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The Surprising Truth About Lumosity and Other Brain Training Games

ByMarla Cummins ADHD Treatment Options, Blog

I often get asked what I think about brain training games. And I always say the same thing, which is: The only one that seems to be effective in the long term and is backed by solid scientific research is Cogmed Training to improve working memory. According to Cogmed, “80% of users see measureable improvements.” And the research, not only backs up these claims, but shows that the improvements are not only seen in the game, but also in real life improvements in working memory for users. The questioning rarely ends there, though. “But, Marla, what about ones like Lumosity? It says on its website that it can improve memory, attention, flexibility, speed of processing, and problem solving.” For an adult with ADHD that sounded…

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6 Mistakes To Avoid When Managing Your ADHD

ByMarla Cummins ADHD Emotional Regulation, Blog

  When trying to create change there are common mistakes that people make. So, of course, as an adult with ADHD, you probably are making some of these same mistakes while you are trying to manage your ADHD. If you are making these missteps now, don’t worry. Because, as you become aware of them, you can learn how to sidestep them. And then the journey of learning to manage your ADHD will be far less frustrating, easier, and, yes, even enjoyable. #1 Thinking Your Challenges Are Like Everyone Else’s You may start your journey of managing your ADHD, as many do, by focusing on your challenges, telling yourself… But have you taken the time to learn how your brain works? That is, how are your…

Is This Normal or Do I Have Undiagnosed ADHD?
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Is This Normal or Do I Have Undiagnosed ADHD?

ByMarla Cummins ADHD Symptoms & Diagnosis, Blog

  Below is an excerpt from a letter that I recently received (and was given permission to post) along with my response. I decided to include it here, as it is such a common question and might be of interest to you, too.   Hi Marla, I’ve really been identifying with everything you and your testimonials have been saying on your website, but I’ve never been diagnosed myself. For years as a university student I have constantly struggled with mastering my procrastination on assignments and study, and I’ve realised recently it seems to stem from this impulsivity, this tendency to immediately act on every thought I have. All the issues you are talking about that adults with ADHD have to deal with, I feel that…

ADHD and Sleep: Are You Getting A Good Night’s Sleep?
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ADHD and Sleep: Are You Getting A Good Night’s Sleep?

ByMarla Cummins ADHD Treatment Options, Blog

  When it comes to sleep and ADHD, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest a greater occurrence of sleep problems in adults with ADHD than the general population. We also know that lack of sleep can make your ADHD symptoms (challenges with focus and attention) worse. So, if you have sleep issues, it is important that you address them as part of a holistic treatment plan for your ADHD. Whatever your challenges with sleep they likely fall into one of four areas. Falling Asleep Like many with ADHD, you may be an avowed night owl; you get a second wind late at night. The official medical term is Delayed Sleep-Phase Syndrome. You may find yourself unable to shut of your mind, even though…

Understanding Your ADHD Brain
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Understanding Your ADHD Brain

ByMarla Cummins ADHD Symptoms & Diagnosis, Blog

  Usually, I write about how ADHD symptoms are expressed and how to manage them. In fact, I bet most of the time this is the information you are looking for as you attempt to answer the question, “How do I deal with my ADHD?!” And I know from talking to a lot of people that having an understanding of the genetics and neurobiology of ADHD is probably not at the top of your list when looking for ways to address the challenges of your ADHD. But I think it should at least be on the list. I hope this brief intro whets your curiosity and prompts you to find out more about the relationship between the brain and ADHD. Causes of ADHD While we…

ADHD and Change: Having The Right Mindset
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ADHD and Change: Having The Right Mindset

ByMarla Cummins ADHD Tools & Strategies, Blog

  When people learn how to fly they do not start by climbing into the cockpit of a plane and taking off with an instructor by their side. Can you imagine learning how to fly this way? No, of course not, because not only is it dangerous, but it is not an effective way to learn. Instead, they start with a ground training course. When you are an adult with ADHD and are ready to move forward how do you learn to make changes in your life? You may want to learn how to: You likely do not have the opportunity to start with a ground training course, though. Making Changes Mid-Air Instead, you need to continue to fulfill your responsibilities while learning new habits,…

Complementary and Alternative Treatments For ADHD
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Complementary and Alternative Treatments For ADHD

ByMarla Cummins ADHD Treatment Options, Blog

  Medication might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about treatment for ADHD. You might also think of therapy and ADHD Coaching as means of treatment. True, these are the standard methods of treatment, and the only ones that are fully supported by scientific research as effective treatments in the long term. And for many with ADHD these form the cornerstone of a holistic treatment plan. However, if you consider treatment as a means of reducing the ADHD symptoms that cause you to struggle in your daily life, the options available become more plentiful. You might even be surprised at some of the options I’ve included below. While others may appear to just be common sense. I certainly encourage you…

ADHD Support: Therapists and ADHD Coaches
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ADHD Support: Therapists and ADHD Coaches

ByMarla Cummins ADHD Treatment Options, Blog

Who do you have on your team for support? J. Russell Ramsay, PhD, co-director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Adult ADHD Treatment and Research Program posits that: …with the ADHD medication as a foundation, it’s the psychosocial treatments that can come in and finish the job. However, like many adults with ADHD, you may feel the shame of years of failed accomplishments as a result of living with undiagnosed ADHD, and may be reticent to ask for help. You may even have come to believe that you are not capable of reaching your goal(s) and are ready to give up. Wherever you are in thinking about or attempting your goals, you don’t need do it alone. With help you can reach your potential. Therapy and…

ADHD, Mindfulness and Making Decisions
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ADHD, Mindfulness and Making Decisions

ByMarla Cummins ADHD Planning & Prioritizing, Blog

“How do I respond to this situation?” “How can I feel less overwhelmed?” “Where do I want to focus my mental energy/thoughts?” These are some of the questions that Adults with ADHD ask themselves on a regular basis. Having strategies that will allow you to slow down and center yourself are helpful in answering these and similar questions. ADHD and The Wandering Mind As an adult with ADHD you know that your challenge is not inattention.  If anything you have a surplus of attention. The challenge when you have ADHD is being able to regulate your attention, as well as your  actions, thoughts and emotions. That is, being able to make a decision about what to do in any given moment. Without a system for…

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ADHD and Electronics: Should You Pull the Plug?

ByMarla Cummins ADHD Time Management, ADHD Treatment Options, Blog

For a long time I did not watch TV at all. Then I discovered Hulu and Netflix… Sometimes, I admit,  I watch too much TV, especially during the winter months. I’ll even multitask – checking email and watching a show. Mostly, I watch TV as a way to relax and turn off my brain. Is this ok? Exploring an Opinion What is the impact of electronic use by children and adults with ADHD? Last week Pierre de Villiers emailed me the comments below and asked me to respond. Since I thought my response would be of interest to many of you, with his permission, I decided to answer it in a public forum. While Pierre’s comments are about children, the issues he raises are also…