ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder…this sounds like something made up by frustrated parents and teachers or doctors in response to these parents. Yet it is so real, affecting not only kids, but adults as well. Well, what the heck is it? Or in other words, what is the WHY, the underlying cause and the ultimate solution?
The treatment of choice is a stimulant of some type. How could stimulating the nervous system of hyperactive kids help calm them down and focus them? The solution is actually in the way we manipulate the function of these kids (and adults). If we generally stimulate their nervous system, we are increasing activation (stimulation) of their brain, including the frontal cortex, where focus and attention are located.
So, if there is a problem with stimulation of this part of the brain, and it creates a “syndrome” or group of symptoms, and chemically stimulating their nervous system seems to help, we must ask… “how does the brain normally receive stimulation?”…and there is our solution.
No, it’s not easy. There are many factors that can affect brain function. Things such as toxic metal (lead, aluminum, etc.) exposure, the types of fats they eat, even their blood sugar regulation can affect brain function. But the most obvious is developmental neurology. The brain develops back to front and right to left. Meaning movement precedes intelligence, and nonverbal expression precedes verbal expression.
So the abridged solution is to get them moving. Consider their developmental milestones. Did they get floor time? Did they roll, crawl, stand and walk within a year but not too soon? Maybe you had one of those kids that just stood up and walked, and you were so amazed. Unfortunately, they missed the development of crucial connections in their brain by rolling and crawling. Maybe you have a video game addict, whose main physical movement is the wiggling of thumbs. Unfortunately, they are lacking stimulation of major areas of their cerebellum that stimulate forward into the cortex, ultimately affecting focus and attention.
The physical solution is a functional neurological examination, making sure the spine is centered and moving properly, and a progression of full body functional movements. I have instructed many adults on cross crawl exercises, which is basically as it sounds a crawling type movement. We have to go back developmentally and create that movement later in life to stimulate growth of new connections in the brain. Another example is signing. I often instruct people to learn sign language, which is a right brain, non-verbal function, which actually stimulates growth of new connections in the brain.
Eventually, when the brain is connected properly, the medications are no longer needed. YEAH!
It is often cited that Einstein was ADHD. What would have become of him if he were “drugged into submission?” Maybe your kid is not ADHD but a genius!?
Site design and development by Function Advertising™, Asheville, NC - More Information
