About
At the Peak Performance Institute, Dr. Jan Ford Mustin has over 40 years of doctoral-level experience with the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. She supervises a professional team of diagnosticians and therapists with strong educational backgrounds, training, and expertise in assessing and treating ADHD. As the Founder and Clinical Director of PPI, Dr. Mustin has consulted with hospitals, school districts, professional tutoring companies, and private agencies as an expert in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder for children and adults. In addition, she is a frequently requested public speaker on the subject of state-of-the-art ADHD assessment and treatment, presenting in-service information to physicians, nurses, public and private school faculties, and large parent group gatherings on this highly compelling topic that affects many students of all ages.
The assessment process for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is flexible and precise, providing customized considerations for each individual depending on circumstance, symptoms, and age. The diagnostic process begins with an interview with the patient or the patient’s parents, depending on the patient’s age. A carefully structured interview provides direction for the following steps in the process. This interview process may be completed in one session or after several sessions. Once completed, a customized assessment battery of tests is designed for the client, which incorporates the client’s specific needs and questions and the client’s particular purpose for the evaluation (for placement, accommodations, treatment, parenting style concerns, to name a few).
We include the client and/or the client’s parents in all decisions regarding the design and administration of the testing itself. Dr. Mustin will prepare a detailed testing proposal customized for the client’s presenting symptoms, concerns, and goals and will show this to the client and/or parents in writing before the evaluation begins. She will discuss in detail how she selects each test and explain to the client or the client’s parents the nature and purpose of each test before beginning the evaluation process. Clients are encouraged to participate actively in this process, sharing their questions and observations to ensure the best and most therapeutic evaluation experience possible.
How It Affects The Brain
ADHD is more than a behavioral pattern—it reflects measurable differences in how the brain regulates attention, impulse control, and executive functioning. Research shows that individuals with ADHD often exhibit altered activity in key brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate, and basal ganglia, which play critical roles in planning, focus, emotional regulation, and working memory. These networks may fire too slowly or inconsistently, leading to difficulties sustaining attention, organizing tasks, managing time, and filtering distractions. Neurotransmitter levels—especially dopamine and norepinephrine—also tend to be imbalanced, affecting motivation and reward processing. At the Peak Performance Institute, we use advanced assessment tools and neurofeedback technology to identify these patterns and help the brain develop stronger, more efficient pathways, giving clients practical, lasting improvements in focus, regulation, and daily functioning.
How We Can Help
At the Peak Performance Institute, we include the QEEG in our assessment battery of Neuropsychological Assessments. While the QEEG is not a stand-alone diagnostic assessment, when administered in concert with other Neuropsychological and Academic Assessments, it informs the diagnostic findings and the treatment recommendations. At the Peak Performance Institute, we believe the client and the client’s family benefit from this added dimension to the diagnostic and treatment process.
What the Research Says
Scientific research consistently shows that ADHD is rooted in differences in brain structure and function—particularly in neural circuits that support attention, impulse control, and executive functioning. Neuroimaging studies reveal that individuals with ADHD often exhibit altered activity and connectivity in the prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and anterior cingulate cortex, regions responsible for planning, sustained focus, working memory, and self-regulation. These differences are linked to irregular dopamine and norepinephrine signaling, which influences motivation, reward processing, and the brain’s ability to filter distractions. Longitudinal research also highlights that while ADHD symptoms can persist into adulthood, early identification and evidence-based interventions—such as behavioral strategies, medication when appropriate, and neurotherapy techniques like neurofeedback—can significantly improve attention regulation, emotional control, and daily functioning. At the Peak Performance Institute, we integrate emerging neuroscience findings with personalized care to help clients strengthen neural regulation and achieve lasting improvements in focus, resilience, and cognitive performance.
fMRI & Brain Activity Findings:
Multiple imaging studies show reduced activation in the prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and basal ganglia in individuals with ADHD, areas responsible for attention regulation and impulse control.
Key studies: Bush et al., Harvard Medical School; Castellanos et al., NIH.Structural Brain Differences:
Long-term research has identified slightly smaller overall brain volume and delayed cortical maturation—especially in regions tied to executive function.
Key studies: Shaw et al., National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Dopamine & Norepinephrine Dysregulation:
Neurochemical research shows that ADHD involves irregular dopamine and norepinephrine signaling, affecting motivation, reward processing, and sustained attention.
Key studies: Volkow et al., National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA); Arnsten, Yale School of Medicine.Default Mode Network (DMN) Disruption:
ADHD brains often show abnormal DMN connectivity, making it harder to suppress mind-wandering during tasks requiring focus.
Key studies: Fassbender & Schweitzer; Sonuga-Barke et al.Neurofeedback Outcomes:
Clinical trials demonstrate that neurofeedback can strengthen self-regulation networks and improve attention, impulsivity, and executive functioning, with effects comparable to medication in some cases.
Key studies: Arns et al. (meta-analysis); Gevensleben et al. (controlled trials).Long-Term Impact & Treatment Benefits:
Longitudinal studies show that early intervention—behavioral therapy, neurofeedback, and medication when appropriate—can significantly improve academic, emotional, and social outcomes across the lifespan.
Key studies: MTA Cooperative Group; Barkley & colleagues.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Discover the clarity and confidence that comes from understanding your condition. Schedule a consultation today—and let’s start building a path toward healing, growth, and potential.
Call us at 512-347-8100
Email admin@peakinstitute.com
