Many children are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder / Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. In the last few years this has become so prevalent that it almost seems to be an epidemic. It is important to bear in mind that the symptoms of this kind of disorder can be very similar to those present in: – poor sensory integration – metabolic or nutritional problems – auditory processing difficulties – visual concerns that affect learning
It is vital to find the appropriate treatment if a child has one or more of these problems. Medication for ADD / ADHD? The issue of whether to use medication to treat ADD/ADHD is a controversial one that can only be decided on an individual basis. If factors that contribute to attention deficit disorders can be overcome then a child may no longer need medication. As mentioned above, it is the Learning Creations view that it is vital to address any underlying metabolic, physical, auditory or visual issues first before trialling medication. While medical intervention may improve behaviour in the short term it can mask developmental issues that are likely to cause the disorder. If you had an illness which was making your hair fall out, for example, you might look at treatment or medicine to help your hair grow back – but you would firstly try to get to the root cause of why this was happening. The underlying causes can be improved long term if they can be treated with a developmental approach.
Sensory integration development – with enhanced ability to process sensory information and improved central nervous system organisation, children can develop the foundations necessary for attention and learning.
Nutrition – Not only our diet but also the ability of our digestive system to absorb nutrients forms the basis for all biochemical reactions. Our diet affects the whole body – especially the brain and nervous system. There have been significant changes in the Australian diet in the past few decades: diets high in calories but low in nutrients, reduced vitamin and mineral content of foods, heavy metals and toxins such as lead, mercury, pesticides and herbicides in the environment. Organic food is expensive to buy. Gluten free foods are often full of sugar. All these factors combine to have an effect on development and learning.
Auditory Processing – Learning Programs such as those I have listed in this chapter can play an important role in overcoming attention, listening, auditory processing and sequencing problems and can improve the speed of both auditory and visual processing.
Visualisation – techniques for visualising and increasing speed of visual processing are a very effective part of improving visual attention.
Vestibular – Children identified as ADD or ADHD can have erratic movement, lose their balance easily and may seem to be ‘accident-prone.’ Standing still puts stress on their balance system. These children are often prone to wiggling in their seats.
Addressing these factors is a vital part of diagnosis and treatment for attention deficit disorders.
