Trouble concentrating and keeping attention? A new center, like no other in the state, opens to help kids and adults in finding focus.
Like most kids their age, the Colford boys are mesmerized by their Game Boys. But when it comes to school -- it's a little harder. All three boys have ADHD and find learning difficult, but their adoptive grandparents see lots of potential.
Carole Colford, Adoptive Grandmother
"We realize that the children can do a lot more than what we see them involved with right now."
That's why they came here to the Dore Achievement Center in Wellesley. Kids with ADHD, dyslexia, even Asperger's syndrome, are treated with a drug-free, exercise program.
For ten minutes, twice a day, the boys do specific exercises to address their learning disabilities. It may seem strange, but experts at Dore say the exercises stimulate the part of the brain called the cerebellum.
Dr. Roy Rutherford, Dore Achievement Center
"For some reason, and no body can tell you why, these systems aren't functioning properly. It's a wiring problem, but if you stimulate it the right way you can rewire or improve the function."
The exercises deal with balance and other motor skills that are controlled by the cerebellum. The idea is repeating them over and over re-trains the brain and opens learning pathways. But, some experts are concerned, saying learning disabilities are not largely based in the cerebellum.
Dr. Timothy Wilens, Mass. General Hospital
"It seems to be me that it's too simple that you're going to treat highly complex learning disabilities with some simple exercise that effects a very different part of the brain."
Still the Colfords say they've seen results.
Carole Colford
"We're seeing things already in their abilities that we didn't expect to see happening so quickly."Brian Colford
"It helps me read and write better."John Colford
"I would probably skip some of the words or something, but not any more."
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