ADHD is one of the most talked about topics children’s contemporary health and education. Sometimes called ADD, a recent television news show reported that ADHD is being found in up to one in seven males today under the age of seven; a one in fifteen incidence was reported in females. It is not clear whether the true incidence is rising or whether current diagnostic tools and tests are picking it up where it wasn’t recognized before. It has been stated that ADHD is the second most prevalent mental disorder behind major depression; its reported incidence is four to six million children and adults. The recognition that ADHD symptoms can persist into adulthood is a relatively new concept. In fact, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, which is generally considered the Bible of The American Psychiatric Association, is about to come out with its fifth edition. In the new manual, rather than incidence defined as occurring under the age of seven, the age parameter is being adjusted to seventeen. It will additionally recognize the syndrome which has its own set of described symptoms in adulthood.

Let’s begin by specifying some of the important characteristics which define the disorder. Symptoms are said to occur before the age of seven, though the rules bend a bit to include the seven to twelve age group. The symptoms must be present for a minimum of six months, so if the child just acts “hyper” at the babysitter’s house, that doesn’t count. The disruptive or inattentive symptoms must occur and affect order and relationships in at least two places, for instance, school and home and must be different from the expected behavior for other children of the same age. Just as a matter of observation, girls seem to have the inattentive set of symptoms, while boys tend to be hyperactive.

Now let’s discuss the symptoms themselves. The DSRM has divided symptoms into two classes: Inattentive and Hyperactive. In order to make the diagnosis the affected person must have at least six of nine possible symptoms from one of the two categories. There is however, a category called mixed ADHD, and this could include symptoms from both groups.

In the inattentive category, the diagnostician must determine if there is repeated failure to give close attention to details. Does the person have difficulty sustaining attention? Does he appear not to listen when addressed directly? Does he often not follow through on instructions or fail to complete class work? Does he have difficulty organizing tasks or activities? Does he avoid tasks which require sustained mental attention? Does he often lose things necessary for tasks? Is he easily distracted, or is he forgetful in daily activities?

In the hyperactive or impulsive category, does he often fidget with his hands and feet? Does he keep hopping out of his seat when expected to remain sitting? Does he run or climb excessively?  Does he have a hard time being quiet in leisure or play activities? Does he seem to go like he’s driven by a motor? Does he talk excessively, or does he blurt out answers before the question is even finished? Does he have difficulty awaiting his turn? Does he interrupt or intrude on others?

All these things have to be considered. The big question is how is it affecting his quality of life? Are others shunning or avoiding him? Does he have few friends, and is he in constant trouble for his academic achievement? Is his family exhausted or exasperated with how he does things?

The problem with adult ADHD is that these same kind of problems are translated into the adult environment. The ADHD person may change jobs frequently, have multiple divorces, or sink into excessive debt due to impulsive spending.

He may have problems additionally with depression over the course of his life, either caused by or causing other behavioral problems. The incidence of substance abuse disorders and antisocial behavior is significantly increased in ADHD.

We have some pretty good treatments for ADHD. The most common treatment is with centrally acting stimulants. These medicines include pemoline and amphetamine derivatives. There is a non-amphetamine called atomexitine which acts in a different fashion, though it does take longer to work. Other medicines such as SSRI antidepressants have been found to help in certain cases.

The important thing is for parents to make observations about the child’s social adjustment at school and at home. If there is a question of ADHD based on the characteristics outlined in this article, it is time to visit one’s pediatric or primary care provider. If the provider is not comfortable with the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, he can refer you to someone who is. If the patient is an adult, consultation with a psychiatrist is recommended. It has been shown that the combination of medicine and behavioral therapy is more effective than either treatment alone.

If you have a child with ADHD, it is important that you spend a lot of loving time with him. Praise him when he does well, and set up time outs when behavior is not acceptable. Be consistent in your parenting, and try to set up a regular schedule of daily activities. There have been a lot of suggested contemporary diets where one avoids high carbohydrates and artificial coloring agents; it wouldn’t hurt to try to make the diet as natural as possible. Your child should have medication check-ups with the prescribing physician at least every six months to check the adequacy of the medication and to ascertain the absence of adverse side effects.

If you’re pregnant, don’t smoke, drink, or abuse drugs. These are correlated with the incidence of ADHD. Be careful to follow your obstetrician’s advice in doing everything to prevent premature delivery, as this has been associated with ADHD. If your child has ADHD, take heart. With proper care, parenting, and medication, these children can grow up to be healthy vibrant adults.

John Drew Laurusonis M.D.

Doctors Medical Center

I know you are probably thinking, you as a parent(s), caregiver(s), do not know how to keep it simple. How can you help your autistic child, who is different with his or her own range of the severity, that autism causes? This can be frustrating.

In addition, each child who has autism, expresses unique personalities with their various symptoms that are challenging.

Every family who has a child with autism makes an impact on that family. For this reason, you want an updated approach that is simple which can help your child and family.

Children with autism will determine how you, your family and other siblings within your family live their lives.

Back to the question. Is there an updated approach for helping autistic children, that is simple?

The simple methods that I have used in helping my brother are in the following suggestions:

* Give positive support and positive reinforcement.

* I tried to improve the quality of life, for my brother and his surroundings.

* Allow your child to do things that would normally be of interest to him or her. For instance, Mix the new things with the old things, that is familiar to your child.

* By taking advantage of the approach, mixing new things with old things, you are adding positive reinforcement. Your child will gain more confidence to accept challenges and grow. In addition, you are keeping it simple. It will help your child and you.

I had to take an approach that I felt was updated for helping my brother who was autistic.

We were going to the Minnesota State Fair and my brother usually rode in a family car. That day, we had to take another car, that was different. It did not belong to us, and there was a new person driving the vehicle that he did not know.

I knew there might be some confusion regarding the change of a different car and driver. Therefore, I talked to my brother about the new way we were going to travel to the Minnesota State Fair, but we would still be traveling by a car.

I also told my brother, we would be enjoying a new way, but we were able to continue to enjoy the scenery he loved so much, with a new driver and sit back and relax as we did by going in our car, the old way. I kept it simple.

The approach I made by explaining to my brother about the change from the new to the old, was an updated way of helping my brother who was autistic.

I have experienced, by keeping things simple, your approach can be updated.

Using things your autistic child cares about, is interested in, loves the most, you might be able to encourage him or her to interact with new and challenging experiences. He or she will become more confident and gain more awareness.

Are you willing to take the new things and add to the old things? This approach can be updated and it is simple.

Bonita Darula invites you to visit and click on>>> http://www.autismintoawareness.com to learn what can be done about an updated approach for helping autistic children. Go to her web sight and take action now. Receive you FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER with new links added to order your E-Books.

ADHD is the label we give to a neurobiological condition. A final and definitive answer as to its actual cause or causes is yet to be agreed upon, but it is often inherited; is more widespread in boys than girls and affected individuals exhibit some or all of these actions:

• Poor attention span

• Extreme distractibility

• Hyper-activity

• Procrastination

• Poor organizational skills

• Forgetfulness

• Inability to complete tasks

• Poor social skills (thought to be due to a lack of awareness of how others are reacting)

It is estimated that 7% – 9% of our school kids have this disorder, and 4.7% of adults. Adolescents who are no treated are more likely to engage in substance abuse as a form of self-medication. Adult ADHD sufferers have higher rates of drug use as well, and very likely were not diagnosed or treated earlier. By their adult years, the habit of self-medicating with drugs is more developed.

Although boys are twice as likely to have ADHD, girls are more likely to become substance abusers. Somewhat surprisingly, their drug of choice is carbohydrates, which temporarily elevates their Serotonin levels. This results in a soothing effect and is more socially acceptable than street drugs. However, excessive carb intake can result in excessive weight.

It is not unusual for those diagnosed with ADHD to have poor self-esteem and suffer with clinical depression. As well, low blood sugar and allergies affects as many as 75% of all afflicted children. When put on food elimination diets (eliminating trigger foods, including refined food, soy, milk products, chocolate, wheat, oranges and eggs and then adding them back one at a time to help determine what helps or retards symptoms), 62% of the research subjects demonstrated a reduction of symptoms.

Treating those with substance abuse or eating disorders who also have ADHD is hard for the same reason school or work is difficult – poor concentration. Getting to an AA meeting or counseling session presents challenges, as does trying to sit still for long intervals.

Since the long term effects of the potent stimulants and anti-depressants used in ADHD treatment are as yet not known, more natural treatment solutions are being put into practice. Along with elimination diets, vegetable-based supplements are being used to help controll neurotransmitters important to executive functioning, such as dopamine and norepinephrene, which also boost circulation to the brain. More protein in the diet is thought to stimulate alertness inducing neurotransmitters. Exercise appears to have a relaxing effect on youngsters with ADHD particularly. This should not be entirely unexpected, since bottled up energy does produce hyperactivity, fidgeting, inability to concentrate, etc, even in full grown adults with no other symptoms of ADHD. There’s nothing like a few laps around a track to calm down hyper-fidgety children and adults.

It is hoped that more natural treatments will be found to be helpful to decrease the symptoms. Making sure that these children and adults get the proper nutrition, avoiding foods that prove to be allergens, and proper exercise seems to be working out with some successes. It seems naturopathic trends in ADHD therapy really do provide food for thought!

Although sadness is a normal, healthy sentiment, depressive disorder is a mental health condition that is all encompassing. Unhappiness will cause one to temporarily lose appetite, sleep, and vitality, but depression goes beyond those problems, additionally affecting how one feels, thinks and acts. In youngsters, depression can take hold at a very young age. It is a serious brain disorder that can stem from a number of triggers including injury, eating habits and feelings of isolation among others.

It is estimated that one in 33 children is depressed, while possibly one in eight adolescents have problems with the ailment. Childhood depression is altogether treatable though, and medication is not always required. There are psychiatrists who specialize in working with children, and successfully utilize psychotherapy to treat depressed kids. The end goal, with or without medication is to help the child take back power over their thoughts and feelings to be able to lead a more regular life.

For children struggling with depression, it isn’t simply a matter of “snapping out of it.” If parents observe anything amiss with their child’s conduct, all too often they attribute it to momentary sadness. A failed test, youthful heartache or just feeling blue may cause sadness, but sadness should lessen eventually. Depression is much more significant and persistent. Symptoms may include:

~ Hopelessness ~ Irritability~ Missed school and/or poor performance ~ Changes in eating and/or sleeping habits ~ Feelings of worthlessness ~ Withdrawal from friends or preferred activities

Should parents notice any of these behaviors or attitudes, it could be a sign that something is seriously wrong. If a child is depressed, the sooner the condition is recognized, the better. Many children affected by this illness never get the help they need. Studies show a strong relationship between non-treatment and relapse. According to the Center for Mental Health Services, a young person who has experienced the disease is at risk for a recurrence within five years. Failing to deal with the situation can have long term ill effects on the child. The National Institute of Mental Health says childhood depression can lead to suicidal behavior and is an indicator that a more serious oncoming of the illness may follow in adulthood.

Other studies point to certain risk factors that suggest some children are at higher risk. As noted in the Archives of General Psychiatry in 2010, children who were identified as having ADHD between the ages of four to six years old are more likely to become depressed. Likewise, the National Institute of Mental Health found that adolescent girls are at greater risk than boys in the same age group, and that a family history can play role in the development of the disease, particularly in younger kids.

This illness is fully treatable for children with the help of a childhood psychiatric practitioner. A psychiatrist is a great choice, rather than perhaps using the services of other mental health professionals because he/she is a medical doctor. As such a psychiatrist has the training to eliminate other plausible medical causes for the symptoms, and to prescribe drugs when needed. Childhood psychiatry focuses on strategies that help the child understand how their thoughts, emotions and actions are linked. Through testing, psycho-therapeutic consultations, ongoing reviews and, as appropriate, medication, a patient is brought back from the mental abyss.

Alternative treatments include relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga in addition to natural, holistic and/or herbal remedies. Natural herbal solutions are usually risk-free but like the majority of medications, when used improperly, they can exacerbate symptoms. An excellent example is the use of St. John’s Wort, generally known to address mild feelings of sadness, this herb should not be taken with other antidepressants and is not effective for treating severe mental illness. Psychotherapy, by contrast, is a safe, constructive method for treating the brain disorder in children, making it an excellent first resort when depression has set in.

Review this article about  Childhood Depression and ADHD in Children.

Read more about Childhood ADHD Statistics.

11 Attention Grabbing Childhood ADHD Statistics

If you are looking for childhood ADHD statistics chances are you are gathering information for a school project or the parent of an ADHD child. Either way, I am glad you have found this page and believe you will find the information presented to be quite interesting. But before we get into childhood ADHD statistics why don’t we take a few seconds to quickly recap what attention deficit hyperactivity disorder actually is, at least according to the American Medical Association.

According to the AMA ADHD is a mental illness characterized by difficulty paying attention and a high degree of restlessness and impulsive behavior. Symptoms begin before the age of 7, last for at least 6 months, and cause the child substantial difficulty in at least two settings, usually family and home.

Childhood ADHD Statistics

*45 percent of ADHD children exhibit hostile and negative behavior, with slightly fewer engaging in aggressive behavior toward people or animals.

*Four out of every ten affected children will struggle with self esteem, depression, anxiety, or opposition to authority by the time they reach adolescence.

*The lowest incidence of prescription medication treatment for this condition in children was reported in California (2.1%), with the highest being in the state of Arkansas (6.5%).

*Hispanic children are the least likely to be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

* Each year the number of children diagnosed with the condition increases by approximately 4 percent.

*The true number of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is unknown, with estimates ranging from 5 to 20 percent. The most likely number is around 7 percent.

*Contrary to popular belief children with this disorder are not smarter than their peers, rather they are on par with their peers.

*Children ages 6 through 11 are the most likely to be diagnosed with ADHD in combination with a learning disability.

*One out of every twenty five children have a combination of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and a severe learning disability. There are 2.5  times as many boys facing this challenging combination.

*Children with ADHD, compared to children with ADHD, were more likely to have major injuries (59% to 49%), hospital inpatient (26% to 18%), hospitalized outpatient (41% to 33%), or emergency room visits (81% to 74%).

*Teenage drivers with the condition are more likely to be involved in a traffic accident or receive a traffic citation than their peers.

In summary, childhood ADHD statistics definitely highlight some of the challenges ADHD children and teens face. For those struggling with ADHD finding an effective way to manage their symptoms is an important step. The most common form of treatment currently are prescription stimulants such as Ritalin, Adderall and Vyvanse. While effective, all stimulant medications come with a number of serious label warnings. The risk of side effects, or perhaps lack of success with stimulants, has prompted many to investigate other options. A couple examples of this are behavior modification therapy and/or natural remedies. Natural remedies for ADHD are a side effect free way to address such problematic symptoms as inattention, distractibility, impulsivity, erratic behavior and hyperactivity and can be used both as a standalone treatment or as a compliment to other nonprescription alternatives.

Living with a child who has ADHD (Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder) can be difficult, but it can be made a lot easier with some coping mechanisms and healthy perspectives. Here are some tips on helping your family cope with the behavior of children with ADHD in your family.

1. Remember the positive

It’s easy to think of ADHD as a purely negative disorder – the very terms “deficit” and “disorder” denote that, after all. But it’s important to remember some of the positive aspects of ADHD. These include such traits as:

* Creativity
* Sensitivity, including empathy for others
* Keen observation of one’s environment
* Deep emotions
* Perceptivity
* Imagination
* Curiosity
* Inventiveness
* Spontaneity
* Proficiency in sports and athletics
* Mechanical
* Passionate
* Resilient
* Charismatic

These are just some of the positive traits that adults and children with ADHD exhibit or have the potential to exhibit.

2. Family therapy

Engage in family therapy together. The therapist can work with everyone in the family and help everyone develop coping strategies. This kind of group therapy is helpful because everyone is on the same page with what’s going on and how to handle things.

3. Develop routines

Children with ADHD need routine more than other kids. They find it very helpful when things are predictable. You do not need to enact a rigid schedule, but having a predictable routine can foster a sense of security in a child with ADHD, who is often very sensitive to changes in his or her environment.

4. Ignore negative behavior

Try to resist the urge to nag at your child’s symptoms, such as wiggling and fidgeting. Make sure everyone in the family knows these are symptoms of the ADHD, not character traits of your child. Try to get the whole family on board with ignoring the inconsequential symptoms.

5. Don’t blame yourself or others

Resist the temptation to beat yourself up about your child’s ADHD, or blame other family members for “making” your child have ADHD. The causes of ADHD are complex and debatable, and you really can’t pin it on a certain parenting style.

6. Adjust your diet

Get your whole family to be supportive via the ADHD diet. There are dietary guidelines for kids with ADHD, and they often help relieve symptoms significantly. An ADHD diet is healthy and your whole family will benefit.

7. Join support groups

In addition to therapy, it helps to find a support group for families with ADHD children. You can get ideas from other parents and share your own breakthroughs and thoughts. It can also be helpful just to “vent” with people who understand. In a world where ADHD is thought by some to be just a discipline issue, families can get stressed when they constantly feel misunderstood. Support groups can help.

8. Find an outlet

Your ADHD child likely has many talents and much intelligence. If you can find an activity at which he or she succeeds and in which he or she finds fulfillment, it can help the whole family dynamic. Your ADHD child will develop a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem.

Read more articles about helping your ADHD child in school.

Review this article about family and coping with children with ADHD.

If you have a child with ADHD, you may have concerns about his or her performance in school. Or you may be struggling now with your child’s behavior in school. Let’s face it – having ADHD is hard, and so is living with it. But there are things you can do to set your ADHD child up for success in school. Here are some tips.

1. Remember your child’s behavior is not his fault. As noted above, having ADHD is difficult in and of itself, and it’s very likely that your child really wants to succeed and do as he’s told. Children with ADHD just don’t know how to do the things they are asked to do. Bear this in mind as you deal with and anticipate your child’s behavior.

2. Be your child’s advocate. Talk to her teacher ahead of time and keep lines of communication open between you, your child’s teacher, and other school authorities. If possible, set up weekly or monthly meetings with your child’s teacher to check on her progress and to share techniques and strategies.

3. Help your ADHD child know what to do. As pointed out above, your child probably wants to obey and be disciplined, but he just can’t figure out how to make that happen. So do some coaching ahead of time, and try to remember details – things that are obvious to you may not be so obvious to your ADHD child. Don’t just tell him to be still; teach him techniques to stay still. Teach him techniques to stay focused, to wait his turn in conversations, and so forth.

4. Sit down with your child and set realistic, doable goals. This is not a time for you to be telling your child what you expect her to do; this is a time for you both to talk about what she wants to accomplish and how you can help her get there. Write these goals down and remember them when you are dealing with behavior issues.

5. Listen without correcting. Let your child talk to you and avoid interrupting – remember, you have probably told him not to interrupt (this is sometimes a problem with kids who have ADHD). Let him tell you how hard it is, and take what he says seriously. Then ask him what he wants to accomplish and let him know you are there to help.

6. Develop a predictable routine for home. Try to keep things stable and consistent, as this may help an ADHD child feel more secure and therefore calmer.

7. Reward acceptable behavior that is a step toward your child’s goal. Try to avoid punishment, but focus on positive reinforcement. Maybe your ADHD child can earn play time or some other special treat. Try to make the reward fit the nature of the achievement – small rewards for small victories, and vice versa.

Read more articles about helping your ADHD Child.

Review this article about helping the ADHD child.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD or ADHD) is a neuron behavioral developmental disorder. It is the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorder in children affecting about 3 to 5% of children globally with symptoms starting before seven years of age. It is characterized by a persistent pattern of impulsiveness and inattention, with or without a component of hyperactivity. ADHD is diagnosed twice as frequently in boys as in girls, though studies suggest this discrepancy may be due to subjective bias. ADHD is generally a chronic disorder with 30 to 50% of those individuals diagnosed in childhood continuing to have symptoms into adulthood. As they mature, adolescents and adults with ADHD are likely to develop coping mechanisms to compensate for their impairment.

Though previously regarded as a childhood diagnosis, ADHD can continue throughout adulthood. Four percent of American adults are estimated to live with ADHD.

ADHD management typically involves some combination of medications, behavior modifications, life-style changes, or counseling.

The most common symptoms of ADHD are:

* Impulsiveness: acting before thinking of consequences, jumping from one activity to another, disorganization, tendency to interrupt other peoples’ conversations.
* Hyperactivity: restlessness, often characterized by an inability to sit still, fidgeting, squirm Ines, climbing on things, restless sleep.
* Inattention: easily distracted, day-dreaming, not finishing work, difficulty listening, and motor clumsiness.

ADHD and its diagnosis and treatment have been considered controversial since the 1970s. The controversies have involved clinicians, teachers, policymakers, parents and the media, with opinions regarding ADHD that range from not believing it exists at all to believing there are genetic and physiological bases for the condition and also include disagreement about the use of stimulant medications in the treatment. Most healthcare providers accept that ADHD is a genuine disorder with debate in the scientific community mainly around how it is diagnosed and treated.

According to a study published yesterday that was funded by the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institute of Mental Health Children taking stimulant drugs such as Ritalin to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder are several times as likely to suffer sudden, unexplained death as children who are not taking such drugs. The study’s lead author, Madelyn Gould, a professor in child psychiatry and epidemiology at Columbia University, said she agreed with the FDA’s advice.

Doctors have speculated about such a connection in the past because stimulants increase heart rate and have other cardiovascular effects. Physicians are currently advised to evaluate patients for cardiac risks before prescribing the drugs, and FDA officials said yesterday that those guidelines do not need strengthening in light of the recent study. About 2.5 million children in the United States take ADHD medications such as Ritalin and Adderall.

“This study reports a significant association or ’signal’ between sudden unexplained death and the use of stimulant medication, specifically methylphenidate,” the study researchers concluded, referring to the chemical name of Ritalin. “While the data have limitations that preclude a definitive conclusion, our findings draw attention to the potential risks of stimulant medications for children and adolescents.”

Since an experimental study comparing the risk of sudden death among children taking medications with those not taking medications would have had to include millions of children to generate a useful scientific result, Gould and a number of colleagues conducted what is known as a matched case-control study: They obtained information about 564 children in the United States who died suddenly and inexplicably between 1985 and 1996. The researchers evaluated how many of the children who died had been taking stimulant drugs by asking their parents and caregivers and by reviewing medical documents.

For every child who died suddenly and inexplicably, the researchers also found another child closely matched in terms of age, sex and other variables who died in a traffic accident. Taking a stimulant drug is unlikely to have played any role in a child getting killed in an accident. If stimulant drugs had nothing to do with sudden, unexplained death, then the number of victims on stimulant drugs who suffered such deaths and the number of victims on stimulant drugs who died in traffic accidents ought to have been about the same.

Gould found that 10 children in the group that suffered sudden, unexplained death had been taking stimulant drugs, whereas only two children in the group killed in traffic accidents were taking such medications.

Robert Temple, director of the Office of Drug Evaluation at the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research at the FDA, said that the study had been well conducted, but that he was concerned that not all parents may accurately recall whether children who died were taking stimulant drugs. When a child dies suddenly, he said, it is natural for a parent to pay close attention to all the medications the child was taking at the time and to report that to researchers. By contrast, he said, parents whose children die in traffic accidents may be less likely to note whether their children are taking medications — and less able to report it years later.

In an editorial accompanying the study, Benedetto Vitiello of the National Institute of Mental Health said that ADHD itself might have increased the risk for sudden, unexplained death. If that were the case, he said, it would explain why more children taking stimulant drugs found in the group that unexpectedly died than among the children who died in traffic accidents.

The researchers who conducted the peer-reviewed study acknowledged that its design precluded definitive answers, but they said that they had taken care to eliminate each of these potential confounders. They did not consider cases of sudden death in which children had asthma or cardiac abnormalities — conditions known to be associated with ADHD — because those factors might have independently raised the risk of sudden death. They also included one child who died in a traffic accident who seemed to have been abusing amphetamines, rather than taking an ADHD medication.

In a press briefing called on short notice yesterday, FDA officials said that given the seriousness of ADHD and the rarity of sudden death  Which strikes fewer than 1 in 10,000 children ? the benefits of the drugs outweigh their risks. Agency officials urged parents to discuss concerns with doctors rather than deciding on their own to discontinue a child’s Medication.

Depending on your view of ADHD’s possible causes, you might be willing to explore dietary changes, meditation, and other alternative treatments for ADHD.  Here are some other ideas.

Natural Approaches to ADHD

1. Diet
This is probably the most significant natural approach to ADHD. It is significant because it involves a fundamental change in eating habits, and even in how you view food. The ADHD diet usually consists of the following.

The reduction or elimination of gluten – This wheat and grain protein has been implicated in ADHD and other childhood disorders. A gluten-free diet is often embraced by parents of ADHD kids.

The elimination of artificial flavorings, colorings, and preservatives – These food additives have been implicated in ADHD, particularly FD&C Yellow #5 (tartrazine).

Reduced sugar intake – The ingestion of white sugar has been shown in multiple studies to exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. Therefore, an ADHD diet is low on or devoid of refined white sugar.

Whole, fresh, organic foods – Emphasis is placed on whole foods that are fresh and free of pesticides. Pesticide ingestion has been linked to ADHD in children, and eating whole foods means much less exposure to preservatives and other food additives.

Essential fatty acids – The essential fatty acids known as Omega-3s and Omega-6s are an integral part of an ADHD diet. Foods high in these fats are emphasized, and many children take fish oil supplements as a natural approach to treating ADHD.

Common food allergens -
There is said to be a connection between ADHD symptoms and food allergies. Many families have had relief from ADHD symptoms by eliminating the most common food allergens: dairy, eggs, wheat, chocolate, and pork.

2. Meditation
Meditation has been shown to help relieve ADHD symptoms. Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, and other meditative moves and exercises are designed to bring focus and peace. The exercise and discipline of martial arts, which is often tied in with meditation, also has the potential to provide an outlet and subsequent relief for kids who have ADHD.

3. Exercise
Finding a good exercise program for your ADHD child can really help. Exercise is usually considered beneficial for anyone. But for the ADHD child, it can make a real difference. It helps work out energy and channel it into something constructive. It fosters a sense of self-esteem, especially if the exercise is a sport.

4. Herbs
Children often respond well to herbs and herbal teas. Your natural health food store may carry homeopathic treatments for ADHD, and also herbal blends formulated for children with this disorder. You might want to talk with an herbalist or natural health practitioner about specific herbs for your child.

You can find out more about natural approaches to ADHD.

ADHD is frustrating for the child, the parent and the rest of the family. Teachers, physicians and other health care professionals become frustrated, as well. To achieve the best results, everyone in the child’s environment needs to work together.

If your child has ADHD, he or she needs your help, guidance and understanding. I know from personal experience how difficult it is to raise a child with ADHD. My goal here on this site is to help you, the parent, learn about the condition and understand remedies for ADHD and the treatment options.

Symptoms of ADHD

The most common symptoms of ADHD are impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. But, your child might not have all of these behavioral problems. Some kids are primarily hyperactive. Others get sidetracked easily, become bored or daydream, when they should be learning a new skill.

Impulsive behaviors are sometimes difficult to identify. All of us act without thinking, sometimes. That’s one reason that ADHD is difficult to diagnose. The behavioral characteristics that accompany the condition are present in everyone, from time to time.

But, when a child’s impulsivity, hyperactivity or inability to concentrate begins to affect his performance at school or his relationship with family and friends, then professional help is needed. That does not necessarily mean that they require medication. Sometimes, doctors and parents quickly turn to prescription medications, without first considering all of their options.

Prescription Drugs vs Natural Remedies for ADHD

You need to remember that the stimulant drugs that are used to treat ADHD are not a “cure”. In some cases, they help. In others, they create more problems. We tried the drugs, but even at the lowest dosage, my normally happy son came home from school in tears, every single day. Some kids simply cannot tolerate any stimulant, no matter how low the dosage.

A more holistic approach, treating the “whole” child, worked for us. Numerous studies have shown that medication alone is not the most effective treatment plan. It may be a quick and easy solution, but there are no “magic pills”.

Many factors may play a role in your child’s behavioral problems. Diet is often part of the problem. Too much sugar, artificial colors and preservatives increase irritability, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Good nutrition is of the utmost importance. Kids need to eat right and take a good multi-vitamin, as well as an omega-3 or fish oil supplement.

If your child is hyperactive in school, change your routine. Get up early in the morning. Go for a brisk walk or run before school. Get him involved in an organized sport, karate or other physical activity that will help him or her “burn-off” some of that restless energy.

The Homeopathic Approach

Try natural herbal remedies before you turn to prescription medication. It has always seemed illogical to me to give a child stimulants. But, there are many herbs and botanical extracts that are “soothing”. Here’s a look at some of them.

Hyoscyamus
Known to reduce restlessness and over-excitability, this homeopathic remedy showed positive results in a controlled study conducted in 1997. In general, the plant extract reduces outbursts, fidgeting and hyperactive behaviors.

Tuberculinum
This homeopathic remedy is traditionally recommended for those who need constant stimulation or change, in other words, for those who get “bored” easily. It is also beneficial for the relief of irritability, destructive behaviors and feelings of discontent.

Arsen iod
This extract promotes balance, reduces temperamental outbursts or temper tantrums. It also tends to reduce frustration that can occur when learning new skills.

Verta alb
Used to soothe the nerves, verta alb is often recommended by homeopaths for hyperactive children.

Now, all of these solutions must be properly prepared according to the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia and you should only purchase the remedy from a reliable manufacturer.

We have had a great deal of success with the products from Native Remedies. They are carefully prepared in registered facilities and meet with FDA approval.

All of their products are backed by a one year, unconditional money back guarantee. The prices are reasonable and the quality is unquestionable.

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD or you have noticed the behavioral problems that typically accompany the condition, visit us, learn more about the condition and read the testimonials written by other parents. Both you and your child will be glad that you made the effort to find natural remedies for ADHD.