Cognitive exercises have been found to produce changes in the function of the brain. Here are some games that not only produce those desired changes but also provide hours of fun for the ADHD child and his/her family.

**Crossword puzzles and picture puzzles are good examples of a technique that will aid in teaching your child to sit in a chair without much movement. The child's concentration level will be at a high level and he/she will not realize how long they have been sitting. Time the length of concentration. Ask the child why he/she feels that they were able to sit appropriately for such a length of time. Feel free as a parent or teacher to sit with the child and prompt the child on words for the crossword or find the words in a dictionary for them. On picture puzzles teach the child to refer back to the picture of the puzzle often. Most important is to make sure that the crossword puzzle or picture puzzle is age appropriate. One might start with a super easy puzzle and work toward harder ones as concentration begins to lengthen. Also, choose puzzles that you know the child will really be interested in. Allow them to chose picture puzzles, but you make the final decision on difficulty. When the child has accomplished the goal, put the results on display!

**Memory and Concentration games such as "Memory" or "Simon" are great for improving both memory and concentration. Both are quick and easy to play. In "Memory", the child must remember the location of picture squares (or word squares). In "Simon", the child must memorize sequences of visual and auditory stimuli. Both games cause brain circuits to be exercised and to be challenged. This strengthens connections and improves function. The parent or teacher serves as the "brain coach." Work with the child giving them encouragement. Tell them the progress being made as the child plays. Let them know they are improving. Playing games with your child also strengthens your relationship with your child.

** The coin game calls for a pocket full of change (in all denominations), a small sheet of cardboard, and a watch with a second hand. Ready, Set, Go!
Please 5 of the coins on the table (pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, half-dollars). Place the coins in a sequence, perhaps 2 pennies, 2 nickels, and 1 dime.
Tell the child to look closely at the coins and to notice how the coins are arranged on the table. Now cover the coins with the cardboard.
Place a pile of coins in front of the child. Tell the child that he/she is to choose the same coins from the new pile and place them in the same sequence of the covered coins. Start timing!
When the child is finished, mark the time used and whether of not the child was correct. If the child wasn't correct, ask that he/she repeat the procedure until the sequence is correct.
Increase the difficulty of the patterns as you progress. The child's concentration and sequencing will improve the more they play. Do these exercises with your child. You will have fun and so will your child!Have fun!