How Do I Treat ADHD Naturally?

If your doctor diagnoses your child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, he'll probably also prescribe some medication that can help treat the disease. This may not be the route you want to take. Some children with ADHD respond well to natural solutions to the problem. If you're hesitant about giving your child medicine to treat his problem, you can try these methods first. If they work, you may never have to use that prescription. Always run your ideas by your pediatrician.

Create a Schedule

Create a schedule for your child. It can be easier for your child to manage his behavior if he knows what he has to do now and what he'll have to do next. Post the daily schedule in the kitchen or another high-traffic area of the home.

Divide and Conquer

Divide everyday actions into task lists. Children with ADHD may have trouble completing even the most usual actions. For example, you may need to make a list to tell your child that when she goes to the bathroom, she must go, wipe, flush the toilet and wash her hands.

Revise Your Child's Diet

Change your child's diet. Though there is currently no research to support the idea that controlling sugar intake can control ADHD, other potential allergens in food, such as dyes, wheat, chemical additives or salicylates could affect ADHD. The Feingold Diet is a diet that limits what your child can eat, but the University of Maryland Medical Center reports that many parents have found success when putting their child on this diet.

Reward Your Child

Reward your child for his efforts. Putting in a good effort toward something should be more important than the final outcome. You may want to establish a reward system, such as a sticker chart or a weekly allowance.

Start Exercising

Exercise as a family. Kids Health reports that exercise can help a child burn some energy and help her improve her focus. If your entire family exercises together, your child with ADHD doesn't feel singled out.

Open Communication

Keep the lines of communication open on all fronts. You should talk to your child's teachers about the things that you're trying to do at home and your doctor about the fact that you're trying more natural methods. You should also be open with your child about the disease that she has and with her friends' parents about why he may act out.