What are some non-medical ways to control ADD?

Question

I have an 8 year old boy who is VERY active and his teacher and a pshycologist is telling me to get him tested for ADD which I am sure he would be diagnosed with. They are saying he may need meds and I dont agree. He is very active and popular and helpful. He is an amazing kid who does well in school and writes stories that would blow your mind :) I love the way he is and wouldnt want to change it but dont want him to get in trouble for being so active. How can I curve it some without medication?

Answer 1

I have 2 kids with ADD. MY daughter, now 17, has been o Ritalin for 11 years years, and she is now a successful young woman entering her senior year of high school. With out the Ritalin she may never have learned to read. She couldn't stay focused long enough to learn.

My 12 year old son on the other hand, also has ADD, but can not tolerate stimulants. For him, a non stimulant medication has been prescribed, called Strattera.

Those are my credentials. First, get him tested. Not through the school, but independently. If you have a children's hospital close by, use them as a contact to find a good psychologist to do it. Remember that no matter what you are told, that medication is not the only answer.

Many parents believe in a philosophy that they need to remove all the sugar, and certain other foods and food additives out of their children{s} diet. Research that thoroughly if you decide to do it...it is drastic.

Sometimes only the school thinks there is a problems. Do some research. There is lots of information on line, including check lists. Use the checklists and surveys, and figure out if you see any of these characteristics of ADD. If you don't, and friends and family don't see any problem, then the problem is the school.

However, get your son tested, so if he tests with no ADD, then you can tell the school that. Also, if you give your son caffeine, does he get wild? or does he calm down, and seem to think more clearly? When we do not have Ritalin with us for my daughter, we give her a Mountain Dew, and she thinks more clearly.

I hope this helps & Good Luck !!

Answer 2

I am very upset with the "one med fits all" syndrome that exists in our medical and educational communities these days.

First of all, there is a great book on ADD, called The Add Book by Sears and Thompson I suggest you buy. It is very comprehensive.

There are many reasons why children can be hyper-active; diet, hormones, psychological problems, abuse, etc., so finding out what the real reason or reasons are is essential.

He is old enough to begin to control his own behavior, so behavior modification, by way of parenting, is very important too. Just because you love his high level of activity doesn't mean everyone else has to. In school he can be very disruptive and cause problems for the teacher and other children. This isn't fair to them. So, you may want to home school him, I know of many parents that do this with hyper- active kids.

I know you will find this book very helpful, good luck.

Answer 3

He might ADHD the H stands for hyporactive which my brother has.
I have ADD too. I take Adderall I think that is how you spell it but like it also helps with weight but um the doctor said i only have to take it when i am in school but now that i have been taking it when i forget to take it nothing bothers me like things use too. Like I used to get distracted very easy before i started taking this but I use to take Ritalin made me suicidal and so my parents had to take me off it and that is when the doctor gave me Adderall and it helps me a lot better but you don't have to take it that much. *~*Jay Hawkins*~*

Answer 4

HI,if your child takes time to sit down and write stories in detail,he might not have ADD,society this days wants to keep children restraint,if you dont share their ideas,think change,school wise,dot on his skills,keep him reading and writing ,praise him well,he is helpful,dont give him chores,make him your assistant.the thing about this,is to keep that energy flowing.talk to the teacher,let her in your plan of action and ask her to work with him by giving him tasks to do around the classroom and letting him feel useful.if the school staff wont work with you,start looking for a more open minded one,willing to put your childs necesities first.many blessings toyou and your child!!!