(March 06, 2008) -- Parents throughout the United States are increasingly turning toward alternatives to medication for children struggling with attention deficit challenges.

"Play Attention" users wear a bicycle-like helmet that measures the wearer's brain waves and enables them to control video games, using nothing more than their thoughts.

"This technology teaches people how to concentrate," said Play Attention founder and CEO Peter Freer. "Because of the game-like technology, children are encouraged to engage and build important skills. Rather than punishing kids who face these challenges, Play Attention gives them positive reinforcement for simply paying attention — which is the major challenge facing children with ADD/ADHD."

Inspired by technology used by NASA to train astronauts, "Play Attention" gives users immediate feedback by showing them in real time how well they are concentrating. The same technology has been used with success by the US Women's Olympic Bobsled Team and will soon be integrated into the training program of a Canadian nuclear power provider.

After using "Play Attention" for a minimum of 40 hours, children and adults alike report a lasting increased ability to concentrate. Once these skills are acquired, users are able to stop using the program and, in many cases, are also able to reduce or completely eliminate the use of medication to manage their attention deficit problems.

For children suffering from ADD/ADHD, the benefits have been shown to improve everything from test scores to social skills to cooperation with simple household tasks.

The program is most successful when users receive coaching from an attentive adult such as a parent, teacher, or psychological professional who can offer guidance and encouragement as participants gradually master concentration skills.

Since 2003, Play Attention user surveys have indicated a 91 percent satisfaction rate. The scientifically sound, innovative approach has changed the lives of thousands of children in communities throughout the United States.

"For the first time in his 12 years, my son finally can say that he loves to read. Better yet, he understands what he reads," said "Play Attention" parent Stacey Harmis. "[My son] is much more independent and organized in his work, his self-confidence has increased, his teachers are noticing the changes and we're only halfway through the program! I find it amazing that such dramatic results can come from something that only takes one hour a week and is affordable."

Last updated: 03/08

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