What is remarkable about this scene is not what is happening, but what is not.
The kids aren’t fighting. They are playing games together.
That's unusual for children like Julia and Jinel Mather who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD.
They are just not able to filter what's important at the moment, so they are trying to take everything in at once. Jinel had trouble with tests.
I just couldn’t concentrate. I heard lots of small noises and scratching of paper.
Dr. Margaret McDonald treats ADHD with smart brain game; a new system that combines brainwave monitoring, biofeedback, and video games. The goal is to alter the brainwave patterns responsible for ADHD. A hat is fitted with sensors. The patient is only successful at the game when emiting the right kinds of brain waves.
And if they don’t do the right thing and they can't steer, and they will crash, and eventually the brain will keep trying to do what it has to do to succeed in the game.
And it works.
So, I am taking a test. I can, you know, think about the problem not the sounds.
I knew that they were really wonderful people inside and I am so excited to see who they are coming out.
Jinel is now completely off her ADHD meds and Julia has reduced her doses.
It is as close to a magic bullet as I have ever seen.
And it's fun. This is Jennifer Matthews reporting.
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