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ADD & ADHD

Exercise is a strategy parents can use to treat their child’s ADD & ADHD. Exercise can often help a child control her impulsiveness, hyperactivity, and inattentiveness. Combined with at-home strategies, exercise is helpful at managing the symptoms of ADD & ADHD.

Pediatric Therapy for ADD & ADHD

Many doctors recommend behavior therapy as a form of treatment for young children diagnosed with ADD & ADHD. The physical therapists, occupational therapists, and integrated movement specialists here at Fitness for Health integrate aspects of behavioral therapy in their approach to working with children, such as suggesting alternate behaviors to use in different situations. Through our programs, an ADHD child can discover a healthy way to cope when the urge strikes to act out in a violent or disruptive way.

Our programs are also useful for children who are struggling socially. ADD & ADHD children may have difficulty interacting with their peers and have the inability to make lasting friendships. Your integrated care team may meet one on one with the child or set up a peer group with a small number of kids diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. Peer groups allow children to interact under the supervision of a staff member who can provide feedback on conflict resolution and practicing good social skills.

Top 3 Tips for Parents

ADD & ADHD treatment must continue at home to make a positive impact on a child’s overall behavior. Keep in mind the following three tips when parenting a child with ADD or ADHD:

  • Good Nutrition – Medical studies have proven the effectiveness of a well-balanced diet for ADHD children. Children should eat a diet rich in protein, fruits, and vegetables. Whole foods are best for children with ADHD with a reduction in foods high in sugar. Specialists have also suggested to their ADHD clients to eliminate certain substances completely from their diets. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, ADHD children should not consume foods with yellow or red dye, aspartame, sodium benzoate, MSG, and nitrites.  
  • Better Sleep Habits – Getting enough sleep each night will help your child stay focused during the day. Bedtimes need to be consistent with a wind-down period beforehand. A relaxing bath and story before bed may be a good ritual to start. Avoid screen time before bed since this may make it difficult for the child to get sleepy.
  • Daily Routines – Set up predictable rituals at home to help your child know what to expect. Hang up a schedule for your child to view, allowing her to see what time she is waking up each morning, doing homework, bathing, mealtimes, and going to bed. Keep afterschool activities to a minimum to avoid overwhelming the child.

Parents, therapists, doctors, and teachers can all band together to supply the child with the tools he or she needs to manage their symptoms. In the end, they will feel more self-control and confidence as they learn to succeed without complete reliance on medication. 

For more information on our program here at Fitness for Health, contact our office today.