Attention Deficit Disorder Treatment Options

Where to Find Me

2008-11-16T09:15:00.000-08:00

Please visit my new blog at www.findwellnesswithin.com

Essential Oils for ADHD

2008-11-13T09:54:00.000-08:00

I want to refer to an article on Essential Oils and ADHD. I can speak from experience, a few years ago on the advice of my mentor, I used Vetiver oil with Healing Touch at bedtime with my son and he slept trough the night for the first time in years. The author of this article is the founder of The Institute for Spiritual Healing and Aromatherapy where I am working on my aromatherapy certification. I hope you find it helpful!
http://ezinearticles.com/?id=1645006

Food Allergies

2008-10-22T09:18:00.000-07:00

I heard on the Today show this morning that the CDC has noted that food allergies are up in children. Findings show that 1 in every 26 kids have them, which is up 10% in the past 10 years. I feel anyone dealing with ADD/ADHD symptoms need to be tested for food allergies. Another article to the same topic posted on Comcast News today says that babies are taking longer than previously thought to "grow out" of food allergies to eggs and milk. I was told my son "outgrew" his milk allergy when he stopped breaking out in hives, but what I saw was a change in the symptoms from hives to ADHD behaviors and vomitting when he has milk and foods containing milk. I'm not so sure I believe we outgrow these allergies. It is very interesting for me to see these studies come out, it is like the Universe's little way of saying-"Dawn, you're onto something here."
Thank You for the insight to be aware of it!

Time-Out Rooms in our Schools

2008-10-17T04:56:00.000-07:00

Today I'm going to get off subject just a bit. I want to find out if my school uses a time-out room. How would the authorities feel if I locked my child in a closet under the stairs for 3 hours? They probably would remove them and say I was an unfit mother. It is our jobs as parents to be informed and advocate for our kids.

http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-general/20081017/Time.out.Rooms/?cvqh=itn_timeout

Can it really be THAT Simple?!

2008-10-16T12:40:00.000-07:00

OK, this is so simple but can be so profound. I was at the lab today awaiting my blood work and picked up a book on Water. Yes, I said WATER. How many of us drink the recommended amount of water every day? I know I don't. And I can tell you, my kids definately do not. But I am going to work on that, because every page of the book made sense. Our bodies are mostly made up of water and without the adequate amount we can feel foggy, sluggish, tired and distracted. They talk about Chronic Unintentional Dehydration and how it mimics other ailments. So how about treating ADHD with water not Ritalin? Or at least trying it first or in conjunction with other treatments. What can it hurt? Here's a few links to more reading on this subject.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0675/is_4_20/ai_90924144

http://www.watercure.com/index.html

Halloween Treats

2008-10-07T05:34:00.000-07:00

I know I write alot about diet, but I am coming to believe beyond any shadow of a doubt that it is #1 in any treatment plan. That being said, I think it is the hardest hurdle to overcome past habits and convenience and create a new lifestyle. Then I come across stories like these. It was so inspiring and motivating for me so I wanted to share. I definately will be ordering some Halloween treats that I will trade to my kids for the candy they receive when trick-or-treating. I hope that you find it useful.
http://home.squirrels-nest.com/history.htm

Iron Supplements for treatment of ADHD

2008-10-05T09:15:00.000-07:00

I've come across another interesting study that showed that high dose iron supplementation may help some symptoms of adhd in children. I feel this backs my thoughts that there is not one quick fix for treatment of ADHD that we need to look at the root cause. I do not think that supplementation of iron will help every one but that it could help some one. I definately will discuss this my children's doctor. I would not recommend supplementing on your own as the study suggested higher than normal dosage was needed and this needs to be under supervision of an experienced health care professional. But it is worth investigating more.

I'm back. . .

2008-10-04T05:55:00.000-07:00

Hello again! I have been MIA for awhile. Let me give you the quick update. I woke up one day and realized my time in NJ was coming to an end. I told my husband I was ready to move on. To make a long story short, we're in Georgia now. I have found out why...With the move and all I was worn down. I had decided to try and do school at home. I made an appointment with the local MD regarding my son's "symptoms". Needless to say, once you know something you cannot unknow it, so everything he was telling me I wanted to scream "NO THAT'S NOT TRUE!!!" But, that ordeal led me to this place. I am so excited. This is exactly what I have been saying for a long time. Now on Thursday we have an appointment and I will keep you updated! Check it out for yourself, if you live in the area GREAT. If you don't check your local area. Also,sometimes it takes a little more than the first google page that pops up.
http://www.spherios.com/

Researchers find that additives increase hyperactive behavior in children

2008-02-12T03:32:00.000-08:00

American Academy of Pediatrics
ADHD and Food Additives Revisited

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The American Academy of Pediatrics -- the organization that sets practice parameters for pediatricians to follow -- has finally acknowledged that dietary intervention is a valid treatment for children with ADHD in the February 2008 issue of its publication, AAP Grand Rounds [full report attached]. We encourage parents to print this page and share it with their pediatricians, in case they have not seen the AAP's article.
After reviewing the British study published in the September 2007 Lancet, in which researchers found that food colorings and/or sodium benzoate increase hyperactive behavior in children, the AAP concludes with an Editors' Note and a commentary by Alison Schonwald, MD, FAAP, of the Developmental Medicine Center at Children’s Hospital in Boston. Dr. Schonwald writes:

Despite increasing data supporting the efficacy of stimulants in preschoolers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) parents and providers understandably seek safe and effective interventions that require no prescription. A recent meta-analysis of 15 trials concludes that there is "accumulating evidence that neurobehavioral toxicity may characterize a variety of widely distributed chemicals." [Schab DW, et al. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2004;25:423–434] Some children may be more sensitive to the effects of these chemicals, and the authors suggest there is a need to better identify responders. In real life, practitioners faced with hyperactive preschoolers have a reasonable option to offer parents. For the child without a medical, emotional, or environmental etiology of ADHD behaviors, a trial of a preservative-free, food coloring–free diet is a reasonable intervention. (emphasis added)

And the Editors' Note which follows states:
Although quite complicated, this was a carefully conducted study in which the investigators went to great lengths to eliminate bias and to rigorously measure outcomes. The results are hard to follow and somewhat inconsistent. For many of the assessments there were small but statistically significant differences of measured behaviors in children who consumed the food additives compared with those who did not. In each case increased hyperactive behaviors were associated with consuming the additives. For those comparisons in which no statistically significant differences were found, there was a trend for more hyperactive behaviors associated with the food additive drink in virtually every assessment. Thus, the overall findings of the study are clear and require that even we skeptics, who have long doubted parental claims of the effects of various foods on the behavior of their children, admit we might have been wrong. (emphasis added)

Some Positives of a Label

2007-09-11T04:11:00.000-07:00

I was reading an article online
about AD/HD this morning and found
a little survey that was done to
about 50 adults with ADHD...

They were asked: "What is the
ADHD trait you like the most?"

Their answers are interesting,

1. Endless Energy

2. Hyperfocus

3. Energy and hyperfocus combined

4. Great Imagination

5. Creativity

6. Humor

7. Ahead of "establishment" thinking

8. Creative thinking, problem solving

9. Spontaneity

10. Great passion for interests

Why would we want to wipe out these "symptoms" to fit the system better?

Why I Research Alternative Treatments For My Kids

2007-09-09T12:53:00.000-07:00

The lead article in the August 2007 issue of "Worst Pills / Best
Pills News," which is published by Public Citizen, describes the
warnings that pharmacists will be required to distribute with each
new and refill prescription for all ADHD drugs sold in the
U.S. Basically, the warnings are of two types: Heart-related and
psychiatric. Before starting on any of these drugs, children should
be checked for heart problems, and they should continue to have their
blood pressure and heart rate checked regularly while taking them,
according to the new rulings.

Heart-related warnings include:

- Sudden death in patients with heart defects
- Stroke or heart attack in adults (the age at which a child is
considered an "adult" is not specified)
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate

Psychiatric warnings include:

- New or worse behavior and thought problems
- New or worse bipolar illness
- New or worse aggressive behavior or hostility
- New psychotic symptoms such as hearing voices, believing things
that are not true, or becoming suspicious
- New manic symptoms

You are urged to tell your doctor about any mental problems you or
your child have, or about a family history of suicide, bipolar
illness, or depression. You are also warned to call your doctor
right away if you or your child (presumably whichever one of you is
actually taking the medication) have any new or worsening mental
symptoms or problems while taking the medication, especially seeing
or believing things that are not real.

Patients are also warned to seek medical attention as soon as
possible if they experience any signs of heart problems such as chest
pain, shortness of breath, or fainting.

This warning will apply to all ADHD drugs except Strattera
(atomoxetine) which has additional warnings about suicidal thoughts
which can be caused by the medication.

-This article was taken from the Feingold Association Newsletter. You can learn more about the Feingold Association at www.feingold.org.

Major Study Ties Food Additives to Hyperactivity

2007-09-08T18:17:00.000-07:00

I received the following information today from the Feingold Association.
FINALLY!!!!

Dr. Jim Stevenson and his team of researchers at Southampton
University have just completed and published their much-anticipated
research on normal children in England given drinks with a mix of
coloring plus preservatives.

The study was published online in The Lancet on September 6, 2007,
and is called:

Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and
8/9-year-old children in the community: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial

STUDY CONCLUSION:
===================
ARTIFICIAL COLORS OR A SODIUM BENZOATE PRESERVATIVE (or both) IN THE
DIET RESULT IN INCREASED HYPERACTIVITY IN 3-YEAR-OLD AND 8/9-YEAR-OLD
CHILDREN IN THE GENERAL POPULATION.
================================================================================

We are happy that the study is getting so much press attention -- it
is certainly time to stop ignoring good research showing the link
between additives and behavior. I have provided links to articles
in online magazines and newspapers near the bottom of this
email. However, if you are like me, you also want to know what the
study itself says, so here it is, in a (somewhat long) nutshell:

153 3-year-old and 144 8/9-year-old children were included in the study.

Artificial coloring and the preservative to be tested were removed
from their diet during the time of the study.

The challenge drink contained a preservative and artificial colors in
a fruit juice mix. The placebo drink was just a fruit juice mix that
looked and tasted the same.

The researchers delivered the juice mixes to the family each week,
and neither the children, the parents, or the researchers knew which
was which at that time, making it a double-blind-placebo-control study.

Salicylates were not considered and were obviously included in the
juice mix since two children could not be included in the study
because of an allergy to blackberry juice.

The main outcome measure was called a global hyperactivity aggregate
(GHA), and it was based on recorded behaviors and ratings of the
children by teachers and parents, plus a computer test of attention
for the older group.

There were two kinds of challenge drinks: MIX A and MIX B

MIX A contained the following food dyes:

Sunset Yellow -- FD&C Yellow #6
Carmoisine -- a red dye not allowed in the US
Tartrazine -- FD&C Yellow #5
Ponceau 4R -- FD&C Red #4, not allowed in US

MIX A given to the 3-year-olds contained 20 mg of the
mixed artificial colors.
MIX A given to the 8/9 year-olds contained 24.98 mg of
mixed artificial colors.

MIX B contained the following food dyes:

Sunset Yellow -- FD&C Yellow #6
Carmoisine -- a red food dye not allowed in US
Quinoline Yellow -- a yellow food dye not allowed in US
Allura Red -- FD&C Red #40

MIX B given to the 3-year-olds contained 30 mg of mixed colors.
MIX B given to the 8/9 year-olds contained 62.4 mg of mixed colors.

Both mixes contained 45 mg of sodium benzoate as the preservative to be tested.

20, 30, even 62 mg of food dye may be - as they say - the amount of
dye in a few sweets, but remember that children also consume food dye
in their toothpaste, their shampoo (through the scalp), their hand
lotion (through their skin), their cereal, their juice drinks, their
mac 'n cheese, etc. In fact, in 1977 the National Academy of
Sciences did a huge study on 12,000 people and determined that most
people in the United States eat up to an average of 317 mg of food
dyes per day. The amount children in the UK consume is likely to be
close to that.

As far as we know, the reason that they did not use BHA, BHT, or
TBHQ, is that these preservatives have already been removed from most
food for children in the UK. Possibly, therefore, the children
consume much more sodium benzoate than American children. Although
this preservative is not eliminated on the Feingold Program, products
containing it are marked in the Foodlist so that people beginning the
diet may avoid it, and so that people who are sensitive to it may
continue to avoid it.

Most children who completed the study drank more than 2/3 of the drinks.

64% of the younger children reported 2 or fewer infractions per week.
66% of the older children reported 2 or fewer infractions per week
Very few children had more than 4 infractions per week.

In recruiting the children, the researchers were careful to find
children from all socioeconomic backgrounds, and to make sure that
they were a random sample including some hyperactive children and
some non-hyperactive children, as is found in the general
population. The researchers also used additional controls to avoid
placebo effects.

Parents completed a daily diary of juice consumption and compliance,
and any bottles of juice not consumed were returned and contents
measured to validate parent reports.

Parents rated the children's behavior each week for the seven weeks
of the study, and the children were also observed by psychology
graduate students given special training. The children were observed
3 times a week for 8 minutes each.

The Conners continuous performance test was used for the older
children. It is a computerized test of attention.

RESULTS:

For the younger children, both MIX A and MIX B both had a significant
effect, but the calculation of MIX B versus placebo was not
significant for them because their response to it varied very widely.

For the older children, MIX A did not have a significant effect (not
surprising - look at the small dose of coloring) but MIX B did.

The researchers concluded that artificial colors or a sodium benzoate
preservative (or both) in the diet result in increased hyperactivity
in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the general population.

Before starting this study, the researchers also took DNA samples of
the children, intending to find out whether certain genes make the
children more likely to respond to the additives. The results of the
genetic analysis will be published in the future.

There has been quite a lot of press coverage about the study, and you
can see a number of articles that have been sent me just today at the
links below. Some of these newspapers will be transferring their
articles into archives, so these links may not be permanent, but
surely at least some of them will work for a week or so.

Major Study Indicates a Link Between Hyperactivity in Children and
Certain Food Additives
(This is a press release from the University of Southampton where the
study was done.)
http://www.soton.ac.uk/mediacentre/news/2007/sep/07_99.shtml

Study ties hyperactivity in kids to food additives
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20612862/

Food alert as every additive comes under new suspicion
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/health/article2395623.ece

Children who eat junk food 'worst behaved'
http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/children-who-eat-junk-food-worst-behaved/2007/0
9/05/1188783287866.html

Imagine-Did You Know That Food Additives Cause Hyperactivity?
http://jingjiad.com/reenazaia/2007/09/05/imagine-did-you-know-that-food-additive
s-cause-hyperactivity/

After 30 years of debate, fears over children's food confirmed
http://lifeandhealth.guardian.co.uk/food/story/0,,2163218,00.html

Danger to children from food and drink additives is exposed
http://lifeandhealth.guardian.co.uk/food/story/0,,2163224,00.html

Food Colorings and Hyperactivity
http://www.myomancy.com/2007/09/food-colorings-and-hyperactivity

TAG is banned in schools

2007-08-30T02:42:00.000-07:00

This may not be exclusively related to Attention Deficit issues, but the following article just touched something in me. In a society where we have an epidemic of childhood obesity and attention problems (fidgeting in class, cannot sit still, cannot concentrate) we are now telling kids they cannot run and play "tag" during the 20-30 minute break they get to run off some extra energy?! This makes as much sense as giving a child with ADD issues a detention and taking away their recess and "down" time. If we would give these children more running time or even more stretching breaks they may not have the problem behavior. Taking away the recess time probably makes the problem worse. I am blending two issues here. But I just wanted to share my frustration at "the system" and see what others out there think.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - An elementary school has banned tag on its playground after some children complained they were harassed or chased against their will.

"It causes a lot of conflict on the playground," said Cindy Fesgen, assistant principal of the Discovery Canyon Campus school.

Running games are still allowed as long as students don't chase each other, she said.

Fesgen said two parents complained to her about the ban but most parents and children didn't object.

In 2005, two elementary schools in the nearby Falcon School District did away with tag and similar games in favor of alternatives with less physical contact. School officials said the move encouraged more students to play games and helped reduce playground squabbles.
Information from: The Gazette, http://www.gazette.com/

Thanks Giving

2006-11-22T06:31:00.000-08:00

I just want to give Thanks to the things that A.D.D./A.D.H.D. have brought into my life.
**My two children who are beautiful, caring, creative, passionate individuals that teach me new lessons each day such as thinking outside the box, taking the road less traveled and sometimes abandoning the road and forging your own path
**The courage to stand up for what I believe in, even when I stand alone
**The strength to do what I know is right and not give in to a quick fix
**The on-going lessons in patience I am getting from dealing with my family and school systems
**The lessons in improving communication skills and making sure I speak my truth and it is being heard
**All the people who encourage and support me especially my mentors Marilee Tolen and John Maeder who support and guide me along the way by sharing their information and knowing
**Divine guidance for allowing me to see all of this and "the big picture"

They say that Attitude is everything. I am now chosing the Attitude of Gratitude and will view this "diagnosis" as a blessing not a curse. For it is in our hardest lessons we find our purpose.
Thank You and Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!

Enjoying Summer

2006-08-16T06:02:00.000-07:00

Wow! Time has really gotten away from me. We have just been having so much fun enjoying the laid back days of summer. But school is just right around the corner so now is the time to begin preparing. I'm not talking supplies and clothes. I mean our schedules. During the summer we do not keep a strict routine in our home, though some do and feel it is required for part of their symptom control/treatment plan. We tend to stay up later and sleep later in the summer, so it's time to get to bed earlier and up & at 'em earlier too. I also want to really pay attention to what we are eating. I know that a few weeks of preparation ahead of time will really pay off come the first few days of school. So enjoy the sun and fun & get ready to enjoy the new school year!

Great Breakfast Drink

2006-08-02T17:26:00.000-07:00

This house is crazy in the morning and we all know that breakfast is very important for us all but especially before a day at school. I also read that increasing protein is good for those with A.D.D./A.D.H.D. so here's what I came up with:

3 oz coconut milk
(be very careful-lots of these have artificial ingredients)
3 oz. water
ice cubes
1-2 scoops Jay Robb's Whey Protein Powder-Vanilla
(best I've found as far as pure ingredients and no grit and tastes great)
1 tsp. Flax Oil

Blend and enjoy. We've come up with 2 other alternatives

Creamsicle Shake-
- Add 3 drops Young Living Orange Essential Oil to the above

NingXia Red Infusion
- Add 3 oz. NingXia Red juice to the above
WOW! This one is my favorite! (My kids like the plain or the Orange Creamsicle Shake)

Remember to know your source for essential oils. Never ingest anything other than Therapeutic Grade oils that are labeled as safe for ingestion. I only use Young Living Essential Oils. For more info on the Young Living products and to learn more about NingXia Red visit my website http://dawnperalta.younglivingworld.com/

Inspiring Article: "From Klutky Kid to Childhood Expert"

2006-08-01T06:06:00.000-07:00

By Molly Walsh
Free Press Staff Writer
This Article was found at The Burlington Free Press http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060801/NEWS01/608010314/1009/NEWS05

August 1, 2006
The young Mel Levine was often the last to be picked for teams and the first to try and wriggle out of gym class. It was so bad in middle school that he spent gym period in the nurse's office with cramps -- real ones -- caused by his dread of being the klutzy kid who always fumbled the ball.

Levine is now a best-selling author, pediatrician and graduate of Harvard Medical School. It's safe to assume that the expert on children's learning problems -- who will speak at the University of Vermont on Wednesday -- has recovered from the humiliations of seventh-grade physical education class.

Levine nonetheless describes the sting of his athletic failures in his book, "A Mind at a Time," to underscore a central theme: Most children are not good at everything, and yet schools, parents and society often expect them to be.

The result is that children who are not well-rounded sometimes feel inadequate when they can, in fact, grow up to be successful, Levine said in a telephone interview.

"At the very least, kids with specialized minds deserve toleration and support. And what we find, is, very often their strengths are being neglected while everybody tries to plug up holes or leaks in their minds. And that's a shame because when they grow up they are going to make a living on their strengths."
Problem with labels

Levine lives on a farm in North Carolina and is a professor of pediatrics at the University of North Carolina Medical School. He has spent three decades helping children overcome learning problems and is co-founder of the nonprofit institute All Kinds of Minds. It develops programs to help teachers, parents and students pinpoint and deal with learning problems.

The doctor dislikes labels such as Attention Deficit Disorder and Asperger's Syndrome because he believes they are simplistic and stigmatizing for children.

"I think the labels can be a self-fulfilling prophecy -- if you decide you are pathological, you can become increasingly pathological," Levine said.

His stance against labels sometimes riles other doctors.

"I'm very controversial," Levine said, "which is what I always wanted to be. They disagree with me. There are several complaints about me -- the most common is that Mel Levine is right in all of his thinking and he's totally impractical. Schools need labels and insurance companies need labels and we have to lump kids together so we can do research on them."

Levine argues that teachers and others who work with children with learning issues need to identify patterns of brain function and learning more specifically. He calls for a comprehensive diagnosis that shows where memory retrieval or attention controls or sequential task ability or other specific brain functions break down.

Then come suggestions on how to best deal with the problem as well as how to build on strengths -- a critical step that helps children build confidence and overcome the corrosive effect of school failure.
Finding their niche

Perhaps Levine's most powerful weapon is hope -- "A Mind at a Time" is full of stories about children who seem destined to drop out or fade out academically, but with new strategies and renewed determination, make it through school and find their niche.

Take April -- a pseudonym for one of the many Levine profiles in the book. She is a girl with original ideas, nice handwriting and a serious problem with writing composition that threatens her academic progress. It turns out that April has attention problems that are aggravated by chronic insomnia.

To make writing less overwhelming for April, Levine's team suggests she brainstorm her essay ideas into a tape recorder, then take a break, hit play and write down key ideas to gradually work up a draft. They tell her not to worry about spelling and grammar on the first pass, but to go back later, in this way tackling the complex task of writing in stages.

Although tips like this might help April complete assignments and gain confidence, she must also work on broader strategies to improve her attention controls and remedy her sleep problem -- which takes a serious toll on her academic performance. If her pediatrician's non-pharmaceutical suggestions -- a regular bedtime, a fan for soothing white noise -- don't work, Levine writes that April might need medication to get over her sleep problems, but he's generally conservative about medications and, in particular, wary of stimulants prescribed to treat ADD and ADHD.

An estimated 2.5 million U.S. children ages 4 to 17 are taking medication to treat attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorders, according to a 2003 survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Too often drugs are prescribed without the proper evaluation and follow-up, and medication is never the whole solution, Levine said. Language, memory or motor function problems are often present in children with attention problems and medication will not solve these underlying causes.

"It's like putting a Band-Aid on a badly infected wound," Levine said. "It's going to look better for a while, but underneath, things are festering."
Contact Molly Walsh at 660-1874 or mwalsh@bfp.burlingtonfreepress.com If you go WHAT: Author and pediatrician Dr. Mel Levine will be the keynote speaker at the fourth annual Charles M. Poser, M.D., lecture hosted by the University of Vermont College of Medicine and The Stern Center for Language and Learning. Levine will talk about scientifically supported approaches to help children and young adults with learning difficulties.
WHEN: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday
WHERE: Sheraton Burlington Hotel and Conference Center, South Burlington
REGISTRATION: The Levine workshop is sold out, but the Stern Center is taking names for a waiting list. For information on registration, call Kathleen Tellez at 878-2332, Ext. 320.

Interesting Insight

2006-07-31T08:04:00.000-07:00

My daughter and I were out back-to-school shopping yesterday. We were looking for blue knee high socks. There were socks with a Label "Organic" brand "Made for the Way Americans Live" and underneath in bold were the words "Made In Turkey". I looked right past them but my daughter said, "Mom, that doesn't seem right. If these socks are made in Turkey why do they claim to know how Americans live? They must just say that because they want to sell socks and make money." Now, her interest in the matter stopped there, but it really got me thinking. I have been thinking lately about all the marketing drug companies are doing. I watch about 1-2 hours of TV each day and I see ads for pills to treat acid indigestion, backaches, headaches (and any other ache you have), insomnia, erectile dysfunction, herpes and on and on. Remember they use a lot of marketing ploys to make you think you need whatever it is they are selling (not just pharmaceutical companies, I'm talking about every commercial and marketing firm out there). I've caught myself-that woman on the commercial is surrounded by friends and is laughing and happy. That's how I want to feel. Maybe I should try...whatever. Just pay attention and see what you think.

The Power of Positive Thinking

2006-07-30T16:02:00.000-07:00

I am working with my daughter to know she should not feel bad about her A.D.D. diagnosis. She is very sensitive about feeling labeled. I have told her that ADD is a synonym for plus and positive. She (and all kids) have many characteristics that are positive. The following was taken from Doreen Virtue's book I spoke about yesterday "The Care and Feeding of Indigo Children":

"Affirmations can buoy an Indigo Child's sagging self-esteem. Here are some positive affirmations that you and your children can recite together:

* I am a holy child of God
* Since God is pure Love, so am I
* I have angels surrounding me now who love me just for who I am
* I call upon my angels at any time for help, and they are there to help me
* I am unconditionally loved by God and the angels
* I have a lot to offer the world
* My angels can see my hidden talents
* I have the power to change the world in important ways
* My mind is clear and able to focus perfectly
* I have an infallible photgraphic memory
* I trust my intuition
* I speak my truth with love and compassion
* I am now working on my Life Purpose, and I feel very fulfilled
* Who I am makes a big difference in this world
* Many people need and love me now"

I think that some people may not accept Doreen's concepts of Indigo Children because it is considered 'new age', but I think these are needed reminders for many of us to give to ourselves daily.

More Suggestions for Thinking Outside the Box

2006-07-29T19:08:00.000-07:00

I would like to recommend you research the concept of Indigo Children. According to Doreen Virture:

"Indigo Children are bright, intuitive, strong-willed, and sometimes self-destructive individuals. They are often labeled (and misdiagnosed)as having A.D.D./A.D.H.D. because they won't comply with established rules and patterns, and they may exhibit behavioral problems at home and at school."

I am currently reading Doreen's book, "The Care and Feeding of Indigo Children". It has alot of new information for me, but it is also "connecting the dots" and has put into writing things that I have figured out on my own, witnessed or have learned through other teachings. So it is great to have confirmation. I would like to share some of the information I am gathering from this book as I go along in future posts. For now, I will share an interesting point:

"It's estimated that more than 6 million American children now take psychotropic medication for ADD/ADHD, depression and other psychological maladies...
Many reseachers believe that Einstine, Edison, da Vinci and other great thinkers would have been labeled ADD if they were alive today"

Now, think about that!

Epsom Salt Baths

2006-07-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

I have found salt baths to be beneficial to both myself and my kids. I was taught during my Healing Touch training the Epsom Salt baths cleanse the energy field also. I like to mix a few drops of Peace and Calming Young Living Essential Oil into a handful or two of Epsom Salt and mix it in the tub. This has become part of our bedtime routine.

The following is information taken from the yahoo group
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ADHD_DrugFree

What are Epsom Salts?Epsom Salts are the same thing as Magnesium Sulfate, which is a salt made of only magnesium and sulphate (and maybe a little bit of water). Magnesium is a positively charged ion, and it binds to sulfate, which is a negatively charged ion. Sulfate is a sulphur atom surrounded by four oxygen atoms.

You can buy them at your local drugstore or pharmacy or even in the grocery store. They are usually located in larger bags near the bandages or the foot care section (in a pinch, smaller containers can be found in the laxative aisle, but it is cheaper to buy them in the larger bags/cartons).

What is the anticipated effect from an Epsom Salt bath?
Epsom Salts have long been used to stimulate detoxification, reduce inflammation to sore muscles, promote healthy circulation, and help with relaxation and normalizing sleep patterns.

Most children respond to an ES bath by appearing happier, more relaxed. Some parents report that their children are more responsive, more “with it”. Some parents who give the bath in the evenings report that their children are able to get to sleep easier, and have a more normal sleep pattern.

Given over time, the ES baths may help reduce sensory integration symptoms. Some of this effect may occur due to benefits of detoxification, but it is much more likely to come from direct effects on the nervous system.

Don't Underestimate the Importance of Sleep

2006-07-27T11:40:00.000-07:00

Sleep in very important for everyone, but for the group of kids we talk about with learning and attention difficulties, it is even more important. Lack of sleep can make children moody or cranky, create relationship problems and make them distracted in class. For my own children, I think this is the #2 most important, second to diet in controlling unwanted symptoms. I see their behavior when they are lacking sleep and I also see that they can't control the mood and/or behaviors.

With today's hectic lifestyles I think many people are sleep deprived, including our children. According to the National Institutes of Health sleep guide, children and adolescents need an average of nine hours of sleep each night.

Here are some tips from the National Institutes of Health on making sure your child (and you) gets the sleep he/she needs:

*set a regular bedtime and stick to it-this means weekends too.
*establish a relaxing bedtime routine, such as giving your child a warm bath or reading a story
*avoid TV and video games close to bedtime
*avoid caffeine at least 6 hours prior to bedtime-(I say children should not consume any caffeine)
*avoid big meals close to bedtime
*set the bedroom temperature so that it's comfortable-not too warm or too cold
*make sure the bedroom is dark or use a small night light
*keep the noise level low

My son slept through the night for the first time when he was 5 years old. My mentor Marilee Tolen had instructed me on some of the tips above and for our bedtime routine we put Vetiver Essential Oil on the soles of his feet and did some simple Healing Touch techniques. After the first night, he asked me to "use those oils and Healing Touch, Mommy" night after night. I had to see it to believe it for myself. For more info on essential oils please visit my website at http://dawnperalta.younglivingworld.com/

Upcoming Workshop on Young Living Essenital Oils & Children

2006-07-26T18:04:00.000-07:00

Find Wellness Within presents. . .
“How To Have The Best School Year Ever!”
. . .featuring Young Living Essential Oils

Learn all-natural, chemical and drug free ways for:
*ADD/ADHD *Learning Difficulties *Poor Grades
*Anxiety *Insomnia *Mood Imbalances & More

PRESENTER: Dawn M. Peralta, RN, HTP
WHEN: Thursday August 10th, 2006
WHEN: 7 – 9 pm
WHERE: Find Wellness Within, L.L.C.
132 Kings Highway East, 1st Floor
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
COST: $10

**SPACE IS LIMITED **PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Find Wellness Within Workshops are held monthly

For further information or to register contact Dawn
(609) 929-4309 or anewdawn03@comcast.net
www.findwellnesswithin.com
www.attentiondeficitoptions.blogspot.com
Dawn's Daughter Desiree's blog is a child's prospective on A.D.D.
www.dontlabelmeadd.blogspot.com

Keeping an open mind on treatment options for Attention Deficit Disorder

2006-07-26T14:18:00.000-07:00

In my search for information on Attention Deficit Disorder, I have talked to many people both verbally and on-line groups. Doing this I have found that emotions and opinions are very strong surrounding this topic and treatment options. Many have said to me that I am doing the "wrong thing" by not medicating my children. I do not want to do the same thing and tell people they are doing "wrong" by medicating. I know that most parents just want the best for our kids. My advice is to educate yourself on medication and side effects. These natural treatments can be used for anyone and can complement traditional treatments. So keep an open mind, try some of these things and comment I want to hear how this information is touching others.

From the Heart of a Child...

2006-07-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

I found this posted on the ADHD_Drug Free Yahoo group http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ADHD_DrugFree/

I want you to know what it's like to be me.

My brain runs like a washing machine powered by a Ferrari engine. It
runs all the time and it runs fast, churning and tumbling ideas like
shirts and pants and socks mixed together.

I can be talking to you and having another conversation running inside
my head. I can be in class listening to the teacher, but be fully
engaged in a daydream inventing something with my LEGOS.

You know how I sometimes repeat questions? It's not that I didn't hear
your answer. It's just that in the second between the time I asked and
you responded, I went somewhere interesting in my mind. And I didn't
pay attention to what you said.

Sometimes I have so many thoughts swimming inside my head that I just
blurt things out because I'm afraid I will forget them.

I know you say I'm really bright, but it's hard not to feel stupid
when the teacher is always getting on me. I want to do well in school.
But when the teacher drones on and doesn't engage my imagination,
either my mind shuts down to sleep mode or I tune her out and go to
better places that keep me stimulated. It's nothing personal.

I kind of like all this energy inside my head because I can keep
myself engaged and entertained in there by myself. But other times I
feel scattered.

That's why I like routine in other parts of life. It's why I end up
wearing or eating the same things. It's why I sometimes freak out
when plans change or things aren't just so. Little things throw me off.

You think I'm sad because I don't have lots of friends. But that's by
choice, because I'm pretty content inside.

I like who I am, but it's tough when no one else seems to. Why does
everyone want to change who I am? You give me medication to make me a
different person, a person I don't care to be. I'm not unhappy with
myself I'm uneasy because since I can remember, everyone around me has
been so negative and tried to fix what they think is wrong with me.

I know that I'm different than other kids. And sometimes that confuses
me and makes me feel lonely. But I don't want to be like them. I just
want to be appreciated and liked exactly they way I am.

You want me to talk more, but you just psychoanalyze me. Besides, it's
difficult to express my thoughts and feelings verballythey just get
jumbled up. I'd rather express them in my drawings and inventions. I
feel things deeply. I hurt with the kids who get left out, and one day
I'm going to help those kids. I know how it feels.

I know you get concerned because I stay up late at night and don't
sleep much. But I like it when it's quiet. I can hear my thoughts
better. And my world is peaceful then.

Mom and Dad, don't worry about me. I may not do great in school or be
the most popular kid, but I'm content inside. I like the way my brain
works, I like my energy. If everyone would stop trying to fix me, I'd
be okay.

Let me focus on the things I love doing. Drawing. Building. Inventing.
Stop trying to make me be like everyone else. Just work with me, okay,
not against me. I like who I am. Why can't you?