I have a beautiful child who has ADD 'tendancies'. We currently are on a low dose medication, but our long term goal is to try to help our child learn to stay on task without the aid of medication. I was wondering if anyone has tried biofeedback or a tutoring service like Sylvan or Kumon? If so, what was your opinion - good or bad.
I highly recommend reading "Healing ADD" by Daniel G. Amen, M.D. His website is amenclinics.com. Also, nativeremedies.com has homeopathic supplements for ADHD.
I had my son in Sylvan, and my opinion is it is a huge waste of money!! We had a few issues, and after a year and a half, and 7 thousand dollars, they tried to only give him a half credit!! I would save your money,and try to find a tutor through your childs teacher or school!!
I also have a son with ADD tendencies. He is extremely intelligent and I too had no desire to use medication. I've read up on several publications and came down to nutrition. I've taken away sugars, caffeine, most yeast, switched to as organic as I can. I also have him on a supplement regiment along with a fantastic fiber which has made such a huge difference. His grades have soared and is back on track. I still have to set rules as when he comes home, it is a fruit for snack and then homework...no T.V. until finished etc. However, he now takes pride that he finishes things and I do not know what I would do without the supplements! It is one of the reasons I now have them as my home business. I'd be more than happy to help you set up a nutritional program, just send me an e-mail.
Hope you find what's right for your son.
Take care,
D.
I do not have any information regarding either of those, but I felt compelled to share this:
I know of someone whose child was diagnosed ADD, but after eliminating gluten, sugar and all additives from his food, and eating organic when possible, and removing chemicals from his environment, the diagnosed was pulled. Just thought I would pass this on. The child is now "catching up" academically, and doing great.
I have got just the thing for you!! AND it will help you to be able to take your kiddo of meds if you want.
There is a Learnign Enrichment Center that was opened by the renowned Pediatric NeuroPsychologist Dr. Beljin. They do Physio-neuro Therapy for kids with ADD/ADHD, Reading Disorders, Senosry Deficit, Mild Brain Injury or Gifted Asynchrony. Its an extensive 6 month program and they have had wonderful success. I think they said 100% success?? They guarantee their work. It is very pricey, but worth it in the long run. What they do is really cool. You should check it out! Good Luck!!
I actually work for Sylvan, and although it's expensive, it does prove effective. It is good for those ADD children, as activities are usually very short, and attention is quick since there is at most 3 studetns vying for attention. If you have and specific questions, email me, would love to answer them.
As a mom of a 28 yr old ADD diagnosed after the age of 23, I wish more than anything that I would of had her tested and utilized any type of behavioral counseling to help her deal better with her issues. I believe it would have helped her be more equipped to handle everyday issues better that she is presently able to do.
She is very bright and can build a computer like nobody's business, however she struggles with memory, staying on task, timeliness you name it. She has recently gone in to bio-feedback and they sent her to have her brain mapping, to start the bio-feedback it is a 30 session, twice a week ordeal and for a ADD adult that is tough to committ to, although they are teaching her breathing techqniques right now to assist her with anxiety and depression which is very common among ADD patient as well.
The results of the brain mapping were very interesting, she apparently has a cohesive brain which is very common among ADD which basically only allows her to do one major thing at a time (you know like many men in our lives LOL) in other words although she sing beautifully she is unable to sing and dance. As a child if I would ask her to clean her room, pick up her trash, put away the toys etc. she would just get lost in the reminiscing of items she was putting away and in other words nothing would be accomplished. There were just too many things for her to do, so I learned to only give her one task at a time.
I love the fact you are using low dosage of meds and that you see the importance of additional help because it is so much more than just medication they must learn how to deal with this disability so they are able to function happy, productive lives. My daughter struggled through High School; although she was very bright it could take her 4-5 hrs a night for homework when my other daughter was done in 1 hr. this was very disheartening to her. But, years ago it was so looked down upon and I let my ex in-laws sway my gut feeling. I also have a son that is ADHD however; he does not want to do anything about it and never has. I wish you the best, follow your instincts, because anything you can do now to help them prepare for the future will be so appreciated later.
Hey Pat,
I too have a son who has ADD tendancies. He is very low level and we too were not thrilled with the medication factor. Ya, he can't pay attention, but what an incredible kid ya know? Well, I did some research and we have changed his diet...more protein less carb very little preservatives. I give him chocolate covered coffee beans about 30 minutes prior an attention needing activity,( this reacts similar to ADD drugs and has a calming effect on him), and I started fish oil/omega fat suppliments. I also have been limiting tv more and been better about sticking to a schedule. I have noticed a significant improvement. I hope this helps.
kris
Hi Pat,
Have you tried adjusting the foods your child eats to see if that might help? I do not have experience in this area but I have heard that some foods contribute to symptoms. Whole foods are much better than processed foods. Also, I know of two really good nutritional suppliments that might help.
my mother had huge success with my brother after he took a food allergy test (from a naturopath, or someone similar), and keeping him away from the foods he was sensitive too. It totally changed his personality, and the doctors at the time wanted to give him ritalin. But it could be "healthy" foods, like oranges or tomatoes that are not good for him. everyone is different.
