This evidenced based course focuses on the latest medical and non-medical approaches and interventions for patients with ADHD, Aggression, Addictions, Social Disorders, Pain, Anorexia, Sleep, Anxiety and Mood Disorders. We will explore an ongoing study of balance and coordination training on autistic adolescents and its effect on behavior and social skills. We will look at pluses and dangers of medical marijuana and the growing evidence of the clinical usefulness of Cannabidiol (CBD). The ground-breaking work of using CBD to treat seizures and behaviors in this population will be studied.The course will explore the proven effects of exercise, yoga, play, diet, and other alternative strategies.

There will be special emphasis on the burgeoning research on exercise and ADHD, integrating exercise into your practice. The course will also do a deep dive into the Default Mode Network and how its troubled connectivity within the brain explains ADHD, Autism, and other psychiatric diagnoses better than most models.The course will review the effects of sleep, being in nature, and movement on brain health in general and specifically as treatment for ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The course looks at the growing awareness of the “microbiome” when it comes to diet, and the effect of gluten and probiotics on the gut and brain/behavior connection. The course takes a journey into the brain and synapses to fully learn about these conditions.

FACULTY
John J. Ratey, MD is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Dr. Ratey has been a leading teacher and researcher on brain and personality and treatment of aggression and the development of disabilities as well as the psychological and cognitive benefits of exercise and play.