Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can often be overcome through lifestyle changes. Over-Medication and over-diagnosis don’t cure at all. David Rabiner – Overcoming ADHD Without Medication: A Guidebook for Parents, Teachers compliles the latests insights, research results and recommended further reading on this topic. Causes for ADHD like behaviours (the authors keep away from labels like ‘being ADHD’ or ‘having ADHD’) may be nutrition (too much sugars, think of the snacks, unhealthy school breakfast), movies and television (R-rated movies, too fast and violent ones), games (from playing video games or internet games for hours a day), sleep shortage, use of drugs and alcohol during pregnancy. Remediation, other than medication, can be found in music (which in turn can have negative effects as well), green therapy (spend more time with your kids outside in nature), drawing and other art forms, unconditional love, better nutrition and more healthy habits regarding gaming (online) in solitude. Teachers may offer one on one coaching, alternate grouping in class or include arts instead of just one other teaching method. This book provides many additional resources, websites, books and organizations, that can help parents to help their children. Highly recommended! ( )

I am currently a graduate student in the Masters in teaching program at WSU. The topic of ADHD/ADD is on the forefront of many educators’ minds. As someone who will be starting student teaching soon, I found this book very inspirational and informative.

The book Overcoming ADHD without Medication is a great starting point for teachers, parents, and individuals concerned about ADHD. The information that the book contains is easy to understand, so it can be a valuable resource for someone who is new to the realm of ADHD, as well as those who are interested in learning of alternative treatments for ADHD symptoms. It is important to note that this book does not disparage the possible positive outcomes that medication can have; instead, it educates the reader on what to consider when choosing a treatment option for a child with symptoms of ADHD and the possibilities of other treatments in lieu of or in partnership with medication. The book also does a good job of promoting a positive outlook in regards to ADHD.

Included in the book is a chapter titled “Is Medication the Answer?” which contains the different viewpoints behind using medication to treat ADHD symptoms and a wonderful Q&A section that I believe will be very helpful to many parents. Chapters 4 and 5 provide brief, but research-supported descriptions on other treatment options that parents and educators can consider for a child. Towards the end of the book, there are lists of resources in relation to alternative treatments that a parent or teacher can explore as well as a helpful checklist of questions parents and educators should consider when a child has symptoms of ADHD/ADD.

For me, this book was refreshing because of both the positive outlook and the introduction to options outside of medication. Unless it is the last resort, I am not one to promote medicating children. A child’s mind and body are still developing, and the adults within the child’s life should take into consideration ALL the affects that medication can have on a child. There are often times other options a parent can try out before relying on stimulant medication, and this book is a great starting point to learn about these other options. ( )

This is our book, the AYCNP. It was developed from six-plus years of field work and research and represents the lifework of many dedicated professionals who work with children daily. We hope that it helps many parents and professionals in their assisting children to be successful and to overcome childhood and teen difficulties such as ADHD. ( )

This is our own book from the Association for Youth, Children and Natural Psychology, a NJ non-profit which operates as a 501 c(3). The book is the work of NJ public school educators, and represents the life work of many professionals who work daily with children. It helps parents to both understand what leads to an ADHD diagnosis, as well as what they can do to help their children overcome these symptoms with medication. ( )