Ongoing Tai Chi Training for Children With ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has tremendous individual and societal impact, and the effectiveness of current standard treatments is limited. Thus, there are potential public health benefits for novel behavioral training programs that could remediate the core features of ADHD and contribute to sustained improvements in behavioral control. There is mounting evidence that children with ADHD show difficulties with motor control, and that these motor deficits are strongly associated with the core behavioral features of ADHD. Based on this information, the CNIR initiated a feasibility trial of a movement-based intervention, utilizing Tai Chi practice, targeting improved behavioral control through engagement of the motor system and results are highly promising. The investigators therefore will employ an extension of our ongoing Tai Chi programs for children with ADHD, beginning with children who have already completed one of the previous Tai Chi sessions. This program will provide the basis for studying the long-term effects of mindful movement, as well as creating a foundation for exploring the way that such interventions can be expanded into a more realistic support setting for the community. Hypothesis: After participating in the ongoing Tai Chi program, children with ADHD will show improvements in behavioral measures of motor, cognitive, and attentional control. The investigators further expect movement-based training will result in decreases in ADHD symptom severity.