| Current estimates put between 4 and 12 % of school | | | | difference to a child with ADHD, teaching them to |
| children, as having ADHD and treatment plans for this | | | | recognize their behaviors and learning ways to adjust |
| chronic condition will generally include the use of | | | | them. They try to accommodate the child and make it |
| medication to modify behavior. However, these do | | | | easier for them to conform to accepted behaviors |
| come with side effects are not all children will respond | | | | without using drugs to mask behaviors or personality. |
| to them, which is why some parents prefer to adopt | | | | And unlike medications, these modes of treatment |
| an alternative method to replace or work alongside | | | | require patience on behalf of the people administering |
| medications to minimize the dose. | | | | the therapy and additional assistance from people who |
| Most parents would like to see their child drug-free if | | | | are likely to come in contact with the child on a |
| possible, as some of the side effects of ADHD | | | | constant basis. |
| stimulant medication are decreased appetite, trouble | | | | Consistency is key when adopting behavioral therapy |
| sleeping, withdrawal from social activities and friends | | | | otherwise confusion can set in. Once the ground rules |
| and jitteriness. | | | | have been set and the rewards and punishments are |
| The treatment options that can be adopted that don't | | | | clearly defined they should be followed by all parties |
| rely on medication include behavior therapy, | | | | with no exceptions. |
| neurofeedback therapy, and education intervention. | | | | Continue reading for more tips on alternative |
| The ultimate goal of all these three approaches is to | | | | treatments and to sign up for the free recognizing and |
| encourage the frequency of positive behaviors, while | | | | treating ADHD newsletter. |
| minimizing the symptoms of ADHD - inattentiveness, | | | | Don't forget to offer emotional support to your child. |
| hyperactivity and impulsiveness. | | | | Children with ADHD get used to hearing how they are |
| However unlike medications, these treatments don't | | | | always doing things they shouldn't and being |
| come out of a bottle, but require work on behalf of | | | | reprimanded for their behavior. They can also struggle |
| parents, teachers, professionals and the child. For | | | | to make friends as a result of their behaviors. This can |
| example, these ADHD treatments require an | | | | lead to a low self-esteem and in some cases, |
| experienced educator or therapist to devise an | | | | depression. So it's important to give praise where you |
| individual program for the child and the techniques will | | | | can and encourage them to use any skills they have |
| be taught to family members and the child to ensure | | | | whether it's in sports or another creative outlet. |
| they follow through at home. | | | | As you have probably realized, ADHD and treatments |
| These forms of treatments for ADHD are devised to | | | | that don't rely on medications are not a quick fix |
| improve symptoms while increasing the chance of | | | | alternative. These are long-term treatments that you |
| preventing further problems associated with the | | | | will have to continue to work with. You should discuss |
| disorder in the future. | | | | these alternatives with your child's doctor and |
| These methods are not like drugs, they are not a | | | | teachers. Never stop medication unless it has been |
| 'quick fixes' and results won't be seen overnight. They | | | | discussed with your doctor. |
| aim to be long-term solutions that truly make a | | | | |