Parenting, Family & Children

Contributed by Mia Tennenbaum

Beyond Ritalin

Tennenbaum Wellness Assessment

back to Articles

Beyond Ritalin By Mia Tennenbaum

The phone rings and caller ID tells you it’s your child’s school or camp calling. Your heart starts beating more quickly and you take a deep breath before you answer, wondering what it’s going to be this time.

They are calling to tell you that your child, this beautiful creation of yours, has once again wandered away from the group, this time on a field trip where teachers spent 30 minutes searching for him. Or she has impulsively hit another child. Or he is not staying seated in the classroom and can’t seem to focus. Or she is not making significant connections with other kids. You hear this, and that part of you that was hoping this call would be different begins to feel queasy. However, you are not surprised. This is not the first call, and most likely will not be the last.

If this scenario sounds familiar, chances are you are the parent of a child with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

And you are not alone. The statistics are staggering. According to statistics released this year by the National Mental Health Association, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is the most common psychiatric condition, affecting millions of children, an estimated 5 percent to 10 percent of all children nationwide. That estimate range is so wide because experts suspect that 50 percent of children with ADHD are never formally diagnosed.

Children with this diagnosis often demonstrate, among other things: inattentiveness, irritability, impulsivity, hyperactivity, social/emotional issues and defiance.

Causes of ADHD are thought to be predominantly genetic. However, environmental influences, such as nutrition, stress, poor parenting and excessive use of screens (television/computer/video games) are thought to potentially play a part. Although ADHD can vary in severity, it not only impacts the daily life of the child, but the rest of the family as well.

Popular treatment options include medications, such as stimulants like Ritalin, along with behavior modification plans. All too often when a child is diagnosed with ADHD the parents are given a prescription and sent on their way. Conventional medications absolutely have their place and are appropriate in various cases. However, there are many alternative treatments for ADHD that can be used in place of, or in conjunction with, these medications.

Because these alternative treatments are relatively new to the general public, many are not backed by the same scientific data found in prescription drug studies. But plenty of parents and children say they have seen marked improvements as a result of alternative treatment.

One North Suburban mother, Donna Craig of Wilmette, struggled for years to help her now 10-year-old son after formal testing confirmed he had ADHD. Although she was first advised to place her son on medication, Donna decided not to as she was already concerned with the amount of medications her son was on for his severe asthma. She did, however, agree to take her son for counseling. After four months of therapy with little improvement, the psychologist told her medication was the only other option.

There was simply no way I was going to put my son on more drugs, so I had to think outside the box and come up with alternatives for him. I decided to go the route of holistic medicine and found the Center for Holistic Medicine in Deerfield, Craig said. Through this approach, my sons ability to concentrate improved 95 percent. His sleep improved significantly and his asthma symptoms were relieved. And this all happened within a little over one months time. There was a time when I was afraid to leave my son alone. Now he is like a different child.

Below you will find alternative treatments to consider for your ADHD child. Some are mainstream alternative, while others are more obscure. You, your family and health care providers can determine which options seem most appropriate.

Nutrition
Given that our bodies are essentially organic machines, it makes sense that what we use for fuel will greatly impact the body’s operations. According to Marcia Zimmerman, C.N., in her book The ADD Nutrition Solution, people who suffer from ADHD, particularly children, have a tendency to be highly sensitive and require special dietary considerations. For example, our diets are often deficient in certain essential nutrients, such as omega-3, which impact many parts of our brain processes, including neurotransmitters (important in cellular communications), focus and much more. A study at Purdue University found that boys diagnosed with ADHD had lower levels of the omega-3 essential fatty acid dha (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 71). Other similar studies have demonstrated that children with ADHD have a tendency to have deficient levels of magnesium and zinc, as well.

Neuro-feedback
Neuro-feedback is a process through which the brain is trained to improve regulation of bodily functions. This technique can aid ADHD children by training their brains to better organize, encode, recall and apply information. The process is non-invasive, completely painless and does not produce side effects caused by medication. In a typical session, sensors are connected to the head to monitor brain-wave activity. The child sits in front of a monitor, much like a computer game, and is asked to make the game operate with his or her brain. Their thoughts literally make the game work. As the child plays, the sensors exchange information with the computer while targeting the specific area of improvement for example, decreasing hyperactivity or increasing impulse control. Gradually the brain responds to this new cueing and new brain-wave patterns are created. Ann Richman of the Discovery Clinic in Glenview, Ill., specializes in providing neuro-feedback services to children with ADHD and other conditions. She reports seeing significant improvement in many children. Of course, results will vary between individuals, she said. However, children can pay attention better at both school and home. Most significant is the increase in the [children’s] self-esteem as they are better able to manage behavior and emotional problems associated with their ADHD.

To learn more about neuro-feedack visit http://www.thediscoveryclinic.com or http://www.eegspectrum.com.

Pilates
It is well known that exercise is essential for well-balanced, healthy living. Pilates specifically requires the participant to integrate both the mind and the body through use of controlled movement and special breathing techniques. Lily Horowitz, a certified Pilates instructor in Highland Park, Ill., has done ground-breaking work in teaching Pilates to special-needs children. She has found that children with ADHD and other similar disorders have particularly weak trunk stability, or core.

Working to strengthen their bodies increases the children’s self-esteem, stamina, abdominal strength and sleep, Horowitz said. In addition, it provides them with the opportunity to focus while moving, which is in contrast to an educational classroom setting where the expectation is to stay seated. Horowitz and Dr. Sarita Freedman, a psychologist specializing in special-needs children, have conducted trial Pilates classes at the Cove School for special-needs children in Northbrook, Ill. Horowitz said she first realized Pilates can have a positive affect on children when she invited her special-needs son to participate in her classes. Not only did he enjoy himself, his self-esteem and strength improved.

As I observed the changes in him, it made me realize how valuable this could be for other children. If my own son seemed calmer after a class and slept better on those nights, then perhaps this would be something to make a difference for many children, Horowitz said. To learn more about Pilates for children, contact Lily Horowitz at ThePilatesBody@sbcglobal.net.

Reiki
Reiki is a form of healing-touch therapy, or energy work. The basic premise of this type of healing is that people are constantly operating on many levels in a dynamic, interconnected way that includes mental, emotional, physical and spiritual roots. By working with the body’s many energy levels, the body works to find a balance and harmony in its functioning. Although there are no studies that examine the specific impact of Reiki on a child with ADHD, there is a consensus among those who work with energy techniques such as Reiki that they can have a calming and relaxing effect on the body. A child suffering from ADHD might find some relief from these sessions, especially those dealing with sleep issues. One parent of an 8-year-old boy with ADHD became a Reiki practitioner in order to treat her son, who began requesting the treatments after experiencing them.

To learn more about Reiki, visit http://www.Reiki.org.

Holistic Medicine

By definition, holistic medicine, also called integrative medicine, focuses on any type of ailment or condition through a multi-dimensional approach. Jerry Gore, M.D., director of the Center for Holistic Medicine in Riverwoods /Deerfield, Ill., practices both general medicine and psychiatry. He said that he and his fellow doctor, Prabha Vaidya, M.D., have had great success in treating children who have ADHD. Their approach is an all-inclusive one that begins with a hair analysis, a special diagnostic tool that provides them with information on what types of toxicities are in the body. This is followed by a full nutritional evaluation, a stress analysis and an environmental examination dealing with any psychological factors influencing the home and family. In addition, the child is introduced to yoga, meditation and breathing techniques. Finally, homeopathy, the use of natural plants, minerals and tissues in diluted forms, is used to impact the energetic realm of the child.

What people do not realize about holistic medicine is that it is powerful and effective, Gore said. Parents like Donna Craig, who see drastic results in their child in just one month, appreciate first hand the marvels of this naturalistic medicine. To learn more, visit http://www.holistic-medicine.com.

Mia Tennenbaum is a parenting coach, Reiki practitioner, educator and freelance writer with a private practice in Northbrook, Ill. She can be reached at http://www.MiaSharon.com.

back to top

Tennenbaum Wellness Assessment By Mia Tennenbaum

While reflecting on your current life circumstance, please choose the appropriate number between one and four corresponding to the particular level of satisfaction.
 
1=completely agree   2=somewhat agree   3=disagree   4=completely disagree
 
1. I am happy with and feel fulfilled by the following relationships(giving and receiving Love):
a)   Parents                                                                   _____
b)   Spouse/significant other                                         _____
c)   Siblings                                                                  _____
d)   Friends                                                                   _____
e)   Children                                                                 _____
 
2. I tend to my physical well-being:
 
a)       Exercise                                                              _____
b)       Doctor visits                                                        _____
c)       Dental visits                                                         _____
d)       Eat nutritiously                                                    _____
e)       Dont smoke                                                         _____
f)         Dont use drugs                                                    _____
g)       Dont drink or drink in moderation                        _____
 
3.   I tend to my mental well-being:                                 _____
a)       Maintain a low stress level                                     _____
b)       Seek counseling during crisis                                 _____
c)       Receive support from family and friends                _____
 
4. I tend to my spiritual well-being:
a)       Participate in activities that I love                           _____
b)       Follow my intuition about choices                         _____
c)       Pray, meditate, commune with nature                     _____

5.   I love what I do professionally                                   _____
6.   I love what I do voluntarily                                        _____
7.   I feel financially secure                                                _____
8.  I feel there is pure, unadulterated fun in my life            _____
9.   I am satisfied with the level of education I have          _____
10.  I show respect to those around me                              _____
11.  I feel respected by those around me                             _____
12.  I feel useful and necessary                                           _____
13. I honor myself and the world around me by
      feeling gratitude at the deepest levels                            _____
 
                                                                              Total:_______
 
 
 
Copyright 2002 Mia Tennenbaum
All Rights Reserved
www.MiaSharon.com
 
 
 
Results:
 
A score of 27 to 54 indicates a high level of wellness in your life.
Most times you are conscious of what it takes to keep our mind and your body running smoothly.  Continue with your strengths and then take a closer look at any specific areas that you are not as strong in.  You have a solid foundation to work from as you move forward with any changes you wish to make in your like.  If it would help, check back with this assessment periodically to be sure you are maintaining your high level or wellness.
 
 
      A score of 55 to 81 indicates an average level of wellness in you life.
Your score indicates that at times you try to take good care of yourself, but that there are possible other barriers keeping you from reaching a high level of wellness in your life.  It is recommended that you take a close look at those areas that seem to fail you the most and begin to work at improving those areas one step at a time.  Once you have a greater sense of wellness, you will find it easier to hanldle some of the more challenging areas in your life.  If needed, check back with this assessment periodically to see if you have increased your level of overall wellness.      
 
 
A score of 82 to 108 indicates a low level of wellness in your life.
      Having a strong sense of wellness is key to the living of a healthy, balanced lifestyle.  Given that your score places you at the lower level of this assessment, it is recommended that you take the time to reorganize and prioritize in your life.  It is time to make time for you.  You may be able to do this on your own,  however do not be opposed to recruiting the help of professionals who have the knowledge to share with you in order to make the necessary changes in your life for complete wellness.   You are encouraged to use this wellness assessment as an additional tool as you begin to build new strengths on your road to a higher level of wellness
 
 
Copyright 2002 Mia Tennenbaum
All Rights Reserved
www.MiaSharon.com
 

back to top