ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivy Disorder) is estimated to affect 8 to 10% of school-age children. According to the AMA, diagnosis depends on a complete evaluation because there is no test available that can determine the presence of ADHD in a child’s system. Boys are three times more likely to be diagnosed than girls.
Classic signs include:
Inattention and hyperactivity (constant movement of fingers, hands, arms, legs, or feet)
Easily distracted by noises and movement
Inability to control impulsive behaviors and thoughts (often described as a “disconnect”)
ADHD is not a learning deficit – it is a neurological disorder, so a complete evaluation of the child’s nervous system is essential. Insist on one. Your child may learn differently, but he or she is likely very bright when given the right treatments and conditions to thrive.
If diagnosed, please consider adding chiropractic care to your child’s treatment. When the nervous system is involved, the true disconnect can be subluxations in the spinal cord. In difficult cases, spinal adjustments need to be done more often, easing back as the nervous system has time to respond.
While I’m not opposed to medications, this diagnosis can lead to over-medicating children. If your child experiences a side effect to his or her medication, another may be prescribed to counter it. Some children are on several prescription meds – all that can cause serious complications. Children often become lethargic, depressed, and in some cases the meds have the opposite effect.
I’ve seen positive results in my young patients that include reduction in symptoms and medications.
Call 507-775-2711 to see how we can help.
Dean
