What is ADHD

Einstein was four years old before he could speak,
and seven before he could read; his parents feared he might be retarded.

Thomas Edison was expelled from school. His teachers felt he was scattered and inteachable.

Both Einstein and Edison went on to become famous scientists; both were thought to have ADD.

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) with our without hyperactivity, is considered a neurological disorder of the brain that appears as a continuous pattern of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity . It is a diagnostic label used in psychiatry that is defined by a list of symptoms which are clearly spelled out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the prime diagnostic manual used in the psychiatric profession.

ADD is observable in childhood and can continue into adulthood.. Based on information published in the Merck Manual , 17th edition, about 5-10% of school children have ADD, while ADD with hyperactivity ( ADHD) is much more frequently seen in boys than girls. It is also estimated that about one third of the children diagnosed with ADD have learning disabilities. Frequently this condition runs in families, suggesting a possible genetic link. It appears not to improve with age and will not just get better. With proper intervention, individuals can learn to manage symptoms and learn appropriate behavior.

How is ADD diagnosed? ADD/ADHD is diagnosed by observing symptoms and behaviors. ADD or ADHD should only be diagnosed by an experienced professional in the psychiatric field, and only when the symptoms have persisted for a long time. Too many children are labeled ADD or ADHD without proper diagnosis.

Difficulty: paying attention to details, paying attention, listening, organizing, managing time, easily loses things and is forgetful, easily distracted and avoids tasks that require sustained term effort.

Talks excessively, is restless, taps pencils, fidgets with fingers, continuous movement of body parts, does not play quietly, seems to always be in high gear, in school needs to get out of seat frequently, changes from activity to activity.

Frequently interrupts, does not wait their turn, gives the answer in the middle of the question.

Individuals who experience symptoms of ADHD often have difficulty socializing. Their behaviors, which can be viewed as offensive, annoying and inconsiderate, may drive peers away. Most of the time, Individuals with ADHD are not even aware of the reactions their behaviors provoke and are mystified by the lack of interest others have in forming relationships with them.

Some of the problem is that Individuals with ADHD have difficulty paying attention and actually may be missing important information about what's happening around them. Children and teenagers need to be taught new more acceptable behaviors because they have difficulty figuring them out on their own.

Conventional treatment usually uses psycho stimulant medications and or counseling for managing symptoms related to ADD and ADHD. The most widely prescribed drug is a stimulant called methylphenidate which is manufactured under the generic name Ritalin. Ritalin is listed as a Schedule II Controlled Substance and is a stimulant formulated to target the neurotransmitter dopamine . Ritalin can become addictive to some individuals, especially those with a genetic predisposition to alcohol ( Arky 1994).

Methyphenidate ( Ritalin) has many reported side affects which include: Headache, suppressed appetite, rise in blood pressure, inhibited growth, stomach disturbances, difficulty sleeping, nervousness, cardiac arrhythmia ( Arky 1994).

Children often respond well to counseling that is supported with nutritional supplements or homeopathic care. In addition, there is substantial research that supports educational kinesiology, ( which we do in our office) to help students with Dyslexia, learning disabilities, ADD and ADHD. Other considerations for investigation are food allergies, diet, improperly functioning thyroid, hypoglycemia, behavior management, biofeedback. The benefit of alternative care is that there are no harsh side effects reported. read about our alternative services including nutritional supplements, educational kinesiology and academic support. Based on your child's profile, we can suggest appropriate ADD/ADHD nutritional supplements, a "Brain Food Super Diet for memory, focus and concentration, effective learning style strategies, and other resources.

To schedule organizational tutoring, an evaluation or a consultation, call our Yardley office or Jenkintown, Pa office at 267-254-4144.

Since children with ADD/ ADHD do not tend to outgrow their symptoms, it is important to address the symptoms and make easier for the child and the family.

Omega 3 Oils and the Brain: This brain is nourished from the food we eat, and the brain is made up of about 60% Fat. It gets this fat from the fats we eat. The brain needs certain kinds of essential fatty acids to function properly. If the diet is lacking in the proper kinds of fats, it can affect thinking, memory, and all brain functions.

Not all fats are created equal when it comes to learning. Good fats nourish the brain and help learning; Bad fats clog the brain and interfere with learning.

What Are some good fats ? Fish oil, Flax oil, Avocado, nuts, olive oil, small amounts of butter

What are fats that should be avoided? Trans Fatty Acids, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils, fried food, margarine, flavored coffee creamers,

Attention Deficit Disorder can be aggravated by eating bad fats such as margarine and hydrogenated oils that clog neural pathway connections for memory, focus and attention. Most packaged foods like cookies, cakes, crackers etc. have hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils which are the real enemy of learning and brain function. Read labels to eliminate hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils from your diet. Shop in health food stores like Whole Food Markets or the health food isle of your supermarket for better choices. Some popular commercial manufactures are beginning to eliminate trans fats, so read labels. .

Eliminating trans fats is not enough. Your brain needs and depends on the nourishment from Omega 3 fats. Omega 3's can be obtained from eating ocean fish ( salmon, tuna, flounder) at least 2 times week from a safe organic source or adding fish or flax oil to your diet. After a few months you may see a big difference in learning.( Always check with your doctor before making any changes in your diet)

Please note: We are not medical doctors. The information in this website is for educational purposes only. Please check with your doctor before making any changes in diet or adding any food or food supplements to your diet.

Memory: There are many things you can do to improve memory and recall for learning. Please inquire about our next lecture on memory enhancement. 267-254-4144

1. Eat whole foods that nourish the brain; Some foods provide nourishment that may enhance learning, memory and build neural connections. Conversely, some foods can interfere with memory, learning, etc. Make a concerted effort to learn the difference!

Foods like salmon, walnuts, flax seed oil & kale provide Omega 3 nutrients which is an essential to feed and nourish the brain. Read The LCP Solution by Dr. Stordy to understand more about the importance and effectiveness of the right fish oil.

Foods like French fries, store bought crackers, cookies and cakes usually contain hydrogenated oil which may interfere with the health of the brain and heart.

1a. Eliminate, not limit, Trans fats from the diet; Trans fats clog the brain and may interfere with neural connecting. Read labels and avoid any product that lists hydrogenated oil, partially hydrogenated oil, margarine and mono- diglycerides- they are all man made trans fats that block brain neural connections.

2. Consider nutritional supplements that enhance focus, concentration and stress reduction. Recent research done in schools indicates that kids and adults with ADHD may significantly benefit from specific vitamins that enchance focus, relieve stress, build neural connections, and improve attention.

3. Establish a daily routine. Consistency and routine are helpful for most children, but essential for a child with ADD. Routines help reduce procrastination. Kids with ADD do best with a routine since they have difficulty structuring their own time. Do not plan to go shopping, see sports games, or do anything on school nights, save those activities for weekends. Any distraction on school nights can have detrimental effects on school work, time management and organization. A simple one hour distraction on a school night may translate into an unprepared child the next day in school. Being unprepared in school the next day, he/she will get even more stressed when he/she needs to make excuses for being unprepared. To reduce stress, you must plan in advance and stick to the same routine on school nights.

4. Use effective time management, organizational and learning strategies to manage attention, behavior and schoolwork. There are many organizational and time management strategies that can be learned. Good strategies can reduce stress and tension for parent and child. Try simple activities to help a child gain independence and figure out why they have difficulty completing a task.

Rule #1: For a child with ADHD, the parents need to plan for structure and oversee the use of strategies

2. Task strategy to improve focus; Children with attention difficulties frequently get so distracted that they never complete a task. To help improve focus play this mind game.

" Name The Task"

Before starting, be sure to break all tasks down into do-able chunk size tasks.

Example:

A (do-able) appropriate task is-"Do math problems page 32 " (1-5)

Inappropriate (not-do-able task)- " Do your homework"

Appropriate Task- " Pick up 10 items from your bedroom floor and put them away"

Inappropriate Task_ " Clean up your room"

To begin:

1 Write on an index card: "Doing math problems 1-5 on page 32 "

2. Put the index card in front of the person doing the task.

3. Each time the person starts thinking about something else, they have to name and read the task they are currently doing, out loud. Example: " Stop! The task I'm doing is math problems 1-5 ( this activates auditory, visual and kinesthetic )

4. On a separate index card, the person can write down what came to mind, to do later. No matter what is remembered, put out the trash, call grand mom, what time does the movie start, etc. FINISH THE TASK ON THE CARD FIRST..

5. When the task is completed, check it off the to do list. Then, choose another do-able task and start again.

The simple activity helps a student become aware of how often they go off task. The game reinforces attention through the visual mode, auditory mode, and kinesthetic mode.

Visual- they look at the task on the index card as they work
Auditory- they say out loud, " I'm doing math problems now"
Kinesthetic- They write a list on the index card and then bring themselves back to task.

Incorporating all three learning modalities helps students stay on task.

3. Daily Exercise; Exercise helps get oxygen to the brain and improves circulation. This is essential for kids or adults with ADD who have difficulty with memory retrieval and recall.

6. Get Sufficient Sleep: Children who come to school tired and sleepy have difficulty learning. Its that simple. Have a routine that includes a set time for sleep. No exceptions.

7. Drink sufficient water: Water is an essential base for electrical impulses within the body. Do not underestimate the role that water plays in learning. Make sure your child is well hydrated for optimal learning to take place. Drink pure spring water.

The Information in this publication is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat disease. Always check with your doctor before making any dietary or exercise changes.

In an effort to find a nutritional products to support children's sensitive nervous systems, we investigated many products. After extensive research we feel comfortable with the nutritional protocols we suggest.

For more information please write to us at our e-mail: vegyid2@yahoo.com or call us at 267-254-4144. We would be glad to schedule a nutritional consultation. In addition, we have organizational and academic tutorial services available with a certified special education teacher.

If your child is experiencing difficulties, inquire about an iridology evaluation so we can suggest a comprehensive program designed especially for your child;

On Children
Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
and though they are with you yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
for they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
for their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,
and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let our bending in the archer's hand be for gladness:
for even as He loves the arrows that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.

ADD/ADHD/LD Parent Events: Meets the 3rd Tuesday every month. Learn ideas that can help manage focus, attention, concentration , homework, memory etc. . 7:30-9:00 Monthly topics and lots of ideas. April Lecture: "Brain Food" for memory, focus and learning.

The following Links for ADD/ ADHD have a wealth of educational, behavioral, legal information. We do not endorse or necessarily agree with these links or the information in them. Please read them at your own discretion.

We are not presently set up for a chat room, however :If you have found things that work for your child and would like to share with other frustrated parents, please send your findings to our e-mail at energyplus2000@yahoo.com

The Information published on this website is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat disease. If you are experiencing a medical problem or need medical advice, consult your doctor. Each person is an individual and has individual dietary needs. Always consult your doctor before making any changes in your diet or lifestyle.

Col. Gregory "Pappy" Boyington — (1912-1988)
WWII Flying Ace (Black Sheep Squadron Leader)

Admiral Richard Byrd — (1888-1957) — Aviator
(Was retired from the navy as, "Unfit for service")

Thomas Carlyle — (1795-1881)
Scottish historian, critic, and sociological writer

Walt Disney — (1901-1971)
(A newspaper editor fired him because he had "No good ideas".)

Thomas Edison — (1847-1931) — Inventor
(His teachers told him he was too stupid to learn anything)

Albert Einstein — (1879-1955) — Physicist
(Famous Tongue Sticking Out Picture)
(Einstein was four years old before he could speak,
and seven before he could read)

FYI: Emotional iridology is a system of identifying behavioral, communication and relationship patterns according to the structural constitution of the iris of the eye. Personality traits, creative abilities, innate strengths and weaknesses that are acquired genetically can all be observed. These observations can give you profound insight into understanding your behavior and needs. I use my expertise and experience to determine what kind of support may be needed for healing and letting go of difficult, emotions that can lead to anxiety and depression. For years, I have used emotional iridology to give me more insight into my client’s needs in the individual emotional awareness coaching that I offer. A regular iridology evaluation deals with physical well being.

The Information in this publication is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat disease. If you are experiencing a medical problem or need medical advice, consult your doctor.