Creating a Healthy Environment for the Challenged Learner

ADD/ADHD (Attention deficit [hyperactivity] disorder) is a condition that many school age children (and their parents) face and struggle with.  Many are treated with medication; however, there are numerous parents that are rightfully concerned about medicating their child for ADD/ADHD.  There are other forms of treatment that is often overlooked, but do schools have the necessary information to refer the parents to the correct professionals for alternatives?  Because medication is such a popular method of treatment for many ailments today, other treatments with equal or more potent results may not even be considered.  Many studies have implied and demonstrated how effective neurofeedback treatment is; in a few cases in fact change of diet was all that was necessary to alleviate the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.  Various studies have demonstrated that neurofeedback and medication have equal efficacy, however, the effects of neurofeedback tend to last long after termination of treatment where the effects of medication wane shortly after the termination of treatment.  Neurofeedback and proper nutrition together can not only treat ADD/ADHD but a variety of other conditions that may cause or contribute to inattention, hyperactivity or distraction.  The nutritional aspect of alternative treatment cultivates another question; is the food at school (whether sold in the cafeteria or given to the students by teachers in class) benefiting the ADD/ADHD students or contributing to the problem?  Food carts and vending machines sell many foods that can only maintain or exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ ADHD.  Once again, the teachers’, counselors’ and administrators’ lack of information inadvertently creates a precarious environment for the ADD/ADHD student.