Child with ADHD

I am reaearching for a friend.....Can you give me resources, programs on LI, ANY advice on how to manage this (prefferable without having to turn to medication)

Re: Child with ADHD

Have you heard of dye free diet? It may help, mention to your friend so she can look it up.

Re: Child with ADHD

Since I'm a SAHM, I'm trying to research all I can for her!

I question her diet & level of activity, so I will look that up! TY!

Re: Child with ADHD

DS is ADHD...we tried gluten free diet, but he wouldn't have any part of it.

I am trying to hold off medication as long as possible. We bought a trampoline last year to get him to burn off energy.

For focus/attention, we have to get down to his level and tell him to look at us if we need him to hear something. We also as for him to repeat it back.

Re: Child with ADHD

We ultimately decided to medicate but before we did, karate was very helpful.

They emphasize focus.

One thing I was told & I've see the effect firsthand is video games. Try to stay away from them for a while.

Re: Child with ADHD

Oh, video games!

My concern was more how much the TV is on.....but good point about video games!

She was in karate, but I think she wasn't ready for that, because she was getting nothing out of it.

Any recs for activities for 1st graders? Like a kids aerobics?

Re: Child with ADHD

CHADD is an organization of parents with children with ADHD. I'm sure there are community resources through them.

Russell Barkley is an expert in the area. He has a book "Taking Charge of ADHD". and a few others

The famiily can work with a behavioral psychologist if they are looking for help to develop strategies to manage the child's behavior.

ETA: if the familiy wants any names of psychologists who specialize in the area of ADHD, message me and I can give you some

Message edited 4/11/2012 7:22:05 PM.

Re: Child with ADHD

In terms of activities, swimming for some children with ADHD I hear is helpful at times

Re: Child with ADHD

She can try a move n'sit jr. Cushion in school (school might have them or she can buy it for around $25 online) also in school they can do environmental modifications such as reducing wall decorations and other distractions like that, preferential seating, movement breaks such as bringing paperwork to the office or copy room, the teacher should make sure she is keeping her desk neat and organized.....
It's really tough with ADHD because the inattention/hyperactivity is due to a lack of a neurochemical. The only way to truly address the problem is to replace the missing neurochemical (meds). If she is still able to learn in school and function up to her potential I can see holding off on meds and try different things. also many times with children that have a diagnosis of ADHD, social skills are inpacted so socail skills counseling can be offered at school.

Re: Child with ADHD

Yes......I think her social abilities are greatly being influenced!

There are a lot of home stresses too, that's why I'm trying to help as much as I can in researching. The mom is trying to do it all with little to no help!

Re: Child with ADHD

http://www.ldonline.org/indepth/adhd