My ADHD son loves to play puzzle-based video games. They are challenging, require problem-solving, and navigating novel environments. While my son enjoys playing these games, they are secretly improving his cognitive abilities and how his brain works. This is due to neuroplasticity—how our brains change in response to our environment and daily experiences.

Neuroplasticity is at work in your child when they learn a new concept in school, learn to ride a bike, or play an instrument. In recent years, research has focused on the benefit of neuroplasticity in improving executive function skills in children and adults with ADHD. When a cognitive training program, including planning, attention, memory, and problem-solving was assessed daily in ADHD children over a two-week period, volumetric increases in gray matter (neuronal cell bodies) were observed in brain areas commonly associated with ADHD. In other words, it’s possible that “brain training” can lead to an improvement in the executive function deficits prevalent in ADHD.

Summer vacation, when your child is away from the stressors of school, may be a good time to practice some skills to help your child rewire their ADHD brain for success.

My son........

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