Students are grappling with an increasing challenge throughout various academic settings -a growing number of students are struggling to maintain focus in school, resulting in students failing to perform academically. Many schools and scholars are witnessing this alarming trend firsthand, prompting this focus crisis to be examined more thoroughly to understand why students dissociate.
Studies have connected this surge of struggling students with the significant increase in children diagnosed with attention-related disorders. Among the most notable conditions negatively impacting students are attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism.
The ADD/ADHD Epidemic
ADD/ADHD has become increasingly common throughout recent years, particularly among children between the ages of 2 and 17. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the number of children in the U.S. diagnosed with ADHD has increased by millions in the last 15 years, and approximately 9.4% of children within this age range have ADD/ADHD nowadays. If left untreated, these disorders can persist into adulthood. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, around 8.6% of adults are affected with ADD/ADHD. Disturbingly, despite the prevalence of ADD/ADHD, almost a quarter of diagnosed individuals have never received treatment. The consequences of untreated ADD/ADHD are far-reaching, affecting academic performance and beyond. Studies have revealed that those with untreated ADD/ADHD are three times more likely to drop out of high school and face unemployment challenges due to job failure. This can set the stage for a lifetime of challenges, emphasizing the need for early intervention and support in educational settings.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Growing Concern
Similar to ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is another significant hurdle that cripples focus in academic settings and is becoming increasingly more common. Many factors can define ASD, but individuals with ASD exhibit variances in learning approaches and attention mechanisms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The prevalence of autism has seen a drastic increase over the years. In 2023, it was found that 1 in 36 children in the U.S. has autism, a stark comparison to the rate a decade ago, which was 1 in 69 children. Boys are disproportionately affected by autism, with a rate four times higher than that of girls. This dramatic increase in ASD cases highlights the importance of understanding how autism impacts each person’s attention and how to treat it effectively.
The Role of Neurofeedback in Strengthening Attention Spans
At Equilibrium, we recognize the gravity of this focus crisis and believe that students should receive proper treatment so that they may flourish. Equilibrium introduces Neurofeedback as a potential solution to combat poor focus and as a method that can help us understand the behavioral patterns of individuals struggling with ADHD, ADD and ASD.
Neurofeedback, also known as EEG Biofeedback, is a non-invasive and drug-free therapeutic approach that harnesses the brain’s ability to rewire and regulate itself. The process involves real-time monitoring of brain activity through sensors placed on the scalp. The individual engages in various tasks or activities designed to stimulate specific brain regions associated with attention and focus. The feedback is presented to the individual in real-time through visual or auditory cues, allowing them to self-regulate and enhance their cognitive functions. Over time, the brain will learn to adapt to optimize focus and overall mental performance. To learn more about how to unlock your brain’s full potential in academic, athletic, or professional settings, click here.
Why Neurofeedback?
- Personalized Treatment: Neurofeedback offers individualized treatment plans, tailoring the training to each student’s unique brain patterns. This targeted approach ensures a more effective and customized response to attention-related challenges.
- Drug-Free Solution: Unlike traditional treatments that may involve medication, Neurofeedback provides a drug-free solution.
- Long-lasting Results: Neurofeedback aims to produce lasting changes in the brain’s neural pathways. Through consistent sessions, students can strengthen their attention span, enhance focus, and develop better self-regulation skills, leading to sustained improvements in academic performance.
Don’t Neglect Receiving Treatment
The struggle to focus on schoolwork isn’t a fleeting challenge; it carries profound long-term implications. Poor academic performance transforms into an absence of future opportunities that can impact economic independence and personal growth. A student who demonstrates a persistent lack of focus during crucial formative years is likely to face an uphill battle of job instability and other professional pursuits in adulthood. The struggle doesn’t stop there; it can persist in personal relationships or creative endeavors.
Whether you’ve been diagnosed with a learning disability or not, if you struggle to focus in school or studies, Equilibrium is here to focus on you. Contact us today and begin your transformative path towards empowering students to regain control over their attention and unlock their full potential through Neurofeedback.