Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a growing concern in homes and classrooms across the country. If you are a teacher, you know the child and symptoms all too well. You just finished a fantastic lesson on adding fractions and your active sweetness siting at a desk by himself asks, “Mrs. K, how often do you cut your fingernails?”
Parents at home may see other evidence of ADHD. Struggles to keep the bedroom clean. The inability to manage the time necessary to complete all the homework each night. Or, the appearance of not being able to follow directions with more than one step.
Too commonly, doctors and parents are choosing to treat ADHD with medication. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), diagnosis for ADHD has increased 43% between 2003 and 2011. And ADHD medications can have serious side effects including sleep problems and weight loss.
Before we go any further, it is important to note that some children NEED medication to perform in school and keep pace academically and socially with their peers. The questions for these children become which is the best medication and what is the right dose?
Having said that, not every child NEEDS medication. This determination is best made in consultation with your child’s doctor AND classroom teacher. Your child’s teacher is an important piece of the team because she interacts with your child on a daily basis. Additionally, she may have the experience to compare your child’s classroom behaviors with other children she has taught and can provide you with an objective barometer to measure possible treatments and interventions.
Engage the Brain studied the research on alternative treatments to ADHD medications and discovered the following possible options:
The Feingold Diet
The diet is essentially an elimination diet where certain food colorings, flavorings and preservatives are removed from a child’s diet in hopes of lowering hyperactive behavior. Scientific studies have disproven the effectiveness of the diet, but some parents have witnessed success.
Supplements
Some research suggests adding certain supplements to your child’s diet can help mitigate the symptoms of ADHD. Zinc, L-carnitine, Vitamin B6 and magnesium have all shown degrees of effectiveness.
Electroencephalographic biofeedback or EEG
EEG attempts to treat the brainwaves in an effort to promote your child’s ability to focus. EEG employs video games that are directly connected to the child’s attention. While playing a game if the child’s attention begins to waver, the screen may go dark or the game may slow down. This triggers the player to reengage his focus and the screen brightens back up or the game speeds back up.
Yoga or Tai chi
Are you a parent that likes to practice yoga? If so, bring your active child with you the next time you visit the dojo. Teenage boys who practice yoga or Tai chi twice a week report being better able to concentrate. These practices teach relaxation and discipline.
Exercise
Exercise is Mother Nature’s gift to the ADHD community. 30 minutes of active play is as effective as some ADHD medications. And exercising outside adds to the benefit.
Wrapping it all Up
It certainly seems like more and more children are presenting symptoms of ADD/ADHD. The CDC’s report of a 43% increase in diagnosis backs this up. Many doctors and parents are quick to tap medication to correct the problem. And while some children will need medication to assist them in managing their ADHD symptoms, NOT ALL children do. Use this post as a springboard to start a conversation with your child’s pediatrician. Look into these treatments in more detail.
As a parent, have you tried an effective, alternative treatment for ADHD with your child? If so, we would love to hear about your success story.