ADD/ADHD is a symptomatic label that’s growing in popularity in epidemic proportions. The symptoms of ADD/ADHD have their roots in both medical and developmental causes. The mainstream medical solutions seem to advocate drugging the individual, typically with amphetamines and amphetamine-like drugs that paradoxically slow down the brain processes. This appears to give the person added attention span while in actuality these drugs serve only to mask symptoms without addressing or removing causes. These drugs alter the brain function with the possibility of permanent and adverse side effects that may even mimic the very symptoms the drugs were prescribed to control. These medications also put a toxic load on the body and may cause damage to vital organs.

What are the symptoms of ADD/ADHD?

*The child with ADD/ADHD who is inattentive will have six or more of the following symptoms:

• Has difficulty following instructions
• Has difficulty keeping attention on work or play activities at school and at home
• Loses things needed for activities at school and at home
• Appears not to listen
• Doesn’t pay close attention to details
• Seems disorganized
• Has trouble with tasks that require planning ahead
• Forgets things
• Is easily distracted
  
  

The child with ADHD who is hyperactive/ impulsive will have at least six of the following symptoms:

• Fidgety
• Runs or climbs inappropriately
• Can’t play quietly
• Blurts out answers
• Interrupts people
• Can’t stay in seat
• Talks too much
• Is always on the go
• Has trouble waiting his or her turn
  
  *Taken from http://familydoctor.org/online
  
  

Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity is excessive physical activity often leading to inattentiveness, fidgeting and distracting behaviors. Hyperactivity is the most visible sign of ADHD. The hyperactive child is best described as “always on the go” or “motor driven.” With maturation, activity levels may diminish. By adolescence and adulthood, the over-activity may appear as restless, fidgety behavior.

Symptoms of child hyperactivity are:

·        Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat

• Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is appropriate

·        Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate

·        Has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly

·        Often “on the go” or acts as if “driven by a motor”

·        Talks excessively

Impulsivity
When people think of impulsivity, they most often think about cognitive impulsivity, which is acting without thinking. The impulsivity of children with ADHD is slightly different. These children act without thinking because they have difficulty waiting or delaying gratification. The impulsivity leads these children to speak out of turn, interrupt others and engage in what looks like risk-taking behavior. The child may run across the street without looking or climb to the top of very tall trees. Although such behavior is risky, the child is not really a risk-taker, but rather a child who has great difficulty controlling impulses. Often the child is surprised to discover that he or she has gotten into a dangerous situation and has no idea of how to get out of it.

Symptoms of impulsivity are:

 

• Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
• Has difficulty awaiting turn
• Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)
• Engages in risk-taking behaviors
  
  

What is “THE REAL” solution?
The real solution is to identify root causes of individual symptoms at their neuro-developmental, behavioral and metabolic origins. The causes are then remediated by way of neuro-developmental therapies in conjunction with natural medical remedies and other drug-free and non-invasive therapies.

Neuro-developmental causes are identified by determining the levels of development that have been missed, are underdeveloped or injured. An individualized developmental therapy program is then written that will stimulate the brain and central nervous system to a higher level of function. The caregivers are trained to implement these activities on a daily basis.

Behavioral causes are identified by examining psychological reports, patient family history, current family and school dynamics, neurological organization and academic evaluation. Various therapies are then designed to organize the brain, stabilize family and social skills and improve academic achievement. These therapies are implemented by the caregivers and can involve other family members and school teachers.

Metabolic dysfunction is identified by medical examination and various laboratory tests. Medical solutions can vary from prescribed food supplements, vitamins, natural fungicides, antibiotics, and anti-parasitics to diet changes, metal detoxing and chelating. All of these and other medical remedies are used depending upon the needs of the patient.

 

Other useful modalities include but are not limited to: Chiropractics, Bio-Cranial Therapies, Massage Therapy and Sensory Integration Techniques.

 

Craig Stellpflug is a Neuro Development Consultant that works at a naturopathic medical clinic. http://www.healingpathwaysmedical.com healingpathwaysmedical.com