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