Does Your Child Have ADHD? Management Options Besides Medication

If your child has recently been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and you don't want to result to medication, there are some alternative treatments that you can try to help manage your child's disorder. With the right medical treatments and effort, you may be able to overcome this problem with your child.

Not all children are going to respond the same to different forms of treatment, so it's important to be understanding, encouraging and patient when dealing with your child's disorder. Here are a few things to talk with their pediatrician about.

Occupational Therapy

An occupational therapist is first going to screen the child and do an evaluation, to determine if they think that the child does have ADHD. After the evaluation, they are going to create an ADHD management plan to help the child overcome their distractions and focus on time management. The therapist will use sensory integration to help the child to channel their energy into the task at hand and to block out other distractions. This can take time but has been proven to be beneficial for many.

Exercise  

Finding different ways for your child to exert energy helps them avoid being restless and anxious. Any type of physical outlet that allows them to run, play and be a kid is ideal, and there are some forms of exercise that are great for both the mind and body. Look into both yoga and meditation as a way for your child to clear their mind and body.

Time Management Planning

If you and your child are able to work together to schedule and manage the child's time, for instance by setting timers and making planners so they are on a schedule, it will be much easier for everyone. If a child knows that they only have a certain amount of time to perform a task, and if you are diligent about sticking to the schedule, it's going to help the child over time and prevent altercations due to lateness.  

You don't have to turn to medication right away if you feel like your child is suffering from ADHD; instead you can try natural options first. Sometimes as kids get older and get more involved with school, sports, clubs and friends, it's easier for them to focus on what they want to do and what is front of them, instead of the distractions that they have going on all around them.