Kendall Posted February 15, 2008 Share Posted February 15, 2008 What are your top recommendations for books to read about ADD? Is there a way to deal with ADD without meds? Where do I start to determine if ADD is what my child has? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie Posted February 15, 2008 Share Posted February 15, 2008 Dr. Sears' website (http://www.askdrsears.com) has a search box on the homepage. If you enter "ADD" you'll get a lot of information about diagnosis, management, nutrition, etc. (And just to let you know , there is drug information included as well.) I read The ADD Book by Dr. Sears (and a co-author??) a number of years ago. I thought it had a lot of practical info. in it. Then I loaned it to someone and never got it back, so maybe she found it helpful as well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iris Posted February 15, 2008 Share Posted February 15, 2008 I've just finished reading Healing the New Childhood Epidemics (Autism, ADHD, Asthma and Allergies), by Kenneth Bock, MD. (was able to get it from our library.) In it, he describes taking a biomedical approach and uncovering the roots of these 'epidemics'. We've had several recommendations from drs./psychologists for putting our son on stimulants, but with no suggested testing of what is going on in his GI tract, presence of heavy metals and other toxins, neurotransmitter levels, etc. that could be contributing to his attention challenges. You haven't stated any other issues, but for example, being on antibiotics during the first year of life has a big effect on these populations. We have recently collected blood, urine and other samples to start the biomedical approach with a DAN! (Defeat Autism Now!) doctor. I'm certainly not suggesting that your child is on the autism spectrum, but wanted to state the group of medical practitioners who use this biomedical, integrative approach. This website offers a list of these practitioners. http://www.healing-arts.org/children/amyholmes.htm There is a (natural) substance, DMAE, that is used for attention, but I personally would probably do it with the help of someone like a naturopath. I believe there are many other 'natural' substances, as well. HTH.....Iris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Claire Posted February 15, 2008 Share Posted February 15, 2008 The Amen Clinic website has a lot of good information about different types of ADD/ADHD and supplements. Some types of ADD/ADHD do seem to benefit from medication, but not all. I think that's why fish oil helps some people but not others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elizam Posted February 16, 2008 Share Posted February 16, 2008 I really learned a lot from the book, Delivered From Distraction by Ned Hallowell. I used to think that ADD was bunk and that meds were never the answer, but having been thru what I have with our 14yods, I no longer feel that way. I also recommend this website: http://www.additudemag.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted February 16, 2008 Share Posted February 16, 2008 Seriously, two eggs on school mornings make a total difference for my son. They make as much difference as when he was on Ritalin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ELaurie Posted February 16, 2008 Share Posted February 16, 2008 I like the book Transforming the Difficult Child as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathy in MD Posted February 17, 2008 Share Posted February 17, 2008 Where do I start to determine if ADD is what my child has? Thanks I look on a developmental pediatrician as a generalist of specialists. A good dev. ped. will be familiar with all the various problems that display the exact same symptoms as ADHD and ADD. Most of these problems call for therapy, not drugs. Other people have seen neuro-psychs for initial diagnosises. Do look for a formal diagnosis. I was positive my ds had ADHD, only to discover he suffered from several of the problems that show the same symptoms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happymainemom Posted February 17, 2008 Share Posted February 17, 2008 Delivered From Distraction is the best book I have read on ADD. I would highly recommend it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 Seriously, two eggs on school mornings make a total difference for my son. They make as much difference as when he was on Ritalin. I agree, my middle daughter *must* have protein and *not* carbs in the morning. It is essential. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kendall Posted February 18, 2008 Author Share Posted February 18, 2008 Thanks everyone, for all of the responses. A question about protein. Is this eggs only with NO toast, bread anything? I'm sure he eats at least 4-5 eggs when we have eggs but with toast/biscuits also. I haven't noticed a difference over the days we have pancakes, but I do know some days are better than others and i'm going to start journaling so that I can figure out if there are things that make it worse/better Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 The issue is the protein and a substance in eggs called choline (I believe that's the spelling.) Choline supplements can help kids with ADHD, but the amount needed is about the same as in two eggs. Unless your child has sensitivities to the wheat, etc., eating other foods won't "dilute" the protein or anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Hood Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 Better Late Than Early helped me a lot. I still worry and push when I think I should wait, but as my dd approaches 10, I am noticing it is becoming easier for her. Here is a little blurb on it: http://www.excellenceineducation.com/better_late_than_early.php Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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