How Sensory-Motor Systems Build Attention

Episode Summary

A brain-based roadmap for ADHD beyond “attention.” Dr. Rebecca Jackson explains how sensory, motor, and cognitive development shape attention, executive function, and emotional regulation, and how targeted, non-medication interventions (movement, sensory input, nutrition) can build lasting change. We cover bottom-up readiness before top-down strategies, practical daily routines, and assessments that reveal measurable gaps, enabling parents to help kids thrive at school and in life.

Guest

Dr. Rebecca Jackson, brain health expert, board-certified cognitive specialist, and former chiropractor known for her work at Brain Balance, is the author of Back on Track. She focuses on how sensory-motor development underpins attention, executive function, and emotion regulation, translating neuroscience into everyday tools for families.

Episode Overview

ADHD often reflects uneven development across systems—not just lapses in focus. Dr. Jackson walks through a bottom-up approach: strengthen sensory pathways and motor control first, then layer academics and behavior strategies. You’ll learn why movement is medicine (heart-rate spikes, balance, coordination), how sensory inputs raise a child’s tolerance threshold, and what nutrition tweaks (protein-forward mornings, whole-food swaps, lower inflammation) can do. We also discuss screen use with intention and how to start with assessments that identify strengths and track progress.

What We Talk About (Highlights)

• ADHD is more than attention: sensory, motor, and cognitive systems develop unevenly

• Bottom-up vs. top-down: build brain readiness before piling on strategies

• Movement as medicine: heart-rate spikes, balance/coordination, frequent micro-breaks

• Emotional regulation: mature sensory pathways (sight, sound, touch) to raise tolerance

• Nutrition basics: reduce inflammation/“brain fog,” protein-first breakfasts, whole-food swaps

• Screens with intention: entertainment time can crowd out sensory-motor input

• Getting started: assessments that reveal strengths and measurable developmental gaps

Resources & Links

• Dr. Rebecca Jackson’s book, Back on Track: https://drrebeccajackson.com/

About Your Host

Kate Brownfield, Certified Whole Person & ADHD Parent Coach; author of How We Roll: A Parent’s Journey Raising a Child with ADHD; host of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast. Every child with ADHD is unique—so are their strengths and struggles.
Website & coaching: ADHDKidsCanThrive.com

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