Friday, March 6, 2020

Easy Vocal Exercises for Vacation

Easy Vocal Exercises for Vacation Suzy S. Vocalists, youve got it made! No matter where you are, you always have your instrument with you. So even when youre on vacation, its a great idea to set aside some time to do some vocal exercises to stay sharp. Here are a few ideas: Breathing Exercises Proper breathing helps create that full, strong sound that singers strive for. By practicing specific exercises for breathing, youll train yourself to the point where its part of your natural routine. And you can practice this  anywhere sitting on a plane, while relaxing on the beach, you name it. Check out this video to view some great breathing exercises to try. Ear Training Exercises Working on your ear training is easy to do all you need is your iPod! As you turn up the tunes, try to really listen to the harmonies, intervals, and vocal techniques that the singers use. Mentally pick apart the song, identifying different instruments and rhythms. Then, turn off your music and sing what you just heard. Experiment with phrasing, breathing, dynamics, and harmony lines. There are also tons of music apps you can download to your smartphone to practice interval training and pitch matching, which can be great resources on the road. Simple Scales When in doubt, run through your scales! These exercises can help with many aspects of your vocal technique, from strengthening your range to improving your diction. Click here for some exercise ideas. You might also like 5 Ways to Practice Without Your Guitar 5 Musical Instruments That Fit In Your Carry-On Bag 5 Reasons Why Summer is the Best Time for Music Lessons Photo by [benthomas]

Guitar Lessons Near Me The Best Music Learning Opportunities in Leeds

Guitar Lessons Near Me The Best Music Learning Opportunities in Leeds Find a Guitar Tutor Just around the Corner. ChaptersLearn Every Variety of Guitar at Roundhay MusicPerfect Your Spanish and Flamenco Guitar at the Instituto CervantesFind Private Guitar Tuition at SuperprofJoin a Guitar Class at the North Leeds Music CentreCombine Guitar and Music Theory at the Yorkshire College of Music DramaTake Your Guitar Study Further with Leeds College of MusicLeeds’s Best Guitar TutorsConclusionLeeds is a city like no other. As the sort of unofficial capital of Yorkshire, it’s a blossoming metropolis of students, artists, and other people who are getting a little fed up with the sheer inconvenience of London. And any local will testify that it really is a beautiful place.Musically speaking, Leeds has developed a hugely rich culture, pumping out lots of new bands, including the Kaiser Chiefs, Alt-J, Hadouken!, and The Pigeon Detectives. And if you are the sort of person who wants to be a little musical too (which we’re guessing to be true, as you’re here on this page!), you’ll be pleased to kn ow that the options for musical education in the ‘Capital of the North’ are plenty.For guitarists, we have put together here a list of the best learning opportunities in the city. It is far from exhaustive, as there are literally hundreds of people offering guitar tuition in Leeds. But, whether you are a beginner who wants to learn to play your favourite songs, or already a musician hoping to master a new skill or genre, you’ll without a doubt find a guitar teacher to suit your style and needs.If you like your guitar learning with a touch of history, you might want to take lessons at the Yorkshire College of Music Drama, founded in 1894. It’s now on St Mark’s Avenue, in the centre of town.As you would expect from a music school, they teach every variety of instrument â€" from the clarinet to the cello â€" at all levels. So, if you are a beginner or an advanced grade eight guitarist, you’ll find something here for you. They also run music theory courses and groups for †˜musical appreciation’, to broaden your knowledge beyond your musical instrument.Rooms in the building can be hired out by private music groups â€" your personal band maybe â€" so it’s a great resource to know.Take Your Guitar Study Further with Leeds College of MusicLike any big city in the UK, Leeds has a dedicated music college, at which you can pursue further and higher education in music â€" academically or focused on a career in the music industry. The Leeds College of Music is a particularly accessible one, with programmes to encourage younger musicians to learn and develop the range of their musical skills.Those looking to play the guitar at degree level can study courses tailored towards jazz, classical, pop, songwriting or production, business, and musical theatre. Each of these courses is three years long, and you will be awarded a degree from the University of Hull.And for the Beginners: Guitar Short Courses at LCMA great thing about the Leeds College of Music is tha t they don’t limit themselves to higher education. Instead, they run a number of short courses which, whilst they don’t yield an academic qualification, offer the opportunity to learn how to play your musical instrument in groups of like-minded people.The Introduction to Acoustic Guitar, for example, runs weekly over fifteen weeks and will teach you guitar basics such as strumming, basic chords, fingerstyle, and ensemble work. This course for those beginning guitar starts very simple: learn to tune up, to master the best techniques for practicing, and play songs that you know and love.Swap Guitar Hero for the real thing with a guitar tutor.Leeds’s Best Guitar TutorsLeeds is also home to a number of private guitar teachers who excel in different styles of music, techniques, and instruments. They are also individually based all over the city, so finding one convenient for you might actually make you want to go to the lessons!First Pick GuitarFirst Pick Guitar Lessons are based i n the Roundhay/Gledhow area of Leeds, and the teacher, Geoff, is a member of the Registry of Guitar Tutors. It is run from Geoff’s fully equipped home studio, which contains everything you could possibly need to enjoy your lesson.Geoff has been teaching for over fifteen years, and he now teaches everything from beginner guitar lessons to specific blues courses.Freebird Guitar TuitionFreebird Guitar Tuition is a guitar tuition company whose tuition expert, Leon, travels across Yorkshire teaching. He also offers guitar lessons online.He covers ukulele, bass, and guitar, and offers everything from music theory to soloing and improvisation. He offers half an hour, forty-five-minute, and hour-long lessons, and, as a songwriter himself, he encourages you to experiment with your own creativity.Rob Hobson Guitar TuitionRob Hobson Guitar Tuition has been active in Leeds for the last fifteen years and Hobson, the tutor, is based in Kirkstall. However, he is also happy to travel.His teaching approach is flexible, tailored to the style that you prefer, and this applies to the length and frequency of lessons too. Teaching electric and acoustic guitar, and offering a free first lesson, he is worth checking out if you are in north Leeds.MJP Guitar TuitionMike Pearson of MJP Guitar Tuition has taught over four hundred students over the thirteen years that he has been teaching â€" and he also teaches peripatetically in schools. He is located in Pudsey, but, again, he travels all over the city.He also offers courses based on different styles you might like â€" from metal to blues to general rock playing.Leeds Guitar LessonsTom Elliott â€" of Leeds Guitar Lessons â€" has been playing the guitar for a quarter of a century, and he is now based in Bramley. His website is quite a resource in itself â€" with blogs, advice, and video tutorials â€" and he offers lessons to everyone from people who have never before touched a guitar to those who already have some solid chops.Conclusio nIf you live in a different city, we also have guides on the best guitar lessons in London, guitar tutoring in Birmingham, Manchester's guitar classes, and lessons in guitar in Glasgow - as well as on the best options for guitar lessons in all of the UK.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Whats Behind the Rise in ADHD Diagnoses

What’s Behind the Rise in ADHD Diagnoses As an ADHD specialist, Im often asked why so many more kids seem to have ADHD today compared to previous decades. Is it because kids are spending too much time in front of screens? Or that theyre eating too much processed food? Or is modern parenting to blame? Answering this question is complicated, because changes in rates of ADHD diagnosis arent accounted for by any single factor. However, it is unlikely that screens, parenting, or diet are the cause. First lets start with the numbers. The increase in ADHD diagnoses is a real phenomenon. The most recent data published by the CDC shows that during 2013-2015 the percentage of kids (ages 4-17) who had ever received a diagnosis of ADHD in their lifetime was 10.4%. Compare this to just 10 years prior (2003) when only 7.9% had received a diagnosis. Such a substantial change over such a short period of time often points to big picture factors that have an impact on a national level. Factors like increased public awareness, changes in public education, and the availability of long-acting stimulant medications to treat ADHD. Increased Awareness Public awareness about ADHD has increased dramatically over the past 30 years, and particularly in the past 15 years with the proliferation of online medical and mental health information. Pharmaceutical companies, advocacy groups, and the media have all taken an interest in sharing stories and information about ADHD symptoms and treatments. Often this information is provided in bite-sized snippets that only briefly describe a handful of ADHD symptoms. And, since so many children have at least a few of these symptoms, like difficulty focusing or sitting still for long periods of time, its understandable why many parents and teachers may start to wonder if their struggling child or student has ADHD. Before long, the number of children referred to medical doctors and psychologists goes up, as do the rates of children receiving actual ADHD diagnoses. In many cases, an ADHD diagnosis may be very appropriate, and the increased awareness led to a real benefit for that child. In some cases however, the childs difficulties are due to other challenges, like anxiety, learning difficulties, sleep problems, slightly delayed social or academic skills, or even simply being a few months younger than most of the children in his or her classroom. If a thorough diagnostic assessment isnt completed, then an ADHD diagnosis may be assigned incorrectly. Changes in Public Education With the introduction of legislation like No Child Left Behind in 2001, which tied school funding to student test scores, there was a dramatic shift in US public education. Teachers and schools suddenly became much more focused on ensuring that their students performed well on national exams. Underperforming students were being identified more often, and solutions for poor test performance were sought out quickly. Referrals for ADHD evaluations increased, as did rates of diagnosis. A series of studies (published in The ADHD Explosion by Drs. Hinshaw and Scheffler) shows a strong correlation between states with the highest rates of ADHD diagnoses and state laws that penalize schools for poor student performance. Availability of Long-Acting Stimulant Medication Stimulant medication remains one of the most common treatments for ADHD, and for many children it is very effective. Early formulations of stimulant medication, like Ritalin, required multiple doses to be taken throughout the day. Kids had to visit their school nurse at lunchtime to take their medication, which led to very real concerns about stigma and skipped doses. In addition, the side effects from these first-generation medications were problematic for many kids. Throughout the 2000s, multiple improved versions of stimulant medications became available. These medications last for 8 hours or longer, have fewer side effects, and some are even available in a skin patch for kids who are not able or willing to swallow pills. With more tolerable, effective treatments available, and increased awareness of these medication options, parents and teachers became increasingly receptive to the idea of an ADHD diagnosis. While rates of ADHD continue to rise, and our understanding of ADHD continues to grow, so does the controversy surrounding the validity of the diagnosis itself and the use of medication as a first line treatment. Decades of research have shown that ADHD is a very real disorder, and studies suggest that the percentage of elementary school-age kids (in the US and worldwide) who truly have ADHD is around 5-7%. The goal of treatment providers, educators, and parents, should be to limit rates of ADHD misdiagnosis, by insisting on thorough evaluations that consider a range of factors (including, but not limited to, ADHD) that may be contributing to a childs difficulties. ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.

Beyond the GMAT 3 Tips for Evaluating MBA Program Options

Beyond the GMAT 3 Tips for Evaluating MBA Program Options GMAT MBA Admissions Blog You’ve just finished taking the GMAT, and you’re happy with your score. There are more options for obtaining an MBA than you might think. I recently read an interesting article from Accepted.com about the various options available for individuals considering an MBA. The article offers a nice overview of the various MBA options available today. To summarize the article, there are five basic options: 2 Year Full-time MBA programs (traditional MBA program) 1 Year Full-time MBA programs (full-time, no internship) Part-time MBA programs (nights/weekends) Executive MBA programs (for more experienced professionals) Specialized MBA programs (focused on industries) If you’re not sure what one of the above options entails, I’d read the aforementioned article. If you’re currently studying for or have taken the GMAT, you’re obviously considering one of these options. However, I’d encourage you to make sure you review all of these options, on the off-chance that one is actually more attractive than you realized â€" or perhaps there’s an option for getting your MBA that you didn’t even realize existed. 3 Tips for Evaluating Your MBA Options The MBA is a graduate program in business administration for professionals who seek knowledge, new skills, a credential, and/or a network to advance in the business world. It can “signal” to employers that you have the knowledge and the ability to excel and perform at a high level. However, unlike the JD, the MD, or even a teaching certification, it is almost never a required degree â€" yet at the same time, it’s expensive. Since as a potential MBA student you should be concerned with getting a return that far exceeds the investment required to get the degree, here are some thoughts to keep in mind. Tip #1 - it’s critical to attend a top-ranked, well-regarded MBA program It often only makes financial sense to obtain an MBA, regardless of type, from a top school. There are too many MBA programs offering degrees that cost tens of thousands of dollars, but which offer little in the way of signaling your value to employers or helping you build a network. You might learn a bit about business, but there are less expensive ways to learn about business (i.e., books, certifications, on the job training, etc.) Of course, if your employer specifically wants you to earn an MBA to learn certain skills that are applicable to your career track within a given company, it makes all the sense in the world to settle for a less selective MBA program. But, if you’re unhappy with your current career trajectory and expect that simply having the MBA credential, regardless of school attended, will improve your job prospects, you might be surprised by how employers react to MBA degrees from less selective schools. All that said, MBA programs can be well regarded within regional or even local circles. One of my earliest consulting clients had a lot of MBAs from Wayne State in Michigan. I don’t believe anyone is all that impressed with a Wayne State MBA nationally, but within 50 miles of the school, it’s well-regarded. Tip #2 â€" take advantage of high quality part-time programs As the accepted.com article states about part-time programs, “often admission is less competitive than for the same school’s full-time program, enabling part-time students to obtain a “brand” they may not qualify for otherwise.” In my experience, that’s a powerful and true statement. For example, here in Chicago, both Chicago-Booth and Northwestern-Kellogg offer large part-time programs. An individual with a clear career plan and a 650 GMAT score may have a difficult time getting into either program’s full-time program, but has a real shot at getting into the part-time program. Upon graduation, there is no requirement to list “part-time” on your resume â€" you took the same classes, from the same professors, and were exposed to the same ideas. Now, you have the same network as the full-timers. Tip #3 â€" consider a 1Y or specialized program I was initially dead set on applying to a traditional, top-tier two year MBA program. However, after just a little research, I discovered that Northwestern University offers a full-time, 1 year MBA program for folks with an undergraduate business degree or other evidence of a strong previous business background. The downside of such a program is that you can’t do an internship. But, it saves you an entire year of tuition and opportunity cost of lost salary. As a strategy consultant who knew I wanted to continue a consulting career or become an entrepreneur after business school, this program was a great fit for me. However, as I’ve spoken with students studying for the GMAT, many aren’t even aware of this program. And, before reading the accepted.com article, I was unaware of the range of specialized MBA options available. I’d expect there are certainly many students currently on the path towards getting a 2 year MBA from a top school, who know they want to work in non-profit or healthcare upon graduation. These students’ career prospects may be served better by Boston University’s Public Nonprofit MBA is or UC Irvine’s Health Care Executive MBA (HCEMBA). Summary Still the most popular option, a two-year, full-time MBA program with an internship in the summer may make sense for many aspiring MBA applicants â€" especially those interested in obtaining a new position post-MBA who aren’t currently sure exactly what industry or function they’ll be targeting. Indeed, recruiting by potential employers is a clear benefit of deciding to invest in a full-time MBA. However, keep in mind that all MBAs are not equal â€" it’s important to choose well-ranked, highly regarded program. Furthermore, part-time, 1 year, or specialized programs may be more relevant for your situation than you realize â€" so do your research about the various MBA program options available to you. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(215486, '6baac2ae-05a3-4610-9d1f-265c8cbd809f', {});

Lets Talk Business 5 Steps For Definite Success

Let's Talk Business 5 Steps For Definite Success Image from WorkHoppers.com Why am I telling you of the two most recent financial debacles?  Because having a successful business provides a test to the motivated, financially sound, and mentally adept.  On the other hand, starting a business is relatively easy. At the moment, the market is now recovering from the 2008 economic recession.  Individuals are now starting to have faith in the economy.  Unemployment continues to drop and the real estate market is now on an upswing with the amount of short sales dwindling per month.  The heartbeat of our nation is slowly returning back to normal.  Now is the time to capitalize on the goodwill and good-spending of society. Technology will continue to benefit your wants to make shoes for pets.  Go ahead and reach for your dream.  Make sure to follow these 5 steps in order to save all the cats feet. 1. Do your research It could be argued that the aforementioned crashes occurred because it was a case of too much too quickly.  Many individuals followed their neighbor into the rat trap and came out chewed up, never wanting to invest again.  But, alas!  There is hope at the end of the scorned tunnel.  The internets can now work in your favor, you wanna-be Warren Buffet.  Utilize the vast array of information at your fingertips to hash out all the potential problems in your new business venture.  Want to go into fashion?  Check out the forums and blogs around your area to gauge the level of success or failure had by those in the game. 2. Social media will be your best friend The big three.  Have a business idea?  Create a page for it!  Thankfully, access to most of the public can be had for zero dollars.  What do I mean?  There are billions of people on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram everyday all day.  The ability to create a want or need across the nation potentially across the world is easier than ever.  Make the page and tell your friends.  Then your friends will tell their friends.  Sooner or later, some random guy from Utah is messaging you about your product and how much he loves it.  Social media is a great platform for the public to become visually invested in your product or business. On many occasions, a home-based business can be fully supported by social media.  Dont buy a website to sell your homemade scarves.  Post pictures on Instagram and give part of your fashion line to your friends.  When others see your well-finished product, a buzz will surface.  Sooner or later, youll be receiving inbox messages for orders.  Once capital and interest is established, build a website WordPress and Wix are two great options. 3. Find a niche Remember all those cliques in high school?  Small subsets of individuals that share a common interest or activity?  Common sense tells me that the leader of the Brain Squad Club doesnt hang out with the quarterback of the football team.  They do not have a shared point of interest.  Find an area where the possibility for demand of supplies can and will increase.  Thanks to Pinterest and the want to carry a small dog everywhere, personalized pet treat shops have become a feasible business. Attempting to build a niche is extremely risky.  If an area or city of high traffic lacks a certain business, there might be a logical explanation.  Observe similar business ventures prior to opening and remain updated on the societal peaks and valleys. 4. What are the three rules to real estate? Location. Location. Location.  After a niche has been found, planning where to place your business (if a store front is needed) can be one of the more tricky steps.  Find an area that will have a steady flow of traffic, high potential for expansion, and a low potential for isolation.  Buying a store front in a shopping plaza that doesnt have any other businesses will not allow for your own business to prosper.  However, buying into a completely full plaza in the middle of nowhere will also be detrimental to your business.  Find an area that has plans for, or is in the process of. construction.  A perfect mix of residential and business properties is the key. 5. Take the plunge After countless hours of research, development, and planning, the last step happens to be the most daunting.  Laying down a large sum of money in the hopes of having your start up be successful places a lot of pressure on yourself, and on all of your possible investors.  A poorly planned business quickly becomes eaten alive in the real world.  Dont be laying face down in a gutter hoping to find your next big idea.  Your business is only as successful as your wanting to be a success.  Take pride in your work and that will show in the product. Popular comedian starring in Comedy Centrals Broad City  Hannibal Buress  talks in his stand up act about how he never puts the napkin on his lap when eating out.  People inquisitively ponder, Why doesnt he put the napkin on his lap?  Alfredo sauce can spill onto his jeans.  Oh, the humanity!  Hannibals answer is quite simple: confidence.  Hes a grown-up who believes in himself to not make a mess.  Buress believes in his ability to take food from his plate to his mouth without making a mess of his shirt. Be like Hannibal Buress.  Believe in yourself and your business. Run your own business, get control of your future, make an impact on your life. To learn more about College Pro, click here or call 1-888-277-7962.

After School Activities Tear Your Kid Away From the TV

After School Activities Tear Your Kid Away From the TV After school activities: 5 ways to tear your kid away from the TV There are so many wonderful activities that kids can do after school that are intellectually stimulating or involve physical fitness. Unfortunately, many kids are tired from their day and sit down in front of the TV for the rest of the afternoon. Although a little bit of TV watching can help kids calm down, especially if theres an educational element to the program, too much TV prevents socialization and often leads to lack of motivation at school. Luckily, there are some great things kids can do other than watching TV that are also fun and entertaining. 1.   Arts and music programs There are some fabulous arts and music programs available for kids to try out after school hours. These types of classes range from basic arts and crafts for all ages and abilities that primarily stress creativity to courses for the serious artist and musician. Because core subjects do not promote a lot of creativity these days, its great for kids to have this outlet as one of their extracurricular activities. Additionally, kids have the opportunity to socialize in a semi-structured environment while attending these types of programs, which can lead to increased success when it comes to learning how to share and cooperate with others. 2. Sports activities Some kids love being part of an organized sports league, but many find that its too much of a time commitment and takes away from their ability to do well academically. Fortunately, there are tons of alternatives to being on an official sports league. Many places offer kids classes where they can learn how to swim, do yoga, and play basketball or just workout in the gym in a safe environment with positive role models. Many communities also offer sports activities that are less of a time commitment or only have a short season of 6 to 8 weeks during the year. Physical activity after school helps kids remain healthy and burn off all of that energy they have kept inside while sitting in a classroom during the day (READ: 5 Reasons Your Child is Frustrated With Reading Comprehension). 3. Educational apps Certain times of the year, especially when it gets cold outside, its just really hard to tear kids away from their electronics. However, playing an educational game or working on a learning app is way more stimulating than just watching TV. There are countless educational apps available for every type of device that can help kids strengthen their academic abilities while playing a fun and stimulating game. These activities keep kids occupied while their parents cook a meal or do other household chores after school hours. 4. Creative writing Creative writing is another great indoor activity kids can work on during winter months. Most writing required for the classroom involves responding to a prompt or analyzing certain information. However, creative writing is one of the best ways for kids to spark their imaginations, broaden their vocabulary, and improve their overall writing ability. When kids work on a creative writing project, they also tend to become more interested in reading fiction novels or other types of prose that will improve their overall intellect. 5. Semi-structured socialization Most kids have 30 to 45 minutes to socialize during the school day, but this socialization is often heavily structured. Its important for teachers to be able to maintain a certain amount of structure so they can manage to look after 20 or more children. However, kids learn some of their best socialization skills in a less structured environment. This means that there is at least one adult present to supervise the children, but they have more of an opportunity to interact freely. Some of the most important social skills, such as conflict resolution, sharing, taking turns and compromising occur when kids have to work things out for themselves. A semi-structured environment is one of the best ways to promote these skills. Speak with your private Irvine academic tutor from TutorNerds for more great after school activities. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.

Manage ADHD with Cognitive Training

Manage ADHD with Cognitive Training Managing ADHD by cognitive training is a new and promising approach, one that avoids the intake of drugs and improves academic results. While Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may be associated with laziness, poor motivation, low intelligence, or poor upbringing, ADHD is a genuine medical disorder, and it can be caused by genetic, environmental factors and substances. The exact cause of ADHD is still unknown. However, the link to genetics is strong. For example, twin studies indicate that the disorder is often inherited from ones parents with genetics determining about 75% of cases. Environmental factors play another important role in the onset of ADHD. Because the disorder is more common in children of anxious or stressed mothers, some argue that ADHD is an adaptation that helps children face a stressful or dangerous environment with. Toxic substances are also known to trigger ADHD. Alcohol intake during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorder which includes symptoms similar to ADHD. Exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy can cause problems with central nervous system development and can increase the risk of ADHD. Children exposed to lead, even low levels, or polychlorinated biphenyls may develop problems which resemble ADHD, however, the evidence is not conclusive. Contrary to what you might know from the media, a childs diet does not trigger ADHD. Much of the research done over the past two decades was unable to support the claim that diet played a significant role in causing ADHD. Dietary sugar and the artificial sweetener aspartame appear to have little to no effect, with the only exception being children less than six years of age. While experts still are in search of the cause of ADHD, they all agree ADHD changes the brain structure. Certain parts of the brain become smaller or less active than they are in children who dont have ADHD. Another common pathological sign are impaired brain pathways connecting the brains prefrontal cortex. Patients with ADHD develop an imbalance of neurotransmitters â€" these are the brain chemicals needed for generating thoughts. The management of ADHD typically involves counseling or medications either alone or in combination. Unfortunately, while treatment may improve the long term outcomes, it does not get rid of the negative outcomes. Javier Arguello, Director at COGx, has an entirely different view about managing ADHD. He notes while the Unites States has less than 5% of the worlds population; it consumes 85% of the worlds stimulants. That would mean that America’s children are disproportionate inattentive compared to the rest of the world. Because this appears to be highly unlikely Mr. Arguello argues Americans take stimulants too often when they should not. In his second argument, Mr. Arguello looks at the sales of simulates. Surprisingly, stimulants have increased in sales by over 100% in the time frame from 2007 ($4 billion) to 2012 ($9 billion). These numbers might indicate we are oversold on stimulants. Inattentiveness is often a symptom of a weak cognitive skill. What this means is when the brain is mentally tasked beyond is capacity to process that information the brain releases glucose. As a result the brain becomes quickly exhausted. In an attempt to protect it we become disengaged and inattentive, which are exactly the symptoms of ADHD. ADHD is typically diagnosed through a questionnaire. It should be obvious that this method of diagnosing ADHD is highly subjective. But the student may not suffer from genuine ADHD medical disorder yet but simply scores low on short term memory retention has a slow mental processing speed. Mr. Arguello says: While drugs are necessary for a few, they do not fix a broken learning system. We are giving pills instead of skills. Every student is different, every student learns different. Instead, a better approach is to assess the cognitive skills of each individual and then tailor the teachings. In other words, Mr. Arguello would prescribe cognitive training and improving memory retention instead stimulants. For parent it is not easy to decide what to do when a loved one shows signs of ADHD. We at TutorZ recommend hiring a qualified  ADHD tutor  to improve his or her  learning environment by individualizing education aiming to manage  ADHD with cognitive training.