Which ADHD Software Will Work For You?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is a condition affecting 4-7% of school aged children here in the United States.
Some common symptoms include:
- Trouble Paying Attention
- Impulsive Behavior
- Easily Distracted
- Forgetting Things
I received a comment from Kathy W. asking my opinion on brain training software and tools aimed at individuals with ADHD. This is a topic I haven’t covered here before, so I decided to outline a few initial programs with descriptions of how they work and in which areas they focus.
This post will serve as the beginning of a discussion here at Brain Training 101, and if any of you would like to add products to the list – please post a comment below. Likewise, if you have any specific questions, please post them in the comments and I will ask the companies to come in and answer them.
Also, if any of you own and use one of these products, please comment and let us know your thoughts and what you experienced during and after training.
The following are in no particular order.
Cogmed
Training lasts 5 weeks and you are assigned a trained personal coach. Each session lasts 30-40 minutes and is done 5 times a week. After completion you are given 12 months of extension training (without a coach).
The program must be purchased from a Cogmed qualified practice, but you can do all of your coaching over the phone if you don’t live near one.
The Program Aims To Improve
Attention, impulse control and complex reasoning
Access: Installs to your computer and you can track your results online
Ages:
Cogmed JM: Pre Schoolers
Cogmed RM: School Aged Children
Cogmed QM: Adults
Studies: Click here to read the research.
Price: $1,500-$2000 per person
Money Back Guarantee: Contact your nearest qualified practice
Learn More: http://www.Cogmed.com
BrainWare Safari
Training sessions last 45 minutes to 1 hour and are performed 4 to 5 days a week. Older children can complete the program within 8-12 weeks with younger children (also those with weaker skills) taking longer.
The Program Aims To Improve
Attention, memory, processing of information, thinking, planning, problem solving, reasoning, decision speed and sensory integration.
Access: Installs to your computer
Ages: 6yrs and up
Studies: Click here to read the research.
Price: $249 for 1 user
Money Back Guarantee: 30 Days
Learn More: http://www.brainwareforyou.com/
Brain Builder
After completing your initial BrainSpeed test, you can then train 15 to 30 minutes a day a few times a week. The program continuously adapts to your training level so you always receive challenging but not discouraging workouts.
There is a practice area where you can work on your weaker areas if you choose, and the program also comes with its own set of brain games to give you even more variety.
The Program Aims To Improve
Memory, attention, concentration, listening and problem solving skills
Access: Installs to your computer
Ages: 7 through adult
Studies: Click here to read the research.
Price: $199.95 with access for 5 users
Money Back Guarantee: 30 Day Free Trial (Available only by clicking here: http://www.brainbuilder.com)
Learn More: http://www.advancedbrain.com
Brain Skills
Training lasts 1 hour, five days per week for 12-15 weeks. This program is an online alternative to the company’s in house LearningRX training.
The Program Aims To Improve
Processing speed, visual processing, working memory, logic and reasoning.
Ages: Students 7 and older
Access: Use this program online
Studies: Click here to read the research. (NOTE: This is a study of the original PACE program now licensed as LearningRX. At the time of this post, I could not find any studies on the exact BrainSkills program.)
Price: $495 per user per year
Money Back Guarantee: 7 Days
Learn More: http://www.brainskills.com
Brain Training 101 chooses products to review based on quality. Some of these products are part of affiliate programs which earn the site a commission. None of the above products earn this site any commission. Our philosophy has always been to provide in depth, honest reviews of high quality products regardless of their participation in affiliate programs.
Posted: November 2, 2009
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BrainWare Safari is used by all ages 6 and up, not just 6 to 12. It develops 41 cognitive skills in the areas of Attention, Memory (with a strong focus on Working Memory), Visual Processing, Auditory Processing, Thinking and Sensory Integration.
Hello Betsy,
Thanks for the clarification. I have edited the description above to reflect it. I appreciate you stopping by!
There are program that you clearly didn’t include
They are
Play attention – I am currently doing this now
Learning breakthrough program: endorsed by dr. Hallowell
Interactive metrenome
The listening program – which works on the auditory processing, which can effect adhd
Oh and of course old fashioned aerobic exercise
– the results of that can be amazing- as it will not only develop the mind and executive functions, but teach them good habits as well.
I would recomend getting your child into cross country or distance track for sure… It was not till my senior year of highschool where I went from being a low scoring distracted student to a straight A student throgh nothing else aside from distance track.
Hi David,
Thanks so much for the additional programs. There are so many fantastic tools on the market, and it is always nice to hear from actual users.
Exercise is a wonderful thing, isn’t it? The brain based benefits are definitely worth the time (and sweat).
Congratulations on your academic transformation – you are a true inspiration!
Erin :-)