Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)/ADD

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Expert: Christine D. DeLoatch, MA CCC-SLP - 1/12/2009


Question
I have a 6 year old granddaughter whom I believe might have ADD.  She has a hard time focusing when doing school work and the teacher seems to agree that she might have it.  My daughter does not want to take her to the Dr. because she does not want to put her on medication.  We've heard that Tae Kwon Do or some form of martial arts, seems to help with this type of disorder.  Can you give me some suggestions on what we can do to help to improve her concentration without resorting to medications???

Answer
Dear Rosa,

Thanks for asking me your question.  I apologize for the delay in my response, I thought my account was on vacation.  

I would recommend that you check out a book called Healing ADD to first see what type of ADD you are looking at.  Almost every type of ADD responds well to an increase in exercise - usually aerobic exercise is recommended, because it gets more blood flow and oxygen to the brain, but Tae Kwon Do can help with focus and attention.  

Dr. Daniel Amen, the author of the book also talks about some dietary changes that can be made as well as some supplements - like omega-3 fatty acids. (These are the fats in fish oils).  Most people don't eat as much tuna and fish as they used to.  

You can find more suggestions than I could give you by getting the book or borrowing the book from the library.

I applaud you for being pro-active.  We want her to be successful and not be a frustrated learner.

Many Blessings to you, your daughter, your granddaughter and her teacher.  You make an excellent team for her.  Remember to encourage her as well as to praise her.

Christine

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

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Christine D. DeLoatch, MA CCC-SLP

Expertise

My expertise is both personal and professional. I am an adult with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, and I am an ASHA certified Speech-language pathologist. I worked in the school system, giving direct theraputic servies to children with both language difficulties and attention deficit disorder. (I am very familiar with the IEP process and the IDEA.)I have consulted on-line, in person and via the telephone with a number of parents of children with ADD.

Experience

My area of expertise lies in my holistic approach to ADD and other similar neurologically-based conditions including Non-verbal learning disorders. I am a researcher of medical treatments, studies regarding concrete documentation of the geographical differences in the "ADD" brain (PET scans, SPECT scans, etc.) herbal treatments, functional organizational strategies for children and adults (stuff that'll get you through the day; sensory techniques for relaxation and stress relief; and organizational tools - from the technological to the home-grown type. I am also a researcher of other conditions that are frequently co-existing with ADD. I have read extensively about women's issues and am an empathetic individal who would like to share strength, hope, experience and education.

Organizations
I hold a Certificate of Clinical Competency issued by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association.

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