Fall into Awareness: ADHD Awareness Month
October is ADHD Awareness Month! It’s the perfect time to educate ourselves and break the stigmas surrounding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)! At Perfect Harmony Health (PHH), we are specially trained to provide specialized Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT)® to help children, teens, and adults manage the challenges associated with ADHD. Today, I want to share what ADHD can look like and what we do at PHH to help.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which means that it has an effect on the way the brain develops and grows. While the exact causes are not fully understood, various risk factors, including genetics and life events, can contribute to its development.
According to the CDC, ADHD is characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can impact daily functioning and relationships. The disorder presents in three primary forms:
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: Difficulty sustaining attention and organizing tasks.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: Excessive movement and impulsive behaviors.
Combined Presentation: A combination of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
Our Role in Supporting ADHD
ADHD is not an individual “just being lazy,” it affects executive functions (EF) due to neural messages in the brain not being effectively communicated. EFs are cognitive processes, found in the frontal lobe and prefrontal cortex, that enable individuals to manage their thoughts, emotions, and actions effectively. These include:
Setting Priorities and Getting Organized
Sustaining Attention and Effort
Managing Emotions and Alertness
Utilizing Working Memory
At PHH, we offer targeted music therapy interventions designed to strengthen these skills.
Innovative Techniques: Neurologic Music Therapy®
If you have read our blog before, you probably already know what Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT)® is. If you’re new, let’s review!
NMT® is the evidence-based, therapeutic application of music to address “cognitive, affective, sensory, language, and motor dysfunctions” (nmtacademy.co). It is made up of several standardized techniques, categorized by goals that target all populations. Our clinic uses several of these evidence-based techniques to support individuals with ADHD. Some of these include:
Musical Attention Control Training (MACT)®: These interventions are structured musical exercises that help enhance all levels of attention, including sustained attention through engaging musical cues.
Musical Mnemonics Training (MMT)®: This technique utilizes music to improve memory encoding and recall, giving clients multiple opportunities to practice and strengthen working memory through melodies and rhythms.
Musical Executive Function Training (MEFT)®: These interventions provide a therapeutic place to practice improvisation and composition. In this technique, clients develop essential skills like organization, decision-making, and prioritization in a collaborative setting.
Join Us in Raising Awareness
This ADHD Awareness Month, we invite you to join us in spreading the word about ADHD and the resources available to those affected. At PHH, we believe that understanding and support are crucial in helping individuals with ADHD thrive.
If you or a loved one is seeking support, don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more about how our NMT® services can make a difference. Together, we can empower those with ADHD to harness their strengths and improve their quality of life.
For more information about ADHD, visit the CDC's ADHD resource page or visit www.adhdawarenessmonth.org for a list of resources and a thriving community that seeks to break the stigmas surrounding ADHD.
For more information about Neurologic Music Therapy®, please visit www.nmtacademy.co or ask any of our wonderful Neurologic Music Therapists on staff.
Resources
https://nmtacademy.co/key-elements-of-nmt/
The CDC ADHD resource page
