Managing ADHD:How to Handle a Hyperactive Child

without Drugging Them into a Stupor

By: Tara Churchwell and Kelsi Capizzi November 19, 2010

What does ADHD look like?

Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes.

Has difficulty sustaining attention.

Does not appear to listen. Struggles to follow through on

instructions. Has difficulty with organization. Avoids or dislikes tasks

requiring sustained mental effort.

Loses things. Is easily distracted. Is forgetful in daily activities.

Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in chair.

Has difficulty remaining seated. Runs about or climbs

excessively. Difficulty engaging in activities

quietly. Acts as if driven by a motor. Talks excessively. Blurts out answers before

questions have been completed. Difficulty waiting or taking

turns. Interrupts or intrudes upon

others.

Predominantly Inattentive Type

Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Type

The normal misconduct of children often gets shuffled into the category of ADHD symptoms. Some circumstances that can be misdiagnosed as ADHD include:Gifted Students who aren’t sufficiently

challenged in school.Lack of proper nutrition in the child’s dietNo other structured outlet for a child’s energy.Lack of attention from the parents.A disruption or lack of a daily schedule.

Diagnosis of ADHD is Out of Control

According to this National Survey of Children’s Health diagram showing the state-based prevalence data of ADHD medication

treatment, the percent of youth 4-17 ever diagnosed with ADHD was between 2.1-3.4% in Utah in 2003. This means that an

average classroom of 30 students has about 1 student taking medication for ADHD.

Despite the confusion, the number of ADHD diagnoses is on the rise.

The National Survey of Children’s Health produced this diagram in 2007 showing the state-based

prevalence data of ADHD diagnosis. Only four short years after the original diagram, the percent of

youth 4-17 ever diagnosed with ADHD doubled in Utah to 5.6-7.9%. This means that the average classroom containing 30 students would have 2

students diagnosed with ADHD.

• There is no precise way to diagnose a child with ADHD.

• Tests have shown that the medicated subjects were more prone to depressive-like behaviors as adults.

• Medication doesn’t teach children how to handle themselves in difficult situations.

• The long term side effects are not yet understood.

• Medication only treats the symptoms. It does not solve the problem.

Why Should I Care that More Children Are Being Medicated

for ADHD?

So What Are My Options If My Child Is Hyperactive or Inattentive?

Doctors Provide These

Answers:• Ritalin• Adderall• Concerta

Drugs are NOT the Answer

Side effects of ADHDmedications include:

Decrease of appetiteHallucinationsHigh blood Pressure InsomniaAnorexiaDry MouthStomach PainsVomitingHeart PalpitationsLiver Problems

• Decide If Your Child Is Merely Bored at School

• Evaluate You Child’s Environment at Home• Provide other Positive Outlets for Your Child’s

Energy• Improve Your Child’s Diet• Work with a Behavior Therapist

Here Are a Few of the Most Effective Alternatives that Don’t

Involve Medication.

There are many similarities between gifted students who are bored in school versus students with ADHD.Highly ActiveTendency to Daydream/Not Pay AttentionDifficulty Restraining Desire to TalkQuestions Rules, Customs, and TraditionsLow Tolerance for Tasks that seem IrrelevantLose/Forget Homework and Are DisorganizedHighly Sensitive to Criticism

Gifted children need more stimulation, less repetition, and challenging assignments to keep their attention.

Decide If Your Child Is Merely Bored at School.

There are many educational programs available that work with gifted students. At home, try providing physical reminders

(clocks, chore charts, etc.) and tangible rewards to help your child focus.

Do they have a set routine?Children know what to expect.Bedtime and preparation for school are much easier if there

is already a structure in place.Are you using effective discipline techniques?

Avoid repeating patterns of inappropriate behavior followed by ineffective punishment.

Avoid administering consequences without prior warning or without the child understanding why he or she is receiving them.

Avoid responding inconsistently to inappropriate behaviors. Is there a stable emotional environment at home?

Children crave attention from their parents. If they can’t get enough positive attention, they will settle for negative attention.

Trained therapists can help teach children how to control their impulsiveness, aggression, and hyper activeness.

Evaluate Your Child’s Environment at Home

Recess time is being cut in favor of more class time which clashes with children’s high levels of energy.

Enroll your child in an extracurricular sport that requires at lot of energy to perform (soccer, basketball, etc.).This will give them a structured outlet for their

energy while teaching them valuable lessons in teamwork and respect for a coach.

Provide other Positive Outlets for Your Child’s Energy

Studies have shown that deficiencies in Omega-3, thiamine, vitamin B-6, or folic acid can cause impulsivity, irritability, and aggressiveness.

A healthy diet could potentially cure your child’s ADHD symptoms.

Improve Your Child’s Diet

Foods to include:•Seafood•Walnuts•Oatmeal•Flax Seed

•Cabbage•Cauliflower•Spinach•Tofu

•Soybeans•Romaine•Collard Greens•Strawberries

Find some outside help for you, so you can better help your child.

You have the opportunity to teach your child a lot. Make sure you are teaching them the right kinds of lessons.

You are not the first person to struggle with an unruly child. There is a lot of good advice out there.

Each of these suggested changes can be stressful and intimidating. Allow yourself some professional help.

Work with a Behavioral Therapist

When a child starts acting up in school, parents really only have two options; begin a medication

regimen or take the time to work with your child to teach them valuable life lessons.

As adults, making important, life changing decisions for very young children, we should not resort to

drugs until we have exhausted every other possibility to correct unwanted behaviors.

Now It’s Up to You.What Choice Will You Make?