Going back to school might be hard for ADHD children, but it’s even harder for the parents – after all, mom and dad are the ones who have to make all the necessary arrangements for their little ones. Not only do they have to deal with enrolment procedures and taking the kids to school, they also have to manage the inevitable temper tantrums of a child who simply just doesn’t want to go yet.

The back-to-routine blues can be so overwhelming, it’s easy to forget a few important steps needed to ensure a smooth transition from the bliss of a long break to happy days with teachers and friends at school. For parents who have trouble keeping track of everything, here are three of the most important tips in getting ADHD kids back to school:

[More...]

Numerous studies over the past 3 decades have identified ADHD children as being more accident-prone than kids without the condition. The findings suggest that ADHD kids tend to be able to identify risky situations, but have an impaired ability to estimate just how much damage is possible, and have trouble identifying ways to prevent the accident.

[More...]

Reading is an important part of a child’s development, both intellectually and emotionally. This is especially important for ADHD children, who tend to lack the focus and interest needed for a quiet sit-down activity. Getting an ADHD kid interested in reading will not only open countless doors to success, but some experts believe that avid reading helps improve ADHD.

[More...]

Video games have long been thought to worsen ADHD, but current research seems to be turning the tables on popular opinion. L. Eugene Arnold, M.D. of Ohio State University is working to develop a video game system that improves ADHD through neurofeedback.

[More...]

A parent recently posed a very interesting question – are sickly children more likely to have ADHD than healthy ones? Before her daughter was diagnosed with ADHD, she had frequent asthma attacks and was prone to ear infections. When she compared notes with a fellow parent who has a son with ADHD, she discovered that the boy also suffers from chronic allergies and experienced upper respiratory tract infections on a regular basis.

Most doctors would say that there is no connection between ADHD and these illnesses; after all, ADHD is a neurological problem while these common childhood illnesses are caused by environmental irritants, genetics, or bacteria. But if you look beyond the superficial symptoms and asses the body as a whole, you’ll find that these health problems are no coincidence.

[More...]

One of the most difficult parts about natural ADHD treatments – besides figuring out which ones work best for your child – is the support or lack thereof of the people around you.  An ADHD treatment program is only as successful as the people who reinforce it, and there are many times when people allow your child to break the rules you’ve set for him or her.  One such problem is the issue of relatives and grandparents who slip the occasional cookie or forbidden food to a child on an ADHD diet.  Here’s what you can do when this happens.

[More...]

Lack of focus, forgetfulness, and hyperactive behavior – children with ADHD put up with a lot of symptoms and discomfort.  But these aren’t the only problems they have to deal with. Research shows that kids with ADHD are also more likely to experience allergies than kids without.  There is no easy explanation for why this happens but we do know that certain allergies, such as an intolerance to artificial food additives, can make the disorder worse for some kids.  Although many allergens cannot be controlled (e.g. high pollen count), it is possible to avoid triggers that aggravate ADHD symptoms.

[More...]

You’re probably familiar about the role of diet in causing and preventing ADHD, especially among children.  Certain foods can trigger hyperactivity or aggravate inattention because they contain substances or chemicals that have an adverse affect on the brain. Most ADHD diets revolve around eliminating such foods, but preparing dinner with alternative ingredients can be time-consuming, especially if the parent already has a busy schedule. It seems tempting to reach for that box of instant macaroni and cheese; in just five minutes, a meal is made. Never mind that it’s chock-full of artificial additives and has an abnormally orange glow; at least the kids are eating something!

[More...]

If there is one ADHD symptom that creates awkward social situations and hurt feelings, it has to be the lack of tact. It’s normal for children of all ages to say what’s on their mind, but those with ADHD are even more likely to have no sense of control over their speech. Regardless of whether or not your child was speaking the truth (and chances are, he or she is probably right), every parent needs to deflect these inappropriate statements. Once the words have been said, someone is bound to get offended and you, the parent, might feel helpless or embarrassed.
[More...]

A medical diagnosis should never view the disorder in terms of black and white, especially with a condition as complex as ADHD.  What I mean by this is that the ADHD diagnosis should not be made after checking a list of symptoms, because there are many similar disorders that are characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity.  Additionally, there are hundreds possible reasons behind your child’s behavior, and if these causes are not treated properly, your child’s problems will continue to persist. A wrong diagnosis is just as harmful as no diagnosis at all. Not only is your child not getting the help needed, but he or she is being treated for a condition that isn’t there and needlessly suffering the side effects of this treatment.

So when should you get a second opinion? Here are a few instances.

[More...]