What strategies for ADHD, if not ready for medication.

[Anonymous]

Limit screen time.

[Anonymous]

- limit sugar in diet
- limit screen time
- sufficient sleep
- plenty of exercise
- fish oil
- chewing gum or fingering some kind of beads or listening to music while doing homework may help
- child psychologist can help with executive functioning/ organizational issues
- supervised play group, similar to ones run by Alvord Baker, may help with social issues
- asking teachers to allow breaks, or to chew gum, or more time on tests - as needed

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:- limit sugar in diet
- limit screen time
- sufficient sleep
- plenty of exercise
- fish oil
- chewing gum or fingering some kind of beads or listening to music while doing homework may help
- child psychologist can help with executive functioning/ organizational issues
- supervised play group, similar to ones run by Alvord Baker, may help with social issues
- asking teachers to allow breaks, or to chew gum, or more time on tests - as needed

+1

Protein at breakfast
Executive function coach
Help organizing

[Anonymous]

Hi. Have you had him tested for sensory processing disorder?

Working with an OT helps a lot.

My son uses a dizzy disk jr (like a sit & spin w/o the handle) and it really helps "regulate" him. Ditto on the 5 min on the swing. Its not just about excess energy, but about how they receive sensory input.

Check out one of the sensory websites for activities- some kids find weighted pads helpful. Chewing gum. "Heavy work" like helping you carry books, or drag the laundry basket to another room.

Even if you are certain it's not his "issue" the strategies are much less invasive than meds!

[Anonymous]

For those experienced with ADHD or other processing disorders: Did your children have strange self-soothing behaviors? I am the PP with the Kindergartener who is possible ADHD. In addition to having trouble sitting still and focusing at school she is 6 and still obsessively sucks her thumb and zones out during class. She also has other self-soothing rituals like pulling her ear, picking at her belly button, or even picking at her private parts while sucking her thumb. Ugh. She is reading well and is engaged in activities but just has trouble focusing and following directions.

[Anonymous]

What dosage of omega 3 do you recommend for a 17 year old and 21 year old?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For those experienced with ADHD or other processing disorders: Did your children have strange self-soothing behaviors? I am the PP with the Kindergartener who is possible ADHD. In addition to having trouble sitting still and focusing at school she is 6 and still obsessively sucks her thumb and zones out during class. She also has other self-soothing rituals like pulling her ear, picking at her belly button, or even picking at her private parts while sucking her thumb. Ugh. She is reading well and is engaged in activities but just has trouble focusing and following directions.

It sounds like it is time for you to have your daughter assessed? What are you waiting for?

[Anonymous]

Every night, my DC gets magnesium, vitamin D and omega. Not sure if it helps, but it can't hurt, right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A sensory cushion, preferential seating, a checklist taped to his desk, a reward calendar

Yep, this is what we do. Sensory cushion helps a lot.

[Anonymous]

Can you tell me more about the sensory cushion and what it does? Is there one you recommend? NP who is wondering if this might help my kid. . . .

[Anonymous]

I am interested too, I never heard of a sensory cushion. My 7 you definitely has sensory issues and can't focus. Although, he can sit still just not all the time. We are in the beginning stages of testing etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For those experienced with ADHD or other processing disorders: Did your children have strange self-soothing behaviors? I am the PP with the Kindergartener who is possible ADHD. In addition to having trouble sitting still and focusing at school she is 6 and still obsessively sucks her thumb and zones out during class. She also has other self-soothing rituals like pulling her ear, picking at her belly button, or even picking at her private parts while sucking her thumb. Ugh. She is reading well and is engaged in activities but just has trouble focusing and following directions.

My ADHD dd is almost nine and to self-sooth, she chews her fingernails and toe nails. She sucks on things like anything really - necklace or just something she finds laying around. Yes, she does also have trouble focusing and following directions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can you tell me more about the sensory cushion and what it does? Is there one you recommend? NP who is wondering if this might help my kid. . . .

It's commonly known as a "wiggle seat."
http://www.amazon.com/Isokinetics-Brand-Exercise-Balance-Cushion/dp/B000WQ4Z94/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418332077&sr=8-1&keywords=wiggle+seats

Basically the idea to give sensory input vs. the kid seeking it by getting out of his chair, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Every night, my DC gets magnesium, vitamin D and omega. Not sure if it helps, but it can't hurt, right?

Please be aware that Vitamin D is a fat soluable meaning it can build up to toxic levels b/c you don't pee it out:
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/tc/vitamins-their-functions-and-sources-topic-overview?page=2

So ask your pediatrician regarding safe amounts.