A recent report from the National Institute of Mental Health gives us a better look at what is happening inside the brains of our teenagers. Take a look at this article!

Teenage Brain: A Work in Progress

From the National Institute of Mental Health, December 18, 2006

New imaging studies are revealing—for the first time—patterns of brain development that extend into the teenage years. Although scientists don't know yet what accounts for the observed changes, they may parallel a pruning process that occurs early in life that appears to follow the principle of "use-it-or-lose-it:" neural connections, or synapses, that get exercised are retained, while those that don't are lost. At least, this is what studies of animals' developing visual systems suggest. While it's known that both genes and environment play major roles in shaping early brain development, science still has much to learn about the relative influence of experience versus genes on the later maturation of the brain. Animal studies support a role for experience in late development, but no animal species undergoes anything comparable to humans' protracted childhood and adolescence. Nor is it yet clear whether experience actually creates new neurons and synapses, or merely establishes transitory functional changes. Nonetheless, it's tempting to interpret the new findings as empowering teens to protect and nurture their brain as a work in progress.

I would love to try Attend in my 6 year old child, however, he cannot swallow the pill. Is it as effective if the capsule is broken and the powder is mixed with juice? Any suggestions? THANKS D.C., MD

Hi D----

Yes, you can try that. Some families mix it with a bit of apple sauce, followed by a bit of orange juice. It tastes terrible. The big capsule is the biggest drawback to Attend.

Doug Cowan

REMEMBER to visit the new ADHD Newsletter website to read all of the articles and comments available!

Amber, my daughter and the editor of this newsletter, is moving to Orange County today as her husband Tim prepares to start graduate school next Monday. And Dallas and I will be heading back to Guatemala on Friday to continue working on the school project in Pixabaj. So I'm hoping that we can still publish a newsletter for next Tuesday, but please forgive us if we end up skipping a week.

In Pixabaj we have completed the first floor, which means that the school can accomodate the 130 students that we will be opening with on January 22nd.

Dallas and I will be helping to get things ready for six volunteer construction teams to come during January and February. They will work to complete the second floor, which will expand our capacity to an eventual 600 students!.

By the way, there are about 20 students that still need sponsors at $40 per month. Its a great way to change the world - one life at at time. I know there is some frustration with the Outpost website, but we are working on that issue with the developer. Outsourcing work sometimes makes things harder.

If you'd like to sponsor a child, just email me directly ( dcowan at newideas dot net) and I'll get you in touch personally with our treasurer to set everything up.

I'll get some pictures of Opening Day to share with you in two or three weeks. Please pray for us as we travel.