Children's Medication-Free ADHD Treatment
ShareAttention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects children more often than adults. ADHD medication often contains stimulants, and many parents don't want to give their children medication if they can find an alternative option.
Consider these children's medication-free ADHD treatment options.
Operational Conditioning
Operational conditioning uses the concepts of positive and negative reinforcement to change behavior. A therapist will give the child positive reinforcement in the form of praise or a treat when they exhibit desired behaviors. When the child misbehaves or repeats negative patterns, they receive negative reinforcement. This method effectively changes behavior patterns, but it doesn't always address the root of the problem.
Play Therapy
Children with ADHD have a lot of energy. The child can let the energy out through play therapy. Play therapy encourages children to play with toys or play at the playground to calm down. As the child plays, the therapist will observe them and identify patterns. Play therapy offers a sincere insight into the child's mind. Children will have the choice of how they want to play, making the experience more enjoyable for them as well. Children who prefer active or expressive activities get the best results.
Mindfulness Exercises
ADHD can produce racing thoughts. The racing thoughts can take patients out of reality and into a chaotic manufactured world. These children will struggle to be present during class and other focus-driven environments. Some therapists emphasize mindfulness exercises designed to slow the brain down and focus on one thing at a time. Mindfulness exercises include breathing exercises, memory games, and nature appreciation. The child will eventually learn how to slow down their mind on their own when they need to concentrate.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Children with ADHD often show elevated physical signs of distress during stressful moments. In order to balance cognitive functions, your therapist may try EMDR therapy. EMDR therapy attempts to change the brain's responses to stress by incorporating typical cognitive functions during stress. For example, when a child feels overwhelmed, the therapist will ask them to follow a pen with their eyes. The brain will associate the mundane task with the stress trigger, and respond less severely over time.
Do not assume that you have to put your child on medication after an ADHD diagnosis. Start with these holistic treatment options to learn what works best for your child. They may learn good habits at crucial moments in their development that stick with them into adulthood.