Doc, Can You Give My Special Needs Child Nutritional Help?

Judy Converse Author of Special-Needs Kids Eat Right: Strategies to Help Kids on the Autism Spectrum Focus, Learn, and ThriveBy Judy Converse, MPH, RD, LD
 
Many children with autism, Asperger's, ADHD, sensory processing disorders, learning disabilities, or mood/behavior issues have nutrition problems stemming from malabsorption, bowel problems, and/or inadequate diet. These impede learning, growth, behavior, and functioning in all children—not just special needs children. Not surprisingly, when you address the nutrition problems of these kids, the symptoms of their disorder lessen and, in some cases, disappear.
 
The medical establishment is just now beginning to acknowledge the link between nutrition problems and learning and behavior disorders. Most physicians still regard autism or other learning and developmental diagnoses as brain problems, not whole body problems. They may resist the idea that nutrition supports apply to these conditions, seeing them as static, inflexible afflictions.
 
My clinical experience with hundreds of special needs children has proven differently. 
 
How to Engage a Reluctant Provider
 
If your doctor is not onboard with your interest in nutrition supports for your child, you might succeed with a few tactful efforts at bridging the gap. Here are some suggestions.

READ More on Doc, Can You Give My Special Needs Child Nutritional Help?

[Post to Twitter]  [Post to Yahoo Buzz]  [Post to StumbleUpon] 

Filed under ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities, Nutrition by More4kids

Permalink Print Comment

ADHD and Giftedness

by Jennifer Shakeel

is your child gifted?It wasn’t until I became a parent of a child with Attention Deficit Disorder that I ever thought about whether or not my son was gifted or not. I knew that he was incredibly intelligent, and I remember in first grade telling his teacher that it wasn’t that he couldn’t focus, but rather that he was board with what was going on in class.

Many people, including teachers and medical professionals do not realize that giftedness is associated with feelings of anger and frustration, underachievement, fidgeting, impulsive behaviors, intensity, high energy, stubbornness, nonconforming, individualistic, sloppiness, poor handwriting, disorganization, absentmindedness, forgetfulness, daydreaming, moodiness and a low interest in details. Now if you are sitting there thinking that this sounds like your child when they are not on their pills, read on.

I want to explain to you what “gifted” means and this is why if you child has not gone through a psychological evaluation by a psychologist you may want to consider having it done now. You may be medicating your child when he or she really doesn’t need the medication.

READ More on ADHD and Giftedness

[Post to Twitter]  [Post to Yahoo Buzz]  [Post to StumbleUpon] 

Filed under ADHD, Health by More4kids

Permalink Print Comment

A Family Solution to Childhood Obesity

avoiding childhood obesity: the family that exercises together stays thin togetherIf your child is overweight or obese, it’s not just your child’s problem but your whole family’s. There are many reasons a child develops a weight problem, but genetics and family environment definitely plays a factor. In fact, if a child has one parent who is obese, that child has a 50 percent chance of also being obese; the risk increases to 80 percent if both parents are obese.
 
How can you help decrease your child’s risk of developing a weight problem? First, you should always consult a doctor to rule out medical issues that might be related to your child’s weight gain. Your doctor can also advise you on improving your family’s eating habits and increasing your physical activity. 

The key to helping your child beat obesity is to develop healthier habits for your whole family. Your child will not succeed at losing weight if he is munching carrot sticks while everyone else slurps chocolate milk shakes! In addition, change your habits slowly so that everyone has time to adjust to the new routines. Specific areas to focus on include better eating habits and more physical activity, as the only way to lose weight is to reduce the number of calories eaten and to increase physical activity. 

READ More on A Family Solution to Childhood Obesity

[Post to Twitter]  [Post to Yahoo Buzz]  [Post to StumbleUpon] 

Filed under Exercise, Food, Health, Nutrition by More4kids

Permalink Print Comment

Online Support Groups for Parents of Children with Attention Deficit Disorders

mom searching the internet for information on ADHDFinding out that your child has Attention Deficit Disorder is not easy for you or your child. Dealing with it isn’t easy either. The frustration that you feel when dealing with family members, teachers, care givers, doctors and yes even your child can be overwhelming. The success of your child and how well they deal with ADD will depend greatly on you and how well you handle it. The good news is that you don’t have to go at it alone. There are support groups you can join.

I am going to go over a couple of the different support groups that are out there on a national level and on the internet. For some parents being able to chat online is enough, just knowing that they aren’t alone and being able to read other people’s stories will help. That is part of the reason that I write these articles. I want you to know that you aren’t alone, I want you to know that there is another parent out there that is going through or has gone through what you are and see how I handled it. Not that my way is the best way all the time, but it is what has worked for our family. It’s important when you feel stuck, frustrated and overwhelmed that you know there are options… there are ways out.

Here is a list of a few online ADHD support groups that you can join via email.

READ More on Online Support Groups for Parents of Children with Attention Deficit Disorders

[Post to Twitter]  [Post to Yahoo Buzz]  [Post to StumbleUpon] 

Filed under ADHD by More4kids

Permalink Print Comment