Some worry that a diagnosis will be used as a label. And no one likes labels. For us, understanding the problem doesn’t mean you are getting a label. It means you are getting a road map, with guideposts that point the way to the solution. Most often, our clients are relieved when they finally know what’s wrong. It can remove the confusion, and reduce the guilt or self-blame. Most importantly, it can increase your motivation to do the tough work of change.

Sleep matters for attention, mental sharpness, and mood. Sleep deprivation undermines attention and thinking. Only 17 hours of sustained wakefulness impairs your performance as much as being over the legal limit for alcohol. Investigations have pointed to a contribution from sleep deprivation in the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil, the Challenger space shuttle disaster, and the Chernobyl nuclear accident.

Nutrition matters too. Although your brain represents only 2% of your body weight, it receives 15% of the blood flow from your heart and burns up 25% of the glucose in your blood. Your brain works very hard and needs lots of nutrients for fuel. Proper nutrition is vital for brain function. There is some evidence that Omega 3 fatty acids reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and slows decline for those with mild Alzheimer’s disease. Early studies have also shown a benefit for ADHD, depression and bipolar disorder, and ASD.

Exercise matters as well. Increasingly studies are showing that adequate exercise is necessary for good mental function. In fact, selected schools have found that attention improves, learning accelerates, and behavior problems disappear when each child receives a half hour daily of aerobic exercise.