BrainPower Neurodevelopmental Center

12/20/2025

ADHD is a complex disorder associated with detectable differences in the structure of the brain. In general, parts of the brain in children with ADHD tend to be smaller in volume compared to children without ADHD. While this has no impact on a person's intelligence as it's unaffected by ADHD, it does suggest that certain variations in the amygdala, hippocampus, and other structures may account for the symptoms of ADHD.

By adulthood, these variations become less notable. This may also account for why the rate of ADHD in adults is only a fraction of what it is in children.

Brain regions don't operate in isolation. This means that dysfunction in one part of the brain may result in dysfunction in others.

For example, the basal ganglia of children with ADHD tend to have greater interaction of nerve signals (known as functional connectivity) than children without. While increased connectivity may sound like a positive thing, it is associated with a decrease in the diversity of interactions.

So while certain brain processes may move faster, others may fall to the wayside. In children with ADHD, this results in increased hyperactivity and decreased executive functioning.

Decreased blood flow to the prefrontal cortex has also been seen in the ADHD brain. This is referred to as hypofrontality, a condition linked not only to ADHD but also to mental illnesses like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

However, unlike those illnesses, the functioning and structure of the ADHD brain can start to become more typical as a person ages. This may explain why childhood ADHD doesn’t always follow you into adulthood or may not be anywhere near as severe.

For more information, visit:
Verywell ❤️

12/18/2025

“Brain fog” is a term for a range of symptoms that cause cognitive impairment. This affects your ability to think clearly, focus, concentrate, remember and pay attention. Like its name, these symptoms cloud your mind and make it difficult to perform routine tasks like holding a conversation, listening to instructions or remembering the steps of something you’re doing.

Brain fog, also called mental fog, can happen after an illness, as a side effect of a medication (like chemotherapy) or as a symptom of an underlying condition. A healthcare provider can help you determine what’s causing brain fog to help you feel more like yourself.

Brain fog can feel slightly different for each person. You may experience the following with brain fog:

Difficulty concentrating or focusing.
Confusion.
Fatigue.
Forgetfulness.
Losing your train of thought.
Mental exhaustion.
Not having the right words.
Slow thought process and reaction time.
Trouble paying attention.

There isn’t a specific treatment available for brain fog. A healthcare provider might first recommend tips to boost your immune system like:

Improving your sleep habits to get a better night’s rest.
Eating healthy and nutritious meals.
Getting 30 minutes of physical activity in each day.
Writing down important information so you don’t forget it.
Taking short breaks (about 30 minutes each) throughout the day to reduce overworking your brain.
Participating in psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy.
If these tips don’t resolve brain fog, a healthcare provider may address specific symptoms with medications like antidepressants or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), among others. Your provider will also discuss any side effects to look out for while you’re taking a new medication. (Cleveland Clinic ❤️)

Image UnityPoint Health ❤️

12/16/2025

School avoidance over the holidays often stems from separation anxiety or anticipatory stress about returning, with symptoms like tantrums, physical complaints (headaches/stomachaches), sleep issues, and clinging behavior, but maintaining routines, creating coping plans with support systems, and open communication about fears can help ease the transition back to school. The break disrupts routine, making the return jarring, and underlying issues like bullying or low self-esteem can worsen the dread.

Image Sunshine Support ❤️

12/15/2025

A malignant narcissist is an abusive person who finds pleasure in lying, manipulating, and using other people in order to get the things that they want.

Narcissism is a personality trait recognized throughout history, but awareness of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and narcissistic personality in popular culture has grown. As a result, people may wonder whether they are dealing with someone who is selfish, thoughtless, or overly power-seeking—or if they are dealing with someone with a true disorder.

Beyond the desire to focus primarily on themselves and be held in high regard by virtually everyone in their lives, people with malignant narcissism tend to have a darker side to their self-absorption. These individuals can be highly manipulative and don't care who they hurt as long as they get their own way.

Although there is only one official diagnosis for narcissism (narcissistic personality disorder), there are different types. Someone with grandiose narcissism, for instance, requires excessive praise and attention; while someone with vulnerable narcissism tends to have a lot of anxiety and need a lot of supportive attention.

So how does malignant narcissism differ from narcissism? The primary difference is that while narcissism involves symptoms of grandiosity and low empathy for others, a malignant narcissist tends to have more severe symptoms as well as symptoms of other co-occurring personality disorders.

Among the different types, people with malignant narcissism are by far the most harmful to others. Social psychologist Erich Fromm, who first coined the term malignant narcissism, called people with this type "the quintessence of evil."

People with this subtype contain the general traits of NPD, including regular egocentricity. They also have antisocial traits and even a sadistic streak, as well as a poor sense of self and lack of empathy. There is often some paranoia involved with malignant narcissism as well.

For more information, visit Verywell ❤️

12/15/2025

12/14/2025

To all our friends who celebrate, Happy Hanukkah!

12/14/2025

ADHD is underdiagnosed in women more than in other gender identities or children.

Gender biases, as well as cultural expectations of girls and women, play a big part in the lower rate of diagnoses. For example, symptoms of inattentiveness are dismissed as daydreaming, or interrupting others can be labeled as chattiness.

As a result, women struggling with undiagnosed ADHD often have their symptoms misattributed to other factors.

Three of the main symptoms women with ADHD struggle with are:

Inattention
Hyperactivity
Impulsivity

Research has revealed some concerning trends about ADHD in women. On average, men are diagnosed between the ages of 11 and 22, while women typically receive an accurate diagnosis much later, around ages 16 to 28.

Additionally, women with ADHD also have a higher risk than men of developing other concurrent mental health conditions alongside ADHD.

Despite these challenges, it is entirely possible for women to thrive with ADHD. Getting the necessary treatment and support further tilts the odds in their favor. For more information visit https://add.org/adhd-in-women/

Visual Coaching With Brooke ❤️

12/13/2025

Toolbox❤️

12/11/2025

Auditory processing disorder in children can be very challenging. When we are young, our day job is learning. Our primary focus is getting an education. With auditory processing disorder, a child’s school day may be more challenging, frustrating, and sometimes humiliating than anyone realizes.
He may be missing much of what the teacher is saying in class, particularly in noisy classrooms.
Homework can be frustrating and stressful. This stems from not understanding the assignment, an inability to follow the lesson in class, and/or reading problems.
Social conversations with peers are challenging, particularly in noisy playgrounds.
Sometimes she faces humiliation, having to answer in class before she understands the question.
Reading out loud in class or to a parent is often another daily struggle.
These daily frustrations erode confidence and self-esteem. Furthermore, they create a negative connection to reading and learning that over time will be hard to reverse. Consequently, many children with APD do eventually grow out of their processing delays, but they never become enthusiastic readers.

For more information, visit Learning ❤️

12/09/2025

12/09/2025

Exploring the Spectrum of Twice Exceptionality

The term ‘twice exceptional’ might appear puzzling at first glance. These unique individuals embody a spectrum where intellectual or creative gifts coexist with learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, or other developmental disabilities, including a learning disability.

Understanding the journey of a twice exceptional learner involves grasping the concept of asynchrony; it is where their cognitive, social, emotional, or physical development diverges, creating an intricate mosaic of advanced abilities and areas in need of support.

Twice exceptional children frequently pose a perplexing situation, displaying a blend of exceptional strengths and deficits that can manifest in unpredictable academic performance and behavioral or social-emotional issues.

These intellectually gifted children, also known as gifted students, might demonstrate remarkable abilities in non-academic domains such as the arts, demonstrating superior range in creativity or leadership, which may extend beyond the confines of a traditional classroom setting. Nevertheless, it can be challenging to recognize these gifts, as they are not solely defined by high intelligence but also by the presence of a distinct area of giftedness.

Some common characteristics of twice exceptional children include:

High intelligence combined with learning disabilities or attention issues
Advanced problem-solving skills paired with social or emotional challenges
Exceptional creativity alongside difficulties with organization or executive functioning
Intense focus and passion for specific subjects or hobbies, but struggles with traditional academic tasks
Identifying and supporting twice exceptional children requires a comprehensive understanding of their unique strengths and challenges. By providing appropriate accommodations and individualized support, these children can thrive and reach their full potential.

, Calm Brain/Happy Family ❤️