Non-Medication Ways To Help Manage Your Child's ADHD

Many children with ADHD do best when given medication to help manage their symptoms. The medication can help keep them focused and calm so they can learn, both at school and at home. However, medication is not the only means by which you can manage your child's ADHD. You may also want to consider including some of these other tactics and treatments in your plan.

Behavior Management Therapy 

It can be really helpful for you and your child to go to therapy together. In the process of working with a therapist, the two of you can learn to identify behaviors that are related to your child's ADHD. The therapist can help you develop more effective ways to address those behaviors. For example, they can guide you as to how you should react when your child is not paying attention, or when they get distracted and stop following directions.

Sometimes, parents need help learning to "speak the same language" as their child with ADHD. A therapist can teach you this language. They can also give your child strategies to implement when their attention is waning. It's helpful for you, as a parent, to be in the therapy sessions so you are aware when your child is using one of these strategies and can support them in doing so.

Dietary Therapy

Sometimes making dietary changes can help keep ADHD symptoms under closer control. You can meet with a dietitian, who can evaluate your child's diet and recommend some changes. They may, for example, recommend avoiding specific food additives. They may recommend that your child eats more protein, eats fewer carbohydrates, or avoids processed foods. As you make the recommended changes, you will likely notice that your child's symptoms become less obvious and they remain more focused throughout the day.

A Daily Schedule

Developing a specific daily schedule can help your child with ADHD cope and manage their symptoms. Get up at the same time each day. Serve lunch at the same time each day. In the evening, make sure you have a routine so that you're doing things like eating dinner, folding laundry, and completing homework in the same order. If you're struggling with this, it's something you can work on with your child's therapist.

Medication can help children with ADHD better manage their symptoms, but often, medication is not enough. Consider adding the treatments and therapies above to your child's routine.

Contact a clinic today to learn more about children's ADHD management.