The Challenging Horizons Program (CHP)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is classified as a syndrome that is comprised of a variety of behaviors that often arises in early childhood and is characterized by extremely high levels of motor activity, difficulties with attention span and concentrating, and/or impulsive behaviors (Cook & Cash, 2011). It has been estimated in the United States that approximately 20% of children and adolescents display signs of a psychological or behavioral disorder according to Luthy, David, Macintosh, Eden, and Beckstrand (2015). ADHD is considered one of the more prevalent psychological disorders in children, with approximately 3-7% of school-age children with an ADHD diagnosis as mentioned by Luthy et al. (2015).

allergens(Gordon/Millichap 3)” While this may be inconvenient for an entire household, it is not impossible essentially if you can afford to feed yourself you can afford to do this(chicken,rice, and potatoes are all hypoallergenic and inexpensive). Another facet of the natural method is exercise. The study Adopting an External Focus of Attention Facilitates Motor Learning in Children with ADHD. In this study children who showed signs of ADHD were divided into two separate groups. One that partook in outdoor activities followed by learning in a clasroom. And another that only learned in the classroom. This study showed that the children who partook in the physical education prior to classroom learning showed increased learning abilities. These two studies into natural alternatives show that medication is not the only way to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. That it can be brought under control in a health way that not only has little to no adverse and unhealthy side effects. But is also very good for your overall health.

It is understandable for parents who have children who live with ADHD to have concerns about their children’s health. Practitioners inform that even though there is no cure for the health condition, there are several interventional strategies that can be used to help children who live with the condition to lead a happy life. It is upon every person who surrounds the child with ADHD to ensure that they offer any necessary intervention to help the situation.

One treatment for ADHD incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Counseling, and Social Skills training to address deficits in emotional regulation including low self-esteem, anger or aggression, anxiety or withdrawal, loneliness, and depression. People who are diagnosed with ADHD can learn conversational skills and can also improve tasks like organization, and memory. Studies have shown that interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Counseling, and Social Skills training to address deficits in emotional regulation including low self-esteem, anger or aggression, anxiety or withdrawal, loneliness, and depression. People who are diagnosed with can learn conversational skills and can also improve tasks like organization, and memory. Studies have shown that interventions like these improve these children 's relationships with their classmates, which helps in the development of control of aggressive impulses, feelings of acceptance and belonging, morality, stress resistance, self-esteem, and cooperative social exchange skills (Guevremont & Dumas, 1994). Other treatments for ADHD include Neurofeedback; this involves having a Electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure brain waves, using a computer program to help increase brain waves related to attention, focus and concentration.( Treatments & Outcomes. (n.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2016).

ADHD is a very difficult and confusing disorder to deal with when it comes to your children. It is hard to establish is looking out a window or active behavior is just natural for your child, or if your child has a problem. Many drugs can help a child settle down and concentrate better. These drugs should be used for a temporary purpose only; where the goal is to be able to function

Normalization of skills such as learning and applying knowledge were not associated with stimulant medication (Loe and Feldman, 2007). Behavioral interventions for ADHD, including behavioral parent training, behavioral classroom interventions, positive reinforcement and response cost contingencies, are effective in reducing core ADHD symptoms according to Loe and Feldman’s 2007 study. Behavior management was found to be as effective as medication at reducing core symptoms (Loe and Feldman, 2007). Loe and Feldman’s (2007) study determined that more research is needed to determine which modifications would benefit more in the

“This comprehensive approach to treatment is often called “multimodal” and consists of parent and child education about diagnosis and treatment, behavior management techniques, medication, child and/or family counseling, and school programming and supports.” http://www.chadd.org/Understanding-ADHD/For-Parents-Caregivers/Treatment-Overview/Managing-Medication.aspx. Treatment should be tailored to the unique needs of each child and family. Reports on medication use vary. For some, the benefits are extraordinary; for others, medication is quite helpful; and for still others, the results are more modest. “Attention span, impulsivity and on-task behavior often improve, especially in structured environments. Some children also demonstrate improvements in frustration tolerance, compliance and even handwriting.” http://www.chadd.org/Understanding-ADHD/For-Parents-Caregivers/Treatment-Overview/Managing-Medication.aspx. Relationships with parents, peers and teachers

ADHD, short from Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorder. Younger children have a higher probability than older children adolescents and even adults to suffer from this disease. Most of patients have cannot have a well role performance, which means they have weakened ability to do appropriately is excepted or required of a person in different roles or functions of daily life. Certainly, it brings many negative effects on the sufferers. ADHD is bad for the competiveness, for the social ability and for the economic capacity of the patients or their parents.

ADHD is not a curable condition but it is treatable, and treatment can begin at any age. The use of medication is the most common form of treatment. Stimulants are the best-known treatments and have been used for over 50 years (KidsHealth, n.d.). Non-stimulants and antidepressants are good alternatives to the use of stimulants. Research has shown medications used to help curb impulsive behavior and attention difficulties are more effective when combined with behavioral therapy (KidsHealth, n.d.). Behavior therapy provides for the development of strategies that assist in creating living routines, limiting distractions, limiting choices and getting organized all of which helps reduce the symptoms of ADHD (KidsHealth, n.d.). Other treatments including megavitamins, special diets, visual training and one on one psychotherapy have been tried. However, scientific research has not found these treatments to be effective (KidsHealth, n.d.).

Therapy of some sort can be another good benefit. But, and I can’t stress this enough, find a doctor, or therapist that really understands the condition. All too often we can find ourselves thrust into a medicated state, when all we needed at the time was some help structuring our daily lives. In making that statement, does it mean that I’m anti-medication? No, but I’ll talk about medication later on in this paper. Finding a person, whether it be a Doctor or Therapist that truly understands the condition can be a very uplifting event. Knowing that someone understands what you’re feeling and understands your frustrations and is willing to help, can pull the struggling ADHD adult up from the chaotic, frustrating, and overwhelming “floor” that they may currently be on their mind.

Families who have children with ADHD often experience much higher anxiety and stress levels. A large number of children, almost half, will exhibit signs of ADHD by the age of four. However, most children are not diagnosed until he or she reaches elementary school. The behaviors that are associated with ADHD in children put them at risk for a host of other problems and complications such as completing their education, alcohol and other drug abuse, and an increased risk for delinquency. There has been much research on ADHD in recent years and many different types of medications and interventions have proven to be quite helpful. With the proper diagnosis and treatment, children with ADHD can learn to cope with the daily demands of the classroom, social situations, family interactions, and life in general.

I have just informed you about the basics of ADHD including its definition, and as we have seen from the study, not only would adults benefit from being treated for ADHD, but their children would also be able to reap the benefits as a result of a treated parent.

Sometimes kids don’t need medication, they need the basics back. The first basic is a balanced diet. “Eating a healthful diet centered on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes (for example, beans, peas, and lentils), lean protein sources, and nuts and seeds” (Disease group). Eating a balanced diet can replenish children with the nutrition they need for their brains to process information. This nutrition helps their brain activity increase which helps them focus in school. The next basic is exercising. “Participating in physical activity for at least 60 minutes a day” (dISEASE). Taking part in physical activity helps children get their rambunctious energy out and centering it on a fun outside activity instead of the classroom. Another basic is limiting children’s screen time. “Limiting the amount of daily screen time from TV’s, computers, phones, etc” (Disease). In this day and age, it is hard for children to not be involved in screen time. Many school districts are incorporating laptops or apple products into classes daily. Limiting screen time can diminish headaches, eye problems, mood swings, and even hyperactivity. The last basic solution is getting enough sleep. “Getting the recommended amount of sleep each night based on age” (Disease). Getting enough sleep will help when kids go into school so they aren’t tired and not paying attention. Most symptoms of “ADHD” are caused by not getting enough

According to a study published in The Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, by Cory Armes, M.E suggests hyperactivity may actually help students overcome their attention problems. Running, jumping and even rolling around in class actually helps an ADHD student concentrate. Most ADHD students become restless when they are asked to do a task involving the use of the executive functioning of the brain. Research also shows when students with ADHD were asked to do a task which involved working with memory and organization, students that were given permission to move or fidget performed much better than students who were asked to be still. This study proves the ADHD student’s gross motor movements helps them finish intellectual tasks. In essence if a student with ADHD is allowed to move around and fidget, they will be more successful in their work.

Medication will help the kids focus and is needed to help them be successful and has been proven to be the best in aiding ADHD symptoms.