Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition that causes abnormally high levels of activity and impulsiveness. It is usually diagnosed at around seven years of age. It can also occur in adults, but because symptoms typically appear between ages three and six, parents and medical practitioners tend to catch it early.
For many families, having a child with this disorder often leads to a seemingly unending practice of taking medication. Parents would do everything in their power – even buying the most expensive medicine they can afford – to help their little one get a chance to live a comfortable life.
However, what many of them don’t realize is that drugs aren’t the only solution. From practicing better sleeping habits to undergoing neurofeedback therapy for ADHD, here are seven non-drug-related ways to help children with ADHD focus:
1. Encourage good sleeping habits.
Sleep is vital for growing children, but it becomes even more critical for a child with ADHD.
Based on studies, even an additional half-hour of sleep can help manage impulsivity and restlessness. Plenty of kids with ADHD are also susceptible to having sleeping disorders – and each condition can make the other worse.
For instance, children who can’t settle down before bedtime may not be able to fall asleep quickly. The next day, the exhaustion from the previous evening would leave them with worse ADHD symptoms.
To encourage good sleeping habits, parents should try the following strategies:
- Maintain a consistent bedtime schedule, both on weekdays and weekends.
- Keep the bedroom dark and cool.
- Prevent any exposure to blue light (e.g., TV and computer screens) at least two hours before going to bed.
It also helps to have a soothing ritual to help children with ADHD wind down, like reading a bedtime story. This will help them settle down and ease their minds when certain tasks are accomplished in a specific sequence.
2. Make dietary changes.
Besides sleep, researchers also found that what children eat can also affect their behavior. According to the Mayo Clinic, food products containing preservatives and coloring may heighten hyperactive behavior up to a certain level.
Below are some examples:
- Sodium benzoate – can be found in salad dressings, fruit juices, and carbonated drinks.
- Food coloring (yellow numbers 5, 6, and 10, and red no. 40) – used in sorbets, juices, pickles, cereal, granola bars, yogurt, soft drinks, children’s medicine, ice cream, and gelatin desserts.
Aside from avoiding certain foods, parents should also consider adding more omega-3-rich foods to their children’s diet. According to recent studies, omega-3 fatty acids found in soy products, flaxseeds, walnuts, and fish such as salmon could reduce ADHD symptoms.
Take note that supplementing with these fatty acids has yet to be recommended as an alternative treatment. Experts point out that giving them a balanced diet with whole grains, fish, and lots of fruits and veggies (and less sugary foods) is much more important for kids with ADHD.
3. Practice mindfulness with them.
Mindfulness also showed great promise not only in improving focus but also in enhancing self-control and raising awareness in ADHD patients, according to a new feasibility study.
The research explored the effects of an eight-week mindfulness training program in children and adults with ADHD and noted improved symptoms, particularly in depressive and anxiety symptoms. This shows that taking a few deep breaths or sitting quietly before a test or class makes a big difference for ADHD patients.
But while this shows much promise, further research is still needed to support its effectiveness.
4. Introduce them to music.
Music offers more to human health than you might think. It is believed to be beneficial in helping children with ADHD gain more focus.
Music helps hone and strengthen kids’ attention span and social skills, thanks to its rhythmic and structured nature. Playing musical instruments also cultivates the different parts of their brain, not to mention that it opens up opportunities for them to try working with a group.
While there are only a few studies about it, scientists have already confirmed that children who play an instrument tend to do better in tests involving the brain’s executive function (the ability to organize and switch tasks smoothly) than those who don’t.
Youngsters who are more interested in sports can also benefit from this, as listening to their favorite songs helps calm them down long enough to do their homework. This is because music helps the brain release dopamine, a chemical known as the “messenger,” which boosts a person’s focus.
5. Engage them in more outdoor activities.
Outdoor activities also help children with ADHD improve their concentration, especially when done in a natural setting filled with greenery. Based on a 2011 study published in the journal “Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being,” regular exposure to green space outdoors effectively reduces the severity of ADHD symptoms. This is in comparison to activities done in other settings.
6. Enroll them in behavioral therapy.
For many cases of ADHD, doctors recommend behavioral therapy as the leading solution. Also called behavioral modification, this method involves setting rules and goals for the child to resolve problematic behaviors. Doctors may also recommend parental therapy to provide parents with knowledge and the proper tools in helping children with ADHD manage their condition.
7. Try brain training.
Some people train their brain to improve memory or intelligence with the help of EEG biofeedback. But did you know that children with ADHD may benefit from this treatment, too?
Using electroencephalography (EEG) sensors attached to what looks like a bike helmet, scientists can monitor children’s brain waves while playing a game using only their brain (no joystick or gamepad involved). The idea is to show the brain what it feels like to concentrate. This gives the patients more control over their brainwaves, ultimately reducing ADHD symptoms.
According to experts, training the brain helps boost children’s ability to focus and “switch on” their brains for extended periods. This is because it allows them to form new neural connections that deliver messages within the brain.
Focus and Determination
Helping children with ADHD become more focused without medication takes determination and the right kind of knowledge. Use the strategies presented in this article to help your child live an improved and more comfortable life.
About the Author: Dr. Upasana Gala is the founder and CEO of Evolve Brain Training, an award-winning neurofeedback-centered institute that focuses on using non-invasive brain training techniques to maximize the brain’s true potential. Earning a doctorate in Neuroscience from the esteemed Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Gala has spent over a decade trying to unravel the way neurochemical and neurophysiological changes in the brain affect the way we interact with the world. Her goal is to share her knowledge, encourage others to tap into and expand their brain’s capabilities, and dispel any myths surrounding our most complex organ.
Mental Health Month 2021
Access for All
May is Mental Health Month, a time to spread public awareness and education about mental health disorders and reflect on the impact of mental illness on individuals and their families.
It is also a time to recognize and commit to changing the racial and economic inequities in our health care system, particularly with respect to mental health.
www.rtor.org and Laurel House are committed to the advancement of racial equity and social justice, and to making mental health services accessible to all.
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The opinions and views expressed in any guest blog post do not necessarily reflect those of www.rtor.org or its sponsor, Laurel House, Inc. The author and www.rtor.org have no affiliations with any products or services mentioned in the article or linked to therein. Guest Authors may have affiliations to products mentioned or linked to in their author bios only.
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How do I find a reputable biofeedback practitioner for my 15 year old son?
Hi Michele,
We appreciate you reading and commenting on this blog post.
I will contact you directly with some resources please check your email.
-Danielle
My daughter keeps asking her seven year old son with ADHD to focus. Is that a reasonable request?
Hi Barbara,
Thank you for reading and commenting on our blog post. You posed a great question, as it may be more challenging for a seven year old child with ADHD to focus, especially if he is not in treatment and/or without medication. He is at the perfect age where introducing him to skills and techniques to help him focus can have a long term positive impact on him. It would be beneficial for his parents to engage in Parent Management Training so they have valuable tools to help their child in the long run.
I will email you directly with some resources for both him and the family.
-Danielle
My son is 6 years old. He always seen restless and have attention span for only 3mins in school.
How can I help him to stay focused .Thank you
We just were told to have our 6 year old tested because she is loosing focus during school, making excuses to leave her seat, etc. I would love more information on the parent training as well. We would like to try all options before meds if possible
Hi Kayla,
Thank you so much for reading and commenting on our blog as this takes a lot of courage. I will contact you directly with some resources on parent training so please check your email.
-Danielle
Hi Harriet,
Thank you so much for reading and commenting on our blog as this takes a lot of courage. I will contact you directly with some resources please check your email.
-Danielle
My Granddaughter is 4 1/2. She is having serious issues with listening, focusing, impulsivity etc. parents are working with a behavioral therapist. Is she too young to be tested for adhd? Thank you.
Hi Linda,
Thank you for reading our blog post and sharing.
According to research, she is not too young to be tested by a mental health professional for ADHD. It is best, to be proactive about her symptoms so that she is connected with the necessary resources to help her long term. I will email you directly with additional resources, please check your email.
-Danielle
Hi there
My 10year old recently started doing vocal noise,long with not concetrating, focusing getting easily distracted he have a lot of things going on in his life but he does try to do he work and has a good understanding in all his subjects on what he has learned so far but he has become a bit disruptive by going on in class and talking suddenly became like this.
Hi Kayla,
Thank you for reading our guest blog and sharing your concerns. I will contact you directly with some resources for you and your son please check your email.
-Danielle
Hello,
I would like to have more information about parent training and brain training for a 7-year old with ADHD. Thank YOU!
Hi Olga,
Thank you for reading our guest blog post! I will contact you directly with some resources on parent training, please check your email.
-Danielle
Hi, I have Triplets that are 5years old now. They are hyper active and find it difficult to concentrate when needed. I don’t want them on medication and I seriously want them to be calm and focus when needed. What should I do please.
Hi, I have Triplets that are 5years old now. They are hyper active and find it difficult to concentrate when needed. I don’t want them on medication and I seriously want them to be calm and focus when needed. What should I do please.
Hi Lucy,
Thank you for reading and commenting on our blog post. I can imagine that having triplets ages 5 years old can be difficult to manage. There are interventions that can be beneficial for you as the parent to help improve your children’s concentration. I will email you directly with some resources, please be sure to check your email.
-Danielle
Hi! My 6 year old is on ritalin but I now want to go the homeopathic route. He’s teacher is concerned it might cause him to regress, please advise. I’m also considering biofeedback but I’m scared as I don’t know anyone who who has ever done it.
Hi Lihle,
Thank you so much for taking the time to read our blog post. You have pose some great concerns, and there are alternative treatment options for children with ADHD. However, we suggest speaking to his current treatment provider about those options that would work best for your child. In addition, we are unable to answer specific questions regarding medication management and recommend that you consult with a psychiatrist. I will contact you directly to see if you need personalized help, please check your email.
Danielle
Hello,
I have a son who is an adult now and he went through his ADD and was able to graduate a 2 year college course. Now, I have a 10 year old daughter who is going through it. Can you give me more information on treatments without medication pls? Both as adult and child. Thank you!
My seven year old grandson has just started living with me and he is very disruptive with short attention spans. He has walked around in circles since he was 4. He gets angry very easily and has extreme temper tantrams. He consistently aggitates other children and is having problems in school. Now his 3 year old little sister is following his lead. Please help me figure out what to do to help him.
My daughter is 7 and she has been on Focalin for about 3 months now. It’s a small dosage (10 ml – once a day) that she takes but I feel like once it wears off, she’s slightly aggressive and way more hyper than she normally is. I didn’t want to put her on medication to begin with but her self esteem was taking a major beating at school so I decided to try it just so she would see “normal.” I really don’t want her on it anymore but now I’m scared not knowing what will happen if I just stop giving it to her. I would like to try these steps out.
Hi Donna,
Thank you for reading our guest blog post! I will contact you directly with some resources on treatment options as well as parent training, please check your email.
-Danielle
Hi Linda,
Thank you for reading our guest blog post! I will contact you directly with some resources on treatment options as well as parent training, please check your email.
-Danielle
Hi Maria,
Thank you for reading our guest blog post! I would first suggest speaking to her prescribing doctor to express your concerns about how she behaviors once the medication has worn off. The prescribing doctor may have alternative options that may work better for her. I will also email you directly with some resources on treatment options as well as parent trainin.
-Danielle
Hi, my Son is 5 years old diagnosed with ADHD. Presently not on any medication as his doctors declined that as an option. Now, my worry is that his restlessness and hyperactivity is increasing. Screaming, continues movement and heating his hands on the head is what he goes through daily. This is greatly affecting is general well-being including playing no attention to studies. We have tried all means possible to make him calm down but to no avail. He hardly associates with strangers and always scared at first sight of a new face. His situation has cost us a lot of worries and much of embarrassment. Kindly advise us on how best to handle this please.
Hi Michael,
Thank you for reading and sharing your story about your young child.
It may be worth getting another evaluation to get a second opinion. There are interventions that can be beneficial for you as the parent to help improve your child’s concentration as well. I will email you directly with some resources, please be sure to check your email.
-Danielle
Please kindly send the information that you have on focus for a 7 year old. He tries really hard but can’t seem to focus nor retain information.
Hi Tina,
Thank you for reading and sharing. A good evaluation will help to clarify best means of interventions and support for him. If you have not reached out to his school (i.e school social worker or school psychologist) regarding your concerns, that would be the best first step. I will email you additional tips and resources to support you and your son.
-Danielle
Hi , my 5 year old finds it really hard to stay still and talks nonstop. Could you share some tips for him and me to help him thanks
Hi Ifunanya,
Thank you for reading our guest blog post! I will contact you directly with some resources on parent training, please check your email.
-Danielle
Hi, Can you pls send me information about parent training and brain training for my 7 yr old boy with ADHD to help him focus more and have a longer attention span. Thanks
Hi Raina,
Thank you for reading our guest blog post! I will contact you directly with some resources on parent training, please check your email.
-Danielle
Hello, my granddaughter is 5years old and has ADHD. We don’t want to medicate her. Her parents changed her sleeping pattern, her food, well some what because she’s a picky eater and she is taking piano lessons. The school she attends allow children that are hyper to run around before class begins but her focus is still difficult, and she still struggles to listen and sit still. What else can we try with out medication?
Hi Diane,
Thank you for reading our guest blog post! I will contact you directly with some resources, please check your email.
-Danielle
Hi Diane, my son is 9 years old and experiencing a hard time focusing especially with school, can you please send me some resources for me so I can try and help this before it escalates , he’s been diagnosed with speech and language delay at 2 he was able to get early intervention and other services and was able to stride , I would hate to see him go down now. Please help.
Hi Maria,
Thank you for reading our guest blog post! I will contact you directly with some resources, please check your email.
-Danielle
Hello,
My 7 yr. Old son has a hard time listening and following orders when we tell him something and every time some say anything to him he wants to argue back. When it’s time for bed he wants to stay up and he will not go to sleep. I have to give him Melatonin on school nights so he can get enough sleep. How do I manage his behaviors without medication.
Hi Tee.
Thank you for reading our guest blog post! I will contact you directly with some resources on parent training, please check your email.
-Danielle
Can I learn / know more about the mindfulness , music therapy as well as brain training to help a 12 year old with adhd
Hi Aparna,
Thank you for reading our guest blog post! I will contact you directly with some resources on parent training, please check your email.
-Danielle
My seven year old daughter has been diagnosed with ADHD, is there a resource that can help find reputable providers skilled in EEG (we live in Arizona)? Same question regarding behavioral therapy. Want to learn more about music therapy as well. Thank you for any feedback and guidance
Hi Jan,
Thank you for reading our guest blog post! I will contact you directly with some resources, please check your email.
-Danielle
Great post! and incredible blog! Very helpful post! I must say. Simple & interesting. Wonderful work!