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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. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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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 BrainResearch 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 InformationHow We Learn
Input
Output Attention
WorkingMemory
ProcessingSpeed
Logic &Reasoning
Long-TermMemory
AuditoryProcessing
VisualProcessing
New
Known
LearnedInformation
Cognitive Skill Efficiency Academic 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 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
Thank You
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