Alternative Treatments for ADHD in Kids

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Alternative Treatments for ADHD in Kids

I am not a doctor or a medical professional. I cannot in any way diagnose or tell you what the right treatment for your child is.

I am a mom that has a son who has ADHD and autism. You can read more on this topic in my previous post.

I this post I want to share with you what has worked for us to manage his ADHD.

I believe in prescription medication for managing ADHD. However dietary changes in combination with supplements can be good alternative treatments for ADHD symptoms.

    1.   Diet Change

-Feingold Diet  – Dr.Feingold did a research study on how food affects kids with ADHD. There is a whole eating plan available.

Personally, we have not been able to change diet completely.

I recommend starting small.

Just get rid of a couple things. We got rid of apples and citrus fruit and C’s aggression, irritation and hyperactivity went down by a third. I was amazed at the difference that it made.

Why apples? – Apples have something called salicylate. A person can be sensitive to salicylate. Once salicylate no longer is in the person’s system it doesn’t affect him poorly. We saw a big difference once we got rid of apples and all apple products from C’s diet.

No artificial colors/flavors or preservatives – This is a big one! Artificial colors and flavors are everywhere! You have to read every label and be very vigilant. It’s not easy to keep all of these things from your child but the reward is great. You can do it.

    2.   Dietary Supplements

-Vitamins-   *Omega 3

The article linked below shares information on why its beneficial for kids with ADHD and even has links to the tested Omega 3 brands for kids.

Benefits of Omega 3 for kids with ADHD

-Probiotics- 

Gut health is important for everyone but especially for your child. Probiotics play a huge role in gut health.

I highly recommend the brand Plexus. Their probiotic is very high quality. You can read more about them here. If you visit the Plexus website you can see more information on the products they offer.

3.   Essential Oils

Many families love essential oils. They are good for so many things. But which ones are good for ADHD?

I asked my friend who knows and sells doTerra oils what her recommendations are.

Peace – Calming and counteracts anxious and fearful emotions

Motivate – To use during times when focus is needed

In Tune – Also a focus blend

Bergamont – Calming

From my own personal experience, I used Vetiver diluted with coconut oil for my kids. It’s a calming and centering oil and it helped my kids calm down and when they were babies and helped them sleep at night.

You have to be very careful with oils. Even though they are “natural” it doesn’t make them completely safe for everything and everyone. Please, first talk to your child’s doctor. And also consult someone that knows oils.

I recommend visiting my friend’s page. Contact her and she will gladly answer your questions.

DoTerra Oils – Oksana Samoilich

4.   Behavioral changes

These are changes that you can create at home.

-Create a routine. Check out my morning routine post and after school routine post.

-Put a reward and consequence system in place. You can get more information on setting up a reward system here.

–1-2-3 Magic discipline system. This was recommended to us when C was first diagnosed with ADHD. I like it. It works for our family. It can work for your family as well.

Diet, supplements, essential oils and behavioral changes are great alternative treatments for kids with ADHD. They work even better when combined with prescription medication.

Alternative treatments can be a good treatment option for your child but don’t forget the importance of asking your child doctor first.

ADHD in children can be tricky. What works for one child may not work for another. It’s really trial and error. You got this mama. You know your child and you know what is best for them.

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