If you are like most
parents, you probably have many unanswered questions with regard to your child’s
ADHD/ADD. Some of the most commonly asked questions are as
follows:
Q. Is ADHD curable?
A. If you
asked this question, you have probably stumbled onto some site that
promises a “magic cure” with some herbal remedy. ADHD is not
curable, but nor would you want to “cure” it. These do not work.
Although it is seen as a developmental disability, some of the most
creative thinkers have had ADHD. The trick is to work with the
diagnosis of ADHD instead of against it.
Q. I’ve heard
that Ritalin can calm down hyper children, is this true?
A. Ritalin is the most commonly prescribed
medications for ADD/ADHD and has long term side effects. You can
calm a hyper child without having to drug him or her.
Q.
What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?
A. The
terms ADD and ADHD are often used interchangeably. However, this
year (2008) the diagnostic term has been changed to ADHD only. As of
last report, ADD is not going to be used anymore, although there is
still differentiation of the hyperactive-impulsive component (as is
outlined in this chapter in the "Diagnostic"
section).
Therefore, I have tried to use ADHD exclusively
from here on out in this book, unless quoting where someone has used
the old term of ADD (and cross my fingers the DSM doesn't change
again next year)!
Whatever it was called at the time of your
child's diagnosis, the next time someone tries to tell you that your
child's ADHD is just a label and nothing that can't be fixed with a
little discipline, explain to them that ADHD is a direct result of
neurotransmitter imbalances and deficiencies within the reticular
activating system. They probably won’t get it, but you need to quit
feeling responsible.
ADHD is as much a neurological
condition as depression and anxiety disorder. Think of it this way.
The CPU (central processing unit) controls your computer.
Q. How can you control ADHD kids without
using drugs?
A. Natural methods work best when treating
ADHD and have no side effects. This includes exercise, physical
activity and a diet. All of this information is outlined for you in
“A Parent’s Natural Remedy
Guide To ADHD.”
Q. Does ADHD equate low
intelligence?
A. Quite the reverse. Some of the most gifted and intelligent
people were ADHD and turned out pretty well. More to the point,
Albert Einstein had ADHD. He is one among many, including several of
the presidents of the United States and Winston Churchill.
Q. Why do you discourage people from using drugs to treat
ADHD?
A. There are two reasons. One is that the drugs
have harmful, long-term side effects. The second is that most kids
with ADHD have a lot of creative energy. The drugs will quash that
creativity - do you really want to do that?
Q. How can I
tell if my child has ADHD?
A. Most parents find out from
a doctor or even a child psychologist or psychiatrist. If your child has
trouble sitting still, often fidgets, does not complete projects,
lacks focus and has a hard time controlling his or her own impulses,
chances are pretty good that he or she is ADHD.
Q. What
about herbal potions - do they work?
A. Save your money.
While a good diet rich in vitamins and nutrients will help your
child, other factors are considered when treating ADHD children,
including physical activity and learning exercises. Don’t waste your
money on false “cures.” Use that money to learn about working with
your child to end your ADHD
frustrations
forever. |
