White noise apps to help inattentive children focus on schoolwork

http://www.behavioralandbrainfunctions.com/content/6/1/55

The effects of background white noise on memory performance in inattentive school children

This is a Swedish journal article (in English) about how white noise can potentially be of help with inattentive school children. There are a lot of cheap white noise apps you can buy and some I think are even free. However, the white noise actually worsened attention for children who are typically attentive. It goes into some of the neuroscience involved with why kids with ADHD would be helped by it, and it wasn’t just because it masked other noises. Interesting article, I recommend at least skimming it. It does also say there are individual differences though, so this is NOT saying immediately play white noise for all kids with ADHD. I do like the idea, however, of trying white noise apps with headphones on for SOME kids while doing independent work…
Jul 30, 2012 | Category: Occupational Therapy | Comments: none