If psychologists could help people expand their working-memory capacity or make it function more efficiently, everyone could benefit, from chess masters to learning-disabled children, says Torkel Klingberg, MD, PhD, an assistant cognitive neuroscience professor at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), for example, might especially benefit from working-memory training, says Rosemary Tannock, PhD, a psychologist and psychiatry professor at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.

“Educators say chess is a valuable tool for teaching creative thinking, math, reading skills -- and patience…. It forces them to sit down and plan what they are going to do and then carry the plan out. They learn what it means to fail and succeed, which can be a big boost for their self-esteem…. Chess teachers said the game is effective in teaching patience and concentration to students with short attention spans and those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. There have been no scientific studies on ADHD and chess, but educators say the ancient board game is remarkable in its ability to make kids pay attention.

Linda Williams never would've guessed that something as simple as a game of chess could help her son control his attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. "Chess is great because it helps him with certain skills," says Mrs. Williams, a mother of two and a former social worker and licensed counselor. "It helps him to not be so impulsive, and to stop and think."

ADHD children also have big imaginations. Creative activities compliment the ADHD child’s mind. Activities such as building, drawing and imagination games provide a healthy outlet for their mental energy. Another way to use mental energy could be a solid game of chess. ADHD children often think only of the current moment. Chess can teach your child how to think ahead, as each move builds on the prior move, and also helps the child to learn to finish tasks that are started

Dr. Frey strongly advocates the positive role chess can play in the development of emotional intelligence in children. In particular, she cites research that has shown chess to be beneficial for children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). She explains, as chess uses native intelligence, it is an attractive method of learning for individuals with learning disabilities. Equally as promising, Dr. Frey notes that chess can also serve as a useful therapeutic tool for physically handicapped individuals, including those with Cerebral Palsy. And last but not least, Dr. Frey points to recent studies that show chess as means for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease

Klingberg noted that children may be able to strengthen their working memory using other means than the computer program. "Working memory is required for many activities, and children could get some training from activities such as mental calculation or playing chess," he said.

Insight-oriented therapists who work with children use puppets, dolls, art materials, games and toys to help them understand the child fears, needs, and inner turmoil. Through play, the child natural “language,” the child is helped to work through and master the painful and frightening material buried in his unconscious. As this material is gradually brought to light and the child sees that neither he nor the therapist suffers a horrible fate as a result, the child begins to come to grips with painful memories and frightening thoughts. As he does, his inner distress subsides and he is able to behave and interact with others in a more appropriate and satisfying manner. “Daredevils and Daydreamers” by Barbara Ingersoll, page 102

After initial training on tasks such as puzzles and mazes, ADHD children were taught to apply their new skills to schoolwork and to social situations. “Daredevils and Daydreamers” by Barbara Ingersoll, page 109

Give your child opportunities to play. Play is how children learn. It is the natural way for them to explore, to become creative, and to develop academic and social problems.“Attention Deficit Disorder Sourcebook” Edited by Dawn D. Matthews, page 273"

True. Studies have shown that students who play chess are able to use the lessons on concentration and apply that to other areas. Also chess has been shown to help children who have ADHD

My mother had to deal with this sort of thing with my youngest brother.  She fought hard but was able to get him out of the French class that caused him a lot of stress, found a teacher that could help him out (introduced him to chess) and she refused to have him medicated.  Now that he is out of school you do not see any signs of hyperactivity or ADD.

"The following statement is on the home page of the St. Bernard Chess League's web page.  I added this because I have seen the positive results of chess on my son, Drew!  Experts have been quoted as saying, "Chess improves one’s concentration, sportsmanship, logic, attention span, memory and problem solving. Additionally, chess teachers say the game is effective in teaching patience. Chess forces players to sit down and plan what they are going to do and then carry the plan out. Players learn what it means to fail and succeed, which is a part of life. In addition, as in life, one must follow rules--so as in the game of chess. Chess has also been a tool used with students who have been diagnosed with aggressive and ADHD behaviors."  - Lynn Irby