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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, DECEMBER 30, 2001: Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) will be taught to meditate as an alternative way of controlling their behavior in a Sydney program that is the first of its kind. The children, aged 10 and under, will be taught meditation techniques practiced by devotees of Sahaja Yoga, a method of meditation founded in India. The techniques — intended to relax the mind and to improve concentration — include lying still and repeating affirmations. Program coordinator Dr. Ramesh Manocha said the unit decided to set up a trial program after requests from a number of teachers and schools looking for better ways of controlling classes with ADHD children. “We are not particularly interested in the spiritual dimension of Yoga, but its therapeutic use,” he said. “ADHD is essentially a problem of attention control and meditation is a way of helping people control their attention span.” ADHD is a behavioral disorder which affects up to one in 20 children. Currently an estimated 50,000 children in Australia use drugs to control ADHD.

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