Cerebellar Stimulation

Although still experimental, several programs involving stimulation of the cerebellum have been shown to improve symptoms of ADD.  Two of these are the Dore Method and Brain Gym.


Interactive Metronome Training
This fairly new treatment uses a computer version of a metronome, the device musicians use to keep in time with a musical melody, to train a person to match the musical beat by tapping with hands or feet.

The underlying theory is motor and timing deficits are related to problems in behavioral inhibition displayed by people with ADD/ADHD. One study has been conducted on boys with ADHD, and they showed improvement in a number areas, indicating this area may hold promise. However, additional research is needed.


Sensory Integration (SI) Training
SI dysfunction is a condition in which the brain is overloaded by too many sensory messages and cannot properly respond. SI therapy attempts to treat this by engaging the patient in specific structured movement.

There is no published research supporting this theory. While some children with ADD/ADHD may have SI dysfunction and receive benefits from this type of treatment, it is not a treatment for ADD/ADHD.


Neural-Cognitive Therapy
The theory underlying this approach is that by pairing exercises involving major muscle groups with multi-sensory stimuli, inter-brain connectivity is increased, thus remedying behavioral and cognitive problems displayed by individuals with ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, and dyslexia.

There is anecdotal support that neural-cognitive therapy leads to a decrease or cessation in use of stimulant medication by children diagnosed as having ADD/ADHD. There are no published clinical studies supporting this conclusion.