Can’t Fix, Not Broken
When we stop seeing ADD/HD individuals as broken, we can stop trying to fix them, relying on quick fixes at that. When we can embrace working with their own natural rhythms, harmonies, and their uniqueness, then we can truly take advantage of a plethora of all natural solutions. These solutions are needed because of basic incompatibility between lifestyle choices and the ADD/HD individual being successful. Solutions such as diets, environments, teaching systems, parenting, and guidance systems. If changing one’s lifestyle to better accommodate their ADD/HD brain does not eliminate the need for medications, drastically reduce them.
My hope is that one day society judges success based on fully being who they are and accessing their whole potential. Not only will they be successful by external standards, they will see themselves as being successful when their value comes from their authentic self. Why should value and success be measured by what others want to be? They do not have to lose a part of who they are to achieve worldly success and acceptance.
Such components of a successful protocol MAY include:
- Lighter, less processed foods which are richer in nutrients
- Eating smaller meals more often
- Environments which include full spectrum lightening, therapeutic magnets, less chemicals in the air, water, and diet
- Proper use of herbs, supplements, and aromatherapies
- Working with programs such as brain gym and bio-feedback, not as a cure but as part of an overall program.
- Create learning programs based on complete and accurate assessments of their learning and processing styles
- Having them taught in flexible, challenging, dialogue-based classrooms, filled with interactive activities
- Engage them in critical thinking based participatory learning, both in school and at home, to cultivate empowerment
Are these easy, quick fixes? No, they are suggestions which may help your child become their greatest self, as well as hold on to their self-worth and self-esteem in the process. They will stop feeling broken when we stop trying to fix them. When we stop telling them that there is something wrong with them and they need to be fixed.
Let’s engage them and avoid the “let’s drug them” trap.
