Key Advice
The following information represents the brief details of our
recommendations to those who have ADHD/AS or other co-existing
conditions. Links are provided to pages dealing with each aspect in greater depth providing full explanations and details. We believe this advice has far reaching and
proven beneficial impacts. This site will gradually be
updated with full explanations of why we believe this advice
works. Please note our advice does not follow the latest
fads but rather has been based on a gradual understanding of
ADHD/AS and other co-existing conditions and proven results for
the advice we provide.
Disclaimer
The support group does not hold legal liability for the advice contained on this page. It is however compiled from a number or sources both medical and non-medical and is provided with the expectation of the due ability of adults to be able to make informed decisions.
- Brief Introduction
- 1 - Remove Known Problem Chemicals from Diet
- 2 - Vitamins & Mineral Complex
- 3 - Locate and Remove Allergic Reactions
- 4 - Implement Routines
- 5 - Behavioural Treatment
- 6 - Regular Controlled Physical Activity
- 7 - Maintain Brain Glucose Levels
- 8 - Self Regulation Fuel Tank Replenishment
- 9 - Sleep (Quality and Quantity)
- Other things to consider
Brief Introduction
Research into ADHD/AS and its co-existing conditions have shown that the brain for these individuals is designed and functioned differently to the majority of the population. Different and variation in the human race is well documented covering all aspects of the body, therefore is it not surprising that the human brain is also subject to variation. As a support group take the position that variation in the human race is commonly unaccepted by society and discrimination of many types unfortunately exist. We hope to raise awareness and understand of these differences which make us human and should be celebrated.
Our advice works alongside
current prescribed medication, and
in most instances helps it to be
more effective. Likewise those
who chose not to medicate the
following advice details the
non-medication recommendations which
we believe all those with ADHD/AS
and co-existing condition should
implement.
Compassion and willingness of Others
The compassion and willingness of
others to make accommodations are
vital to the success of any of the
recommendations made. Usage of
"medication" and/or "non-medical
chemical advice" (removal of
problem chemicals and allergens and
taking of vitamin & mineral
complexes) are required to implement
all other recommendations
successfully.
1 -
Remove Known Problem Chemicals from Diet
Below is a link to a PDF file which contains the list of all the known chemicals added to food, drink and cosmetics. We recommend a complete removal of all listed chemicals from the ADHD'ers diet.
List of Problem Chemicals
Shopping list sheet -
additives-shopping-list.pdf
NB: Benefits are seen from
the complete removal of the entire
list of chemicals. This is not
a cure and many symptoms of ADHD
will still occur however this advice
offers reduction and relief from the
instances caused by the chemical
reaction.
Further
information on the known problem chemicals (additives) ...
2 -
Vitamin & Mineral Complex
The most common vitamins ADHDers
show signs of deficiency are Zinc &
B6 however many also show signs for
calcium, chromium, copper, essential
fatty acids, magnesium, iron and
selenium. These are seen even with the best balanced diet due to issues with differences of how the ADHD and ASD digestive system works and associated conditions.
We recommend considering diagnosis for deficiency issues as explained on our introduction to Vitamins and Minerals.
We then recommend
that every ADHD individual take a
daily Vitamin and Mineral Complex,
that ideally does not contain any chemicals
listed under "Known Problem Chemicals", to
be taken daily. Please note that taking vitamin and mineral complexes affects diagnosis and may prevent diagnosis. The best good product
we have located is the Vitabiotics
range of products such as Well Kid,
Well Teen, Well Man & Well Woman and
can be purchased from most chemists
and supermarkets however is cheaper via our Online Store.
NB: Other brands have been
checked and all to date contain worse or higher levels of
"Known Problem Chemicals" compared to Vitabiotics in their WellKid range but seem not to use any in their other ranges.
Further
information on the vitamin and mineral deficiency issues ...
3 - Locate and Remove Allergic Reactions
All food allergies can cause a negative impact on ADHD. Some intolerances are more common than others however all are equally important to pinpoint and remove from the diet. ADHD'ers like everyone else in society is intolerant to at least one food type. Common symptoms for anyone with a food intolerance is attention deficit, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, poor emotion control, poor working memory etc, so combined with having ADHD the problem is made significantly more acute.
The common symptoms apart from ADHD type symptoms are headaches, diarrhea/constipation, swelling, rashes, stomach cramps and vomiting and much more. The question therefore is how to pinpoint what you allergic to and remove it from your diet.
Common Allergies for ADHD'ers:
- Lactose
- Gluten
- Tomatoes
- Oranges
Link to list of Allergies and Symptoms:
Wikipedia - Allergens
4 -
Implement Routines
Routines are key for individuals with ADHD/ASD due to
changes causing increased stress.
Routines at home are governed my
parents. Parents also are highly influential in introducing children to an
expectation of routines in school and so incorporating the routine of school within your
standard routines is very much
something parents are actively
involved in. Sudden changes
should be avoided, however
preparation for such sudden changes
should be taught regularly and started as much in advance of the change as possible.
It is not beneficial for ADHD'ers to avoid change but rather learn how to cope with it. This therefore means parents need to find strategies for coping with the child not coping with change. This may well be the need to initially avoid large changes and start with small changes whilst teaching the child how to cope with the change. The changes then over a long period of time can be increased in significance reinforcing each time the key methods of how to cope and what level of reaction is considered normal and acceptable. Many aspects needing to be taught will be aspects the average person in society may well normally pick up without being taught it however with ADHD'ers this often needs to be taught and over emphasised as they don't often naturally pick up on these things due to the informative years normally not being centered on social interaction and people, but rather events and activities.
We recommend establishing good solid routines. That said we also recommend against
completely avoiding any change as
life is about change and educating
children is about preparing them for
life.
5 -
Emotional Control & Behavioural Advice
This is a very significant part of much of the problems which lead parents to seek diagnosis and help for their children. Once diagnosis is obtained many parents feel lost as the advice and help they looked for to help deal with these issues was not provided to them. We therefore have begun to create as much information as we can to provide a range of helps which are known to help ADHD'ers deal with the issues. Please read our section on Emotion Control and Behavioural Advice as this will explain what you need to know in detail.
There are also books which parents find very helpful such as 1-2-3 Magic which is available for purchase on our online store in both printed book and KIndle formats. The store also contains other books and various help tools etc which are also worth considering.
Further
information on the Emotion Control and Behavioural Advice ...
6 -
Regular Controlled Physical Activity
Ideally individuals with ADHD would benefit from
regular controlled physical activity
such as swimming clubs, athletics
clubs, martial art clubs, gymnastics
clubs, cycling clubs, dance clubs or
other activity which the individual
is naturally disposed to and/or has
interest in.
7 -
Maintain Brain Glucose Levels
Ideally individuals need to eat foods with long term
energy release to maintain glucose
levels in the brain; however
extensive brain activity can cause
sudden reductions in brain glucose
levels and so liquid based glucose
drinks can deliver glucose to the
brain quickly. With liquid
glucose drinks they only need to sip
the drink over a period of time
(e.g. an exam). Please note
that although drinks such as
Lucozade are ideal in nature they
often contain chemicals known to
cause issues and so drinks such as
7Up or a home made option would be
preferable.
8 - Self Regulation Fuel
Tank Replenishment
It is important that after a long period of Executive Function
(Brain Usage), such as a day at
school, it is important to replenish
the self regulation fuel tank.
- Build Self Esteem (Positive
Emotions) and Implement Rewards;
- Take 10 minute breaks
between Executive Function or
Self Regulation tasks;
- 3+ minutes of relaxation or
meditation;
- Visualizing and talking
about future rewards before and
during Self-Regulation demanding
tasks;
- Routine physical exercise
and also glucose ingestion (e.g.
via sipping fluid based glucose
for fast release into the brain)
9 -
Eight to ten hours sleep per night
It is has been
proven on many occasions that sleep
is important for ADHD children.
We can provide help and support for
resolving sleeping issues and
sleeping disorders which can occur
alongside ADHD.
Other things to consider
or maintain:
- Social Skills
Therapy
- Cognitive
Behavioural Therapy, with
concentration on Executive
Function
- S.A.D. Lamp
This has been shown to help a
range of conditions including
ADHD and other neurological
conditions. More knowledge
on how many are helped by this
is needed however so far all
those who have tried it have
reported beneficial impacts.
Please let us know if you've
tried it and if you've noticed
any improvements.
Reminder of Effects of ADHD
By disrupting Executive Function and
Self Regulation ADHD effects:
- Self-restrain or inhibit
behaviour, thoughts, words,
emotions;
- Self-manage to time;
anticipate and prepare for the
future;
- Self-organize and problem
solve across time;
- Self-motivate across time;
- Self-regulate emotions
across time;
Combating these issues is
required as source in the
environment where they occur.
No clinic based therapy has ever
proven effective, but rather must be
done by parents, teachers and other
care givers.
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