By forcing the mind to refocus on what’s essential, meditation helps to achieve a state of psychic calm, self-control and concentration. For children prey to anxiety and stress, such as dyslexic children or those with Attention Deficit Disorder, with or without Hyperactivity (ADHD), it could prove particularly effective, complementing the conventional treatment of their difference (speech therapist, psychologist…). Just like sophrology and the Schultz relaxation method.
The benefits of meditation for dyslexics and ADHD sufferers
Meditation refers to our ability to bring our attention back to the present moment, without judgment, with kindness and awareness. In practice, this means focusing attention on oneself or on an object of thought, and concentrating one’s mind on it, to achieve a state of plenitude, both physical and psychological.
According to several studies, regular meditation practice enhances the plasticity of brain regions involved in controlling emotions and attention. However, dyslexic and ADHD children, because of their learning difficulties, are under pressure to achieve results, which feeds their anxiety and stress on a daily basis. Meditation can help reduce these states, while giving them better emotional balance and boosting their confidence and self-esteem.
Breathing, the key to the present
By bringing our attention back to the movement of the breath, we place ourselves in the present. It helps us get out of our heads and into our bodies, feeling more precisely what’s going on, rather than focusing on what we think is happening or is going to happen… The power of meditation, by connecting with our breath, is to come back to the here and now.
A daily practice of just a few minutes is enough to “muscle” attention and develop concentration, influencing mood and discernment. With meditation, dyslexic and ADHD children can better understand how their brain works, how it reacts to different aggressions… They will learn to identify the point of divergence that triggers their ” mental wandering”.
mental wandering
They will learn to identify the point of divergence that triggers their “mental wandering”, that point – specific to each individual – where attention is parasitized by other thoughts.
Meditation, an effective complement to treatment
Given the many benefits of meditation for managing emotions and attention, dyslexic and ADHD children and teenagers can use it as a complement to conventional treatment for their disorder.
However, as poor practice is likely to exacerbate their difficulties, it is strongly recommended that you seek the advice of a professional specializing in DYS disorders. Indeed, children with ADHD or dyslexia are often mocked by those around them, contributing to emotional instability, which needs to be managed in order to provide a meaningful response.
Don’t hesitate to contact a psychologist on the Ora-Visio platform to discuss the relevance of meditation in helping your dyslexic or ADHD child combat these conditions.
