Epilepsy Support Group Groton Connecticut. Memory Workshop

I just came back from offering a memory improvement workshop for the Epilepsy Support Group in Groton Connecticut. 19 people showed up, and it was a fun bunch.Epilepsy support groups Connecticut
Research has shown that people with Epilepsy have memory issues and seizures can even cause amnesia.
For fun we also had an epilepsy facts trivia quiz.
We learned techniques to remember new people , and numbers . This especially since you might want to remember a credit card password, an important date like your doctors appointment, or for a question on an exam. One member had a sever case of test anxiety and I let her know about my video of short  relaxed concentration techniques " Zen of ADD ADHD" ; and " Being In Control: Natural Solutions for ADHD , Dyslexia, and Test Anxiety". These may be downloaded from Amazon.com . More info at www.jasonalster.com www.jasonalster.com

SAT shakeup. The test should offer "worthy challenges, not artificial obstacles," said College Board President David Coleman at an event in Austin, Texas.

Speaking about the new SAT exam. "The test should offer "worthy challenges, not artificial obstacles," said College Board President David Coleman at an event in Austin, Texas." Makes me want to sue the SAT for making artificial obstacles in our lives. It just goes to show that exams were testing how well you took exams. Sure people who did well on the SAT's would probably do well in university. However, that is not to say that many who did not do well on the SAT would not have done well in college either. PS I am offering SAT and study strategy tutoring with a specialty in students who have ADD ADHD and or test anxiety. www.jasonalster.com I am now using SKYPE and can tutor students anywhere in the world at a reasonable cost.

Natural seated yoga type techniques for helping ADHD - radio interview

Interview with Miss ADD about research into developing natural relaxed concentration techniques for helping students with ADHD and Test Anxiety. 

Blog Talk Radio interview 

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/missadd/2014/01/20/the-search-for-natural-techniques-for-adhd

In response to a question - do I have research results for the streaming video The Zen for ADD ADHD

Yes as a biofeedback therapist since 1990 , I worked with people who had all types of stress disorders as well as ADHD. I found that GSR biofeedback is a good physiological objective measure of relaxed concentration in ADHD and used this objective physiological measure to test what works for relaxation physiologically as well as relaxed concentration. From this information on hundreds of clients I produced the well received book and video Being In Control: Natural Solutions for ADHD , Dyslexia , and Test Anxiety as well as the video GSR Biofeedback Techniques for the Natural ADHD Practitioner. Later , I just took out the relaxation exercises and added some more so that there will be just a relaxed concentration video especially for ADHD. Techniques like looking at a Liquid Timer , metronome, holding the scenes for a few moments longer like watching water flow etc make up this video. So in reality it is part of a set of the three video mentioned and may be streamed from Amazon.com.
www.jasonalster.com

Galvanic Skin Response measure (GSR) as objective physiological measure in ADHD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCvfGml3owAGSR Biofeedback Techniques for the Natural ADHD Practitioner



This is the video GSR biofeedback techniques for the natural ADHD practitioner based on research done in Israel. It shows that the resting electro dermal activity can be used as an objective measure of relaxed concentration in ADHD. From this measure I was able to test the techniques I then developed in my video for ADHD --- "Being In Control : Natural Solutions for ADHD , Dyslexia , and Test Anxiety" as well as the video " Zen for ADD , ADHD " . These videos may be downloaded as a streaming download from Amazon.com

Today, in the USA , I offer tutoring and coaching services for students with ADHD. However, I would like to continue with this research on the GSR in ADHD if  I may find an ADHD researcher interested.
Today , research is looking at the  brain MRI in ADHD for medication applications. However, using the GSR , I was able to train people with ADHD to increase their relaxed concentration naturally.
My webpage for contact info and the different resources I offer.
www.jasonalster.com

Radio Interview about Natural Techniques for Helping ADHD.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/missadd/2014/01/20/the-search-for-natural-techniques-for-adhd
MissADD Blog Talk Radio Jan 19th 7PM EST



Please join me this coming Sunday, January 19, 2014, 4:00pm, PST, as I welcome Jason Alster to the program. Jason and I will be discussing natural techniques for ADHD. Jason joins us from the east coast, Conneticut, where he works as an ADD coach. Jason is an author, and created a movie, titled, "Being in Control: Natural Solutions for ADD, Dyslexia, and Test Anxiety." In addition to coaching, Jason helps his clients develop study strategies, relaxed concentration skills, memory techniques, time management, test taking strategies, and more. Please, call in and ask Jason questions, (917) 889-7025. It should be a wonderful show!!

Bamboo brush painting workshop Middletown Ct

$45. Registration required: 860-347-4957 or online at www.buttonwood.org Come join artist and author Jason Mark Alster MSc October 6th at The Buttonwood Tree as he teaches the fine art of Chinese bamboo brush painting! The bamboo is said to represent China, strong but also flexible. Chinese Brush painting is meant to be more than a representation of an object; it is also a symbolic expression. Painting the leaves and stem, but never the whole plant, bamboo painting is all about the beauty of line. You will be amazed at all the different qualities of line you can achieve with just one brush, simply by changing the angle and pressure with which you hold it. Chinese bamboo brush painting lessons include brush stroke techniques, brushes used, making Chinese ink, using rice paper composition and space. You will be able to use the skills you learn from Jason to design your own shirts, create cards, and decorate your home. Chinese bamboo brush painting is relaxing and fun. You are guaranteed to go home with a beautiful painting that you've created using the skills learned in this workshop! This class is ideal for beginners and no experience is needed. The workshop is from 1PM to 5PM Materials will be included. Snacks and beverages will be available. For Adults and Children over 14. XXX for week with children include: Children must be over 14 and must be accompanied by a parent.

Proposed objective physiological measure in ADHD using GSR

Original research in Israel by Jason Alster MSc ( now in USA) has shown that the galvanic skin response
 ( GSR) or electro-dermal activity in ADHD can be a physiological fingerprint for concentration problems in many if not the majority of students with ADD / ADHD .
This video was published on Amazon.com in 2006 as Guide To GSR Biofeedback Techniques for the Natural ADHD Practitioner. Jason Alster is an award winning researcher and author who works in medical diagnostics , biofeedback, and accelerated learning strategies. Jason is also the author of Being In Control : Natural Solutions for ADHD , Dyslexia, and Test Anxiety, as well as the relaxation download , Zen for ADHD,  Zen of Spring , and Zen From Israel.  www.jasonalster.com.


New Concept in Testing for ADHD.
http://www.electroniquecurative.com/articles/adhd_biofeed


by Jason Alster

I would like to bring to your attention a new concept in ADD testing. An objective physiological measure of ADHD has been elusive. However, research by Jason Alster MSc has shown that when ADD persons try to sit still, do a boring task, or concentrate- they actually enter stress as measured by labile electro - dermal activity (EDA , GSR ). Whereas the GSR was traditionally used to teach relaxation it was overlooked as a tool to teach relaxed concentration being dwarfed by the popular and successful neurofeedback.

Measuring electron flow in a circuit the body operates largely by a series of electrical impulses which have been shown to follow certain pathways and measure changes in the electrical resistance or the ability of the tissue to conduct electricity. The GSR activity marker is positive in the majority of ADD clients tested. Once tested, then the GSR biofeedback may be used to improve the stress result with different techniques. A protocol using this valid objective physiological marker has just been published in a video- "Guide for GSR Biofeedback Techniques for the Natural ADHD Practitioner" (Amazon.com).

Using the GSR protocol only takes 10 minutes to perform. The test is valid for children as well as adults and helps parents determine if their ADHD children need intervention. The measure may then be used to match a personal technique protocol to the client depending on what type of technique helps improve the GSR from lability to stability during rest.

The GSR is measured as labile and steadily increases in amplitude when the ADHD child tries to sit quietly for 2 minutes. The GSR is then increasingly more labile during an eyes closed condition. This is in contrast to the GSR in anxiety where there is usually a decrease during a relaxing eyes closed baseline condition. In some instances- the GSR in ADHD is stable - however, will not return to baseline after prompted with a mild stimulus like noise. This shows that a symptom of ADHD when trying to sit quietly and concentrate -is acting like a stress-or for him her. This is not unlike the "disorientation" experienced in dyslexics when trying to read.

Many ADHD clients- upon producing a stable GSR after a biofeedback assisted relaxed concentration technique - will claim when asked-that this is the first time ever they felt what relaxation /concentration is. This may be compared to someone not having ever tasted a tasty food like an orange. You can't describe it to them. However, once they taste it- they know what it feels like. So too, it turns out, with the sense of relaxation, focus in ADHD. When asked to compare this sensation with the sensation of an ADHD medication- the majority of ADHD people will say that the natural biofeedback induced sensation is better than medication- and medication does not "feel well" even though it does help them concentrate. This shows that medication like Ritalin has a different mode of action working to help ADHD than natural and behavioral methods.
The relaxation and relaxed concentration response is natural and seems to be lacking in many people with ADHD. These responses might have been lacking at birth or were compromised with an unbalancing childhood medical problem (Ears nose and throat, asthma,-sleep disorder-medical operation). However, once re-learned or acquired - the ADHD person can re-produce this
"sensation" upon need. Like learning art or music- some are born with it- but all can learn to be artists or musicians with the proper instruction. This objective physiological test is easy to replicate only with the most sensitive /graphic GSR biofeedback equipment(like Thought Stream or Mindlife for example). My hope is that this simple and valid measure will be used as a future screening test in ADHD clinics and schools as well as by biofeedback practitioners helping ADHD.

A bit of the history in how this method was developed. I began treating children with ADD quite unexpectedly in 1991. As a biofeedback practitioner and part of an anxiety clinic in Tel Aviv, Israel, I had absolutely no experience in treating children but was doing quite well with adults suffering from stress disorders and teenagers who had test anxiety and social phobias. The biofeedback clinic had just opened and each type of patient was a new experience.

With medical- technological training in neuro-electrodiagnostics and sleep/wake disorders, I was more into the neurological and psycho- physiological disorders. A child psychologist working with me wanted to try biofeedback on ADD. Then he had said that there was no treatment and no objective test for this poorly understood syndrome. The only remedy at the time was Ritalin although reports about EEG (electroencephalogram) neuro - biofeedback and Joel Lubar's research with Neurofeedback were just coming out (1991) demonstrating that ADHD can respond to a behavioral method. At first I found that EMG (testing muscle tension)was increased in ADHD and there was already a study showing that EMG biofeedback did not help in ADHD.

However, I found that found that GSR ( electrodermal resistance) was better and easier to use in ADHD than EMG. At the time there were no studies of GSR biofeedback for ADD- so I had to go it alone. After starting to treat a handful of children with biofeedback, the psychologist I was working with had to leave the unit and I had to suddenly take over his patients. All I knew then about ADD was from a television program showing a hyperactive child literally jump off the walls and I worried about what this child would do to the biofeedback equipment! I had absolutely no knowledge of learning disorders either. I mention this lack of knowledge for a reason. I had to begin treating ADD without a prior predisposition to what was written in the literature and had to see for myself what worked and fast.
On my very first ADD client I performed a regular biofeedback stress baseline for anxiety.

That is, I hooked the child up to galvanic skin resistance (GSR) sensors, muscle and peripheral temperature monitors, but not EEG. I had to start to treat ADD with what I knew and that is how to treat stress and anxiety. I was lucky. My very first patient's baseline EMG (electromyogram or muscle activity potential) showed that the more she sat quietly the EMG gained in amplitude over time. That is, sitting quietly was tense for her. I tried relaxation training and she improved her baseline in just 6 sessions and began to do better both at home and in school. This was not supposed to happen. Biofeedback in ADD was supposed to be a stubborn neurological problem that takes 40- 60 EEG biofeedback sessions to treat. Wanting to find an effective, alternative method to offer those young people and especially parents who wouldn't, or didn't want to use medication for ADHD. At least these children wouldn't be left untreated.

In my readings at the time, a number of avenues were being pursued in the treatment of ADD. Some of these were nutritional, sensory integration, guided imagery, art therapy, natural meditation, yoga, Bach flower remedies, homeopathy, chiropractic, and the use of aromatic oils. In biofeedback, animated computer games were just being introduced like Mindlife/Ultramind and Thought Stream.

I decided I could use each method and observe its effectiveness. I could try and develop an integrated and holistic approach matching the method to each child individually and determining the results by the GSR.
One of the first things that I found that can cause the GSR to become stable in ADD children and adults is holding a soft or smooth stone in your hand and studying a liquid water timer or sand clock. Other techniques include using the senses to relax like self massage, abdominal breathing, seated yoga, listening to a metronome, listening to a sea shell, guided imagery, smelling aromatic oils, and more.

Later, I found that by integrating accelerated learning techniques and study strategies such as speed reading, associative memory, mind mapping , and time management - children with ADHD and test anxiety began to reach their full potential and receive very high grades in school.




For further research consultation contact jasonalster@gmail.com

Zen for ADD ADHD

Zen for ADD ADHD

A tranquil video with natural and Zen motifs made by biofeedback specialist Jason Mark Alster M.Sc especially for people with ADD and ADHD.Full video Zen for ADD , ADHD is with Amazon.com streaming downloads . From biofeedback specialist and ADHD researcher comes a relaxation video for improving relaxed concentration for anyone and for anyone with ADHD. Jason Alster M.S also published " Being In Control : Natural techniques for increasing your potential and creativity for success in school" and  " Creative Painting for the Young Artist". Jason also produced  the videos " Being In Control : Natural Solutions for ADHD , Dyslexia and Test Anxiety; "Anyone Can Improve Their Own Handwriting" ; and " Meditative and Exotic Sights and Sounds of Israel" . All are with Amazon.com for streaming download or hard copy purchase at www.jasonalster.com

synopsis

Dysgraphia and a Defect in the Understanding of Space:

Dysgraphia:: Neurologists have come to the consensus by concluding that dysgraphia is a neurological disorder and like other learning disabilities cannot be cured.  Dysgraphia is usually also accompanied by another learning disorder such as dyslexia or attention deficit disorder. The overlapping of disorders is common because the neurological system as a whole is affected. Dysgraphia occurs regardless of the ability to read and is not in itself due to intellectual impairment.

There are three types of Dysgraphia:

1. Dyslexic Dysgraphia: A person suffering from this will usually have illegible writing and extremely poor spelling.

2. Dysgraphia Due to Motor Weakness: Extremely similar to dyslexic Dysgraphia, but finger tapping speed is generally below normal. Motor dysgraphia is due to deficient fine motor skills, poor dexterity, poor muscle tone, or unspecified motor clumsiness. Letter formation may be acceptable in very short samples of writing, but this requires extreme effort and an unreasonable amount of time to accomplish, and it cannot be sustained for a significant length of time.

3. Dysgraphia Due to a Defect in the Understanding of Space: Generally the same as dyslexic Dysgraphia, but the person has a distorted view of space. This subtype is not fine motor based.  Students with Spatial Dysgraphia often have trouble keeping their writing on the lines and difficulty with spacing between words.

In my experience, a person with Dysgraphia and a poor space defect will also have difficulties in art perception and drawing.

Symptoms of Dysgraphia include:

1. Odd wrist, arm, body, or paper orientations such as creating an L shape with your arm.

2. Cramped fingers

3. Poor organization

4. Illegible writing

5. Slow speed of writing and copying

6. Misuse of margins and lines

7. Unfinished letter or words.Having a hard time translating ideas to writing, sometimes using the wrong words altogether.

8. Mumbling and repeating while writing.

9. Irregular sizes and shapes

10. Mix of upper and lower case letters

11. Mix of printed and cursive letters

12. Excessive erasures, and poor self esteem.

13. Inattentiveness over details when writing

14. Reluctance or refusal to complete writing tasks due to  stress (which can be created by the frustration with the task of writing and/or spelling).

The “Anyone Can Improve Their Own Handwriting”  individual handwriting correction program has a 100% success rate so far. With the experiences in the correction of ADHD and Dysgraphic  handwriting I have produced an instructional video “ Anyone Can Improve Their Own Handwriting. The video techniques addresses the issues of the symptoms mentioned for motor Dysgraphia, special awareness Dysgraphia and dyslexic Dysgraphia. By combining and integrating experiences from art instruction, ADHD tutoring, and biofeedback assisted relaxed concentration, a comprehensive correction program has been developed. The program and video have included exercises for hand grip, hand stress reduction, ergonomics related to body position while writing, and focusing techniques. Added to these are exercises for acquiring an artistic mode of seeing. These will help with spatial development and proprioceptive-kinesthetic awareness. Exercises include drawing up-side down, identifying negative spaces in letters, self critique of handwriting, and a special way to notate handwriting lapses, using sound when writing, and learn to control body movements.

“Anyone Can Improve Their Own Handwriting” is a download with Amazon.com and a CD can be acquired directly at https://sites.google.com/site/improvemessyhandwriting/

       

New Website for ADHD tutoring and resources

ADHD tutoring and resources

Zen for ADD ADHD video released with Amazon.com

"Zen for ADD , ADHD"  with Amazon.com streaming video downloads
A tranquil video with natural and Zen motifs made by biofeedback specialist Jason Mark Alster M.Sc especially for people with ADD and ADHD.

ADHD a myth according to Australian psychologist.

ADHD a mythhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFc67ZiZ2M0&feature=related

Need help with the ASVAB ???

PS, I took the ASVAB test myself  as part of my tutoring skills preparation and guess what?    I did well, in the 80's. Actually, the test is not rocket science and is more like a high school exam , not as difficult as an SAT. However, the ASVAB is comprehensive and covers materials like electronics, mechanics,  and math, and critical reading at a level you would need if you were to join the armed services, but not necessarily if you were to enter university.  I found this really cool video on YouTube  of  someone talking about their ASVAB experience. Taking the ASVAB

If you need help in doing well on the ASVAB then contact jasonalster@gmail.com
www.jasonalster.com

My recent activities in helping students with ADHD

I wanted to share with followers how my methods are working in practice  for helping ADHD students by combining relaxed concentration techniques with accelerated learning strategies, study strategies, and test taking  strategies.
It is working great.  Not only that, I am helping students even in top schools and they are telling me my methods are unique and they never seen them before. Well a synopsis. For speed reading I have a 15 years old student now who increased his reading speed of 240 words a minute, with excellent retention to over 400 words a minute. Now even though the student is diagnosed with ADHD, and read above average reading speed of about 180 words per minute for his age, he was not meeting his potential of 400 words a minute. Now this is an important step in helping him with his ADHD. Due to the distraction, fatigue, that come with ADHD even if he could read above average speed with good retention, the student would still not have the stamina to read for longer periods of time. The speed reading techniques  developed for ADHD students not only increase reading speed and retention, they help with the stamina for reading for longer periods of time needed with school study.

The basics of the speed reading method with the relaxed concentration tips are in the movie Being In Control: Natural Solutions for ADHD Dyslexia and Test Anxiety.



Being In Control : Natural Solutions for ADHD Dyslexia and Test Anxiety.

If you are a student with ADHD , have poor handwriting, or need help with learning strategies and test taking skills and you  live in or around Connecticut then have a look at this video .

ADHD tutor in Connecticut

ADHD tutoring for higher grades in school using natural techniques

Hello,
I offer ADHD tutoring services for achieving higher grades in school. Help with SAT ASVAB , memory techniques, improving math, organization of materials, speed reading , better handwriting , seated yoga techniques, time management , fixing a messy room, self actualization , test taking help, help with home work and much more.

Natural Zen for ADHD and Hyperactivity , hyper arousal

A video I made of relaxing scenes from Israel especially for ADHD , hyperactivity and hyper arousal

New e book Book I read promotes better handwriting, drawing skills

Click Here!

New improve handwriting / letter writing/drawing resources in e-book format

I just read a series of e books named "Master Handwriting" which teaches better handwriting in an ebook as well as "Master The Techniques of Letter Writing" and Master Pencil Drawing For Beginners!links below. Click Here!

Hi everyone,
I am happy to announce that I developed a new method of art and art teaching. This will especially help people with dysgraphia enjoy painting, but even senior citizens, or young artists. You know that artists will take a complicated to draw photo and project it on a wall or canvas and trace it in black charcoal pencil, then paint over it. Other artists use mixed media water colors as a base paint then paint over it with pastels allowing some of the water color to show through leaving a luminous effect. Well what I did was print a color photograph on pastel paper in my printer and then with pastels pencil or stick paint over the photo. The end product is a beautiful original painting with some color of the photo showing through as if it was a pastel painting with water color showing through. The combined easy to paint without learning to draw effect is just beautiful.

Above  are three paintings over photos I did and below a video about my book " Creative Painting for the Young artist."



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCz0D0d57os