | | | impact on their ability to be focussed and less |
| of over tenfold) during that same period. | | | | disruptive in their behaviour. |
| While the argument and disparity of opinion regarding | | | | With notable results being achieved after just 12 |
| the diagnosis of ADD/ADHD, especially in schools is | | | | sessions in both children and adults alike, this new |
| ongoing, the treatment and management of the | | | | approach to ADD/ADHD management is likely to be |
| behavioural impact is still largely relying on | | | | welcomed by medical professionals, parents, and |
| pharmaceuticals. | | | | teachers here in Australia as it did in the states. |
| Less known, are the number of adult sufferers of | | | | Certification courses for this technology are held in late |
| ADD and ADHD. A recent study conducted by the | | | | April in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney for health |
| World Health Organisation across 10 countries, found | | | | professionals and educators. Visit for course details |
| that as many as 3.5% of working adults may be | | | | and further research information. Home operator |
| affected. However, the number of pharmaceutical | | | | courses are scheduled as per demand. |
| treatments of the condition in adults lies quite low, with | | | | Interactive Metronome is also available as a home unit. |
| the US well in the lead with 12.7% of sufferers seeking | | | | Its additional benefits of generating improvement in |
| treatment, verses countries such as the Netherlands | | | | cognition, timing/coordination (sport performance), and |
| sitting at just 2.7%. | | | | academic application (1-2 grade improvement in |
| Alternative treatments for these two conditions range | | | | numeracy and literacy after just 12 sessions), makes it |
| from nutrition (as a common denominator is irritable | | | | ideal for just about everyone in the family. |
| bowel syndrome among ADD/ADHD sufferers), to | | | | "Whether non-medicated treatment methods will take |
| brain-gyms such as the Dore program and specific | | | | a foothold in Australia in terms of ADD/ADHD |
| exercise schemes. Although, producing some results, | | | | management, needs to be seen, however those that |
| the outcomes of these programs have not been | | | | have chosen this technology over medication in the |
| consistent, founded on a scientific and evidence based | | | | US, have definitely achieved some notable results and |
| platform, or made a strong impact in the reduction of | | | | improvements", said Paediatric Occupational Therapist |
| the use of pharmaceuticals. | | | | and Clinician, Dillen Hartley. |
| Just released in Australia however, is a new approach | | | | Traditionally, Australians often take a skeptical view |
| (technology) that combines neuro-motor training using | | | | when it comes to following in the foot-steps of our big |
| audio triggers and sensory feedback, with movement | | | | brother the US, but in terms of reducing the use of |
| and timing exercises. The technology has produced | | | | medication in the treatment of ADD/ADHD, we may |
| groundbreaking results in the US over the past 10 | | | | be well served to consider following this approach. |
| years of clinical trials and research. | | | | After all, the long term effects of 'drugging' our school |
| Using a computer-linked technology known as | | | | children has not fully become apparent yet, but |
| Interactive Metronome, ADD/ADHD sufferers | | | | common sense tells us that it can't all be good... |
| participate in a series of active sessions wearing | | | | And, why should we, especially if we do have |
| headphones and following an audio prompt, to | | | | pharmaceutical-free alternatives these days. |