Alternative ADD Treatments – Behavioral, Sensory and Emotional Aspects
Additional ADD alternative strategies such as natural ADHD treatments, apart from environmental and nutritional modification require focusing on the sensory, behavioral and emotional elements of the condition.
The ability to learn and pay attention depends on our ability to integrate and organize our sensory experiences. Children with ADHD may have difficulty in one or more areas of sensory integration and may benefit from structured sensory integration therapy integrated into their daily activities. Trained occupational therapists are capable of performing this unique alternative ADD therapy.
Positive Behavioral Support is another ADD alternative approach which is part of the holistic strategy in addressing the condition. The adults in the situation observe the behaviors and observe the child in numerous settings in order to develop ideas on the function that the behavior is serving for the child. Positive Behavioral Support has a focus on changing the environment and responses in order to improve a child’s experience of success and further reduce the detrimental behaviors associated with the problem.
Positive Behavioral Support was initially developed as an alternative ADD approach to aversive procedures for those with the most severe and highly impairing behavioral problems. However, positive behavioral support has been further extended to include communities rather than just individuals.
Children with ADHD will also require emotional and social support. Because of the nature of their condition, sufferers may be difficult to deal with by both parents and peers. As a result, their self-esteem may be affected and children with ADHD may lack positive experiences with accomplishment and friendships. As an alternative ADD strategy that deals with the emotional aspect, the key step is to identify the child’s strengths and talents. Parents and guardians need to help the child focus on and develop talents and strengths take their focus away from the child’s shortcomings or irritating behavior. Adults should offer sincere praise for accomplishments and achievements and encourage participation and cooperative groupings instead of a focus on winning or losing.
Emotional support also requires the adults to help the child to understand their learning differences and the affect of ADHD on their lives. Most of those suffering from the condition have a general assumption that they are inadequate because of the symptoms. Adults must always be there to encourage these kids and reinforce their self confidence. I appropriate, parents can also arrange for a formal counseling when really needed.
Alternative ADD treatments that involve emotional and behavioral aspects must be a team effort and organized collaboration between parents, educators, medical personnel and other key people in the child’s life.