I have a grandson now 22 and a 14 year old son, and both are no longer on medication and doing well.

I am a naturologist. I suggest reading the following book. I followed these guidelines in lifestyle change with others (I never use the word diet) and have seen immediate results.

I also use guided imagery. the following website is where you can purchase these items.

I do hope you find this helpful.


The Book:
Stop Medicating ADHD, ADD and ODD Treat Hyperactivity Naturally!
DR. Bob's No More Ritalin!
Guide to Stop ADHD in 18 Days.
By Dr. Robert DeMaria - Drugless Healthcare Solutions.

Guided Imagery: CD's and more can be purchased thru HealthJourneys.com - Bellaruth Naperstak is the author I use -

My son is 8 years old, just diagnosed with ADHD, after 2 years of constant stuggle with his behavior and academic difficulties. I tried to fight for no medication, having seen a friends son deal with the side effects of Ritalin. (sp?)
His doctor put him on a lower dosage Focalin for it though, and I have to admit it really seems to help him. He doesn't act fogged or zombie-ish, he still has all the same personality and spunk, but he's able to focus, his in-school behavior is 100% improved, his grades are rising, and he seems geniunely happier.

I'm not, and never will be, an advocate of the "throw pills at it" method of treatment for anything, but in this case, if tis working, and he's happy and confident, then I can't argue with the effectiveness.

My best suggestion in an ADHD situation would have to be to investigate ALL avenues of treatment, and follow the one best suited TO THE CHILD. Put your personal preference and prejudices aside and try to find out what helps the child the most, NOT what makes YOU feel better.

Well said. I as a parent applaud those that don't have to use medication but for those of us who have had to make that hard decision, it doesn't help when we are made to feel that we took the quick fix. For myself, it was a long road of investigation and tryin other things first. Then once the decision to use medication, it took a couple years to get the right medication and dosage for my son.
For the first 3 years of his school life I was getting called by the school on an almost daily basis. Finally after 3 years I haven't recieved one phone call from the school regarding his behavior. This time last year he had been suspended from school. He hasn't so much as been put in ISS. Through the entire 3 years his grades never went below a B. I believe that finally getting his medication right and also putting him in a classroom with his fellow gifted children has done wonders for him. He's now challenged and never bored. Which for many ADHD children gets them in trouble. If they can focus and they are challenged it's a beautiful thing to see.
We as parents of ADHD children need to support one another no matter the decision to medicate or try other methods. Remember what works for one child doesn't work for all. We have enough stress and challenges in our lives that we don't need to get more from each other.

Thanks Redd. I didn't feel right about putting my son on meds when we first made the decision, but now, seeing him doing well in school, getting along with his classmates and teachers, and seeing how much happier he is, I feel worse that this result may have been delayed because of my personal prejudice against medication as a treatment.

Now, how about I bring over some rice and Anduile (sp??) and we put together some dinner.. (Meant literally, not a euphemism.. I LOVE me some good redbeans, rice and sausage!!!)

We as parents have enough reasons to feel guilty, we don't need others layin on the guilt for choosin to put our children on medication. I agree that ADHD is overly diagnosed. I agree that many doctors want to just throw meds at it. However we as parents should go for 2nd opinions, try other methods and investigate not only medications but other alternatives. Then make the decision that is right for our child. We shouldn't feel guilt or shame when we find out our child has a mental illness. We shouldn't feel guilt or shame for choosin to put our child on medication. Does the parent of a child with diabetes feel guilty or shame for givin their child insulin? Granted ADHD isn't a life threatening illness but it is an illness just the same.

Ekho, it's been forever since I've had red beans and rice! Makin me wanna go fix up a pot!

Maybe i dont have any right being in this thread, as i dont have a child with ADHD....BUT, i do work with young adults who have it, and i also last yr completed my PDA, (Professional Development Award in Support for Learning)which involves learning about additional support needs of students, and trying to find methods of learning that work for them.

ADHD is a very real condition, and is not just a behavioral phase, it is always there, and with much hard work from all ppl involved with the child, and from the child themselves, they can find ways to develop and grow and lead a very full and happy life.

The PROBLEM with ADHD is SOCIETY, many choose not to recognise it as a real condition, and thats wat hinders the progress of these kids more than anything. As for those who have said these kids need a firm hand or a smack cos it worked in the past, rubbish....did u know that many ppl who have underachieved, got into a negative lifestyle, and ended up spending most of their lives having periods in jail, have arrived there cos they had undiagnosed ADHD and had no support as children cos they were seen as being naughty, and punished, rather than being understood, and supported in their education.

Its very important to acknowledge when a child has difficulties, instead of punishing them and making them feel even more isolated than they probably already do.

I also just wanted to re-iterate RANGE........ADHD can vary from very mild to severe, also, each child is different, so there r no set methods that work for all, its a customised plan between the child (dependent on their age) and their parents, and other professionals involved with the child.

Thanks Pink! You have every right, and more, to post here IMHO. You have insight into parts of this condition that even parents don't usually get, because you work with it and see its effects in multiple people, probably from every walk of life. Thank you so much for adding a view that many of us wouldn't get other wise.

Just to clarify, I', not advocating drug treatment in every case, but if other methods have been tried and aren't helping significantly enough, then medication, preferably with appropriate lifestyle/diet changes, shouldn't be ruled out. As I said earlier, regardless of the parent or guardians ~personal~ preferences, the best path of treatment ~FOR THE CHILD~, overall, should be whats pursued.

I know, someday, when positions are reversed, and I have to depend on him to make decisions regarding the best interests in my health and well being, I hope he'll lay aside any dislike for a particular path of treatment and do what ever is in my best for me at the time.

being someone who has ADHD you sound like a very good mother... my parents did not help and it was hard i was NEVER on meds because my mom was not for them.. but then they would get mad at me wheni was having a bad day... never taking meds for it i came across POT and i dont know what i would do with out it i know it sounds bad but it has help me control myself and think A HELL of alot slower. i dont abuse it though, because i know i NEED it

I am so sick and tired of being told that my child just needs a good spanking. I know she has ADHD and i knew it before she was diagnosed. The doctor prescribed meds but her father is fighting me about it. so now we are in a custody battle and it looks like it is going to go my way. Once i become custodial parent i can start her on meds. Not sure if one medicine is better than the others or if it is a trial and error kind of thing. her school is the worst at complaining about it and she gets written up all the time. I just tell them that if they can't even spell her name right on the write-up then the problem is with them not my daughter. if no one is going to bother to learn the correct spelling of her name then they really should switch careers and get off of her and me because they obviously can't deal with ADHD or children in general for that matter.

I was anti medicine also and in denial about my son's behavior for years but once I got the ADHD diagnosis from my doctor and confirmed it with a neuropsyche exam,my son is much happier on meds..My son has ADHD with oppositional disorder and a non verbal learning disability.After trying many meds,my son is now on a combination of non stimulants and along with an IEP at school,is doing great this year.My son is also in counseling.He is 8.spunky and brilliant but now he isn't being punished for behavior he can't control.

Have you shown them the ADHD Diagnosis and discussed her fathers refusal for treatment? If they're aware of that, and still treating her as a troubled child, then you may want to look into filing a complaint with the school board or state board of education.
With my son, his teacher was the one that suggested we have him tested for ADD/ADHD, and the school offered to refer us to child counselors and area pediatricians that specialized in diagnosis and treatment of ADHD and other medical and emotional behavioral issues.

Pounded on the head twice!!

My daughter is 25 and still needs to take medication. Some outgrow this closer to adulthood but some do not. I could write a book if anyone has any specific questions.

I can say from experience you may have to do a trial and error on the meds but with patience and the right doctor u'll get it right.
As for the school stick to ur guns. I fought my son's school for years. Your daughter has rights don't let them trample them. A good organization to get some help from would be NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) every state has a chapter. They can help u locate a legal advocate for her if it became necessary where the school is concerned. Best of luck!

am i wrong for using POT to help with my problem???? im entering adulthood and im still affected... i smoke weed three times a day ON THE DOT.. (the good ****) it really helps, and i get through med school with it.

Why do you think that it helps to eliminate sugar from their diet? Sugar doesn't make kids hyper. Caffeine might though.

Reducing sugar and most processed/refined foods is healthy and beneficial in regulating blood sugar. Sugar for some kids is a little bit like crack, lol. There was a noticable difference in my kids when we reduced processed sugar and bread. I try to get whole grain bread and save sweets for treats once in a while.

good man