The Transcendental Meditation Program
“Study Shows Transcendental Meditation’s
Promise for Kids with ADHD”—Los Angeles Times
The David Lynch Foundation has announced a new initiative to
bring training in the TM® technique to the millions of children
and adults suffering from attention disorders like ADHD.
Dr. Sarina Grosswald, a George Washington
University-trained cognitive learning specialist and the
nation’s leading expert in the application of meditation
to learning disorders, is leading this initiative. She has
also helped schools implement programs that bring the
daily practice of the TM technique to at-risk children. (See PBS TV feature about her research below.)
Dr. Grosswald’s research was published earlier this year in the journal Current Issues in Education and suggests that for children diagnosed with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, the twice-daily practice of the Transcendental Meditation® technique improves attention and reduces stress, anxiety and impulsive behavior. And unlike other forms of meditation, which require levels of concentration that are difficult for those with ADHD, the students in this Washington, DC study were able to learn, master and practice the TM technique without difficulty.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 15 million children and adults have been diagnosed ADHD. The CDC reports that the number of ADHD diagnoses is growing by 3% per year. Researchers also believe that the true number of children and adults who are living with ADHD is much higher. Stimulant medications such as Ritalin and Adderall are commonly prescribed first-line treatment for ADHD. Concern by the CDC persists regarding the possible side effects and long-term health outcomes associated with the consumption of these amphetamine-based stimulants. The David Lynch Foundation is dedicated to making the Transcendental Meditation technique—a natural, effective, non-drug alternative to ADHD—available to all those suffering from this debilitating disorder.
