Experts now believe non-medicated alternative can be as effective as Ritalin.
Paul Lundeen of LearningRx, Centennial is eager to spread the word to parents that medication isn't necessarily the best option.

"There's a growing field of cognitive brain training researchers investigating alternatives to drugs for ADHD," says Lundeen. "In almost every case, learning skills testing reveals that these children have cognitive deficits, specifically in working memory. This is actually great news because it means that most kids can actually strengthen their attention skills with an intense cognitive training program."

Researchers have explored methods to train the brain and impact weak learning skills. In one case, a number of ADHD students underwent five weeks of specific skills training and afterwards, 60% no longer fit the label.

"Most parents don't even know this type of 'brain training' exists," says Lundeen. "A cognitive skills expert can literally change a student's brain through one-on-one training to help him/her learn better and retain information. It's not tutoring - it's improving the underlying skills - like selected, divided and sustained attention - needed to perform tasks well."

These three types of attention are described as:

• Sustained: ability to stay on task for a long period of time

• Selective: ability to not be easily distracted

• Divided: ability to do more than one thing at a time

Parents can obtain a free attention-related game from "Why Test Your Struggling Student?" - Volume 4 of LearningRx Magazine, an issue focused on ADD and ADHD. It is available for download from www.LearningRx.com

LearningRx also offers a free screening tool to kids and teens that will evaluate for attention problems or five other learning issues. Here are some sample questions:

1. Does your child have difficulty organizing activities?

2. Does your child feel that learning is too hard?

3. Is your child distracted by other activities?

4. Does your child take a long time to complete tasks?

5. Does your child often ask to have things repeated?

If you answered "yes" to three of more of these questions, visit www.learningrx.com to take the full screening test.

"The good news is, attention skills can be improved," says Tanya Mitchell, Vice President of Research and Development for LearningRx. "Cognitive skills training does for the mind what physical exercise does for the body. Ritalin is NOT the only solution."

LearningRx specializes in identifying and correcting the underlying cognitive skill deficiencies that keep people from achieving their full potential in school, business or life. The program was pioneered by Dr. Ken Gibson and refined over a decade of research and testing. Using a comprehensive skills assessment test and intensive one-on-one training, certified trainers quickly and effectively enhance weak cognitive skills such as attention, memory, processing speed, and problem solving. Students completing the program usually see three to four years of improvement in as little as 12 to 24 weeks and benefit from improved confidence, self-esteem and overall achievement. The company guarantees improvement for all people with deficiencies who complete the training.