On-Demand Treatment Webinars

“Some Kind of Wonderful: How Music Affects the ADHD Brain” [Video Replay & Podcast #562]

Access the video replay, listen to the podcast episode (#562), download the slide presentation, and learn how to get a certificate of attendance for this ADHD Experts webinar originally broadcast on June 5, 2025.

ADHD Expert: Roberto Olivardia, Ph.D. Updated on June 5, 2025
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Episode Description

“Nothing activates the brain so extensively as music.” — Dr. Oliver Sacks, neurologist

Science shows us that music lights up no fewer than nine regions of the brain. Research demonstrates that these areas — responsible for everything from decision making and memory to emotional regulation and sensory feedback — are activated and largely benefited by music, which increases dopamine and smooths temporal processing. And personal experience confirms these findings for many individuals with ADHD, who find that they study, work, and process the world better with music. This has certainly been true for me.

In this webinar, we will study the neurological power of music by reviewing existing research on everything from mood and social skills to sustained attention and auditory processing. We will delve into research specifically on music therapy for individuals with ADHD, and on academic outcomes with and without background music for students with ADHD.

In this webinar we will answer the questions:

  • What areas of the brain are activated by music?
  • How does listening to music specifically help with ADHD symptom management?
  • What type of music is best for promoting concentration and memory?
  • Can music help with emotional dysregulation and rejection sensitive dysphoria?
  • And more.

Watch the Video Replay

Enter your email address in the box above labeled “Video Replay + Slide Access” to watch the video replay (closed captions available) and download the slide presentation.

Music and ADHD: Resources

Obtain a Certificate of Attendance

If you attended the live webinar on June 5, 2025, watched the video replay, or listened to the podcast, you may purchase a certificate of attendance option (cost: $10). Note: ADDitude does not offer CEU credits. Click here to purchase the certificate of attendance option »

Meet the Expert Speaker

Roberto Olivardia, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and Clinical Instructor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School. He maintains a private psychotherapy practice in Lexington, Massachusetts, where he specializes in the treatment of ADHD, executive functioning issues, and issues that face students with learning differences.

He also specializes in the treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and in the treatment of eating disorders in boys and men. He is co-author of The Adonis Complex, (#CommissionsEarned) a book which details the various manifestations of body image problems in men. He sits on the Scientific Advisory Board for ADDitude and serves on the Professional Advisory Boards for CHADD, Attention Deficit Disorder Association and is a Featured Expert for Understood. He is an avid music fan with ADHD.

#CommissionsEarned As an Amazon Associate, ADDitude earns a commission from qualifying purchases made by ADDitude readers on the affiliate links we share. However, all products linked in the ADDitude Store have been independently selected by our editors and/or recommended by our readers. Prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.

Webinar Sponsor

 

Brain Balance helps kids, teens and adults with ADHD, learning differences, anxiety & more through our integrative cognitive development and brain wellness program. Our approach combines cognitive, physical and sensory training with nutritional guidance to strengthen and build brain connectivity without the use of medication. Stronger connections translate to improved attention, behaviors, and social-emotional well-being. www.brainbalancecenters.com

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