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Child ADHD/ADD TreatmentUnderstanding and treating children with ADHD/ADD |
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Alternative ADHD TreatmentThe treatment for attention deficit disorder and its hyperactivity complication is dependent on the specific nature of the disorder in the individual. Each individual may have their own weaknesses and strengths and these should be considered when treating ADD and ADHD. Concentrate on the weaknesses, and try to build on the strengths.
 Although medication is often prescribed, many parents seek an alternative ADHD treatment. Behavior management is the crux of treatment in children. The condition cannot be cured, but it can be managed to provide the sufferer with a normal life. Parents and teachers can help by providing the child with a routine that involves a regular amount of homework, times for meals and bedtimes. This regularity is an important aspect of the treatment of the condition. If you give your child an instruction it should be very specific. Do not say ‘tidy up’ or you may be misunderstood, since you do not know what the child’s mind is on at that specific time. Say instead ‘tidy up your dolls’ or ‘tidy up your Lego’, and then they will understand you and do it. When you communicate with ADD children, you must give them all your attention. If you try to speak to others at the same time, the child will lose interest. It is helpful to reward them for doing well, but telling them that unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated. You should then underline that with sanctions such as sending them to their room, or not letting them see TV. You can improve their ability to focus and concentrate by providing tasks that require more than transitory attention to complete. An example would be to ask them to provide a way through a diagram of a maze. Children with ADD or ADHD will concentrate on this unless distracted. You should make sure that doesn't happen so that the child can concentrate on only the one thing. This will give them a great deal of satisfaction, since it is not often that people with ADD are able to focus on only one task. If you are looking for ideas to help your child develop their skills, there is an excellent DVD and guide, Memory Skills Made Easy covering elementary and middle school levels. Medical treatment is designed to depress hyperactivity and reduce the impulsiveness that hyperactive people seem unable to control. Ritalin is the most common. It has side effects, but is effective in reducing hyperactivity. It also focuses the attention, but parents should get professional advice on Ritalin since many are worried about longer term effects. When treating ADD and ADHD the severity of the case should be taken into account, though sometimes the parents’ needs should be considered, and many occasionally require the relief that Ritalin or some other medication can provide. With the appropriate treatment, most children can live and maintain normal lives. ADHD and Fish Oil You may also like to consider the benefits of using fish oil for ADHD. You can read more about research into omega 3 and ADHD here ADHD Treatment © 2007
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