[christent04]

Okay, so when I write for DS, I usually write on subjects that are tangible. Even though I am almost through with my BA in Psychology, I stay away from it b/c I was always afraid I would write about something and the editor would just have a different opinion on my answer for the article. Well, I decided to venture out and write on something that I really know a LOT about :
How to treat ADHD in children without Medication.

How STUPID was I to even think that I would land it with a decent editor. Okay, there are so many different methods for people to handle ADHD. I have ADHD. I DON'T take medication, at all. I manage it with behavioral therapy. That's how I manage my youngest son. He is almost 5 and exhibits so many signs of ADHD it drives me insane sometimes. I had to pull him out of Pre-K because the teacher complained so much. I keep him at home now. I'm enrolling him in Martial Arts after Christmas (get past the holidays first). I personally think the editor wants me to rewrite it because it's their opinion on my article and not because it isn't written properly.

Okay, so here's what the editor wrote:
Nov 20, 2009 -
The best non-medical cure for ADHD is Nuerofeedback. You don't need to include that in the article, because the article seems to take a behavioral therapy slant; but what you do need to do is talk about behavioral therapy in the intro and briefly mention other alternative cures, but then tell us that the article is talking about this one (since there are so many).
However, look up Neurofeedback for your child. It's the best. I had ADHD, as did my son. Unlike other options, Neurofeedback does not "manage" ADHD. It cures it!

*And might I add, that ADHD is NOT curable. This is a WELL-KNOWN fact. I've figured out how to manage it, but I'm NOT cured by any means.*

This is a "How To" article.

Here is my original article:

It seems that today when a child will not sit still in the classroom or seems to lack the ability to keep their attention focused on one thing, the diagnosis ends with ADD or ADHD. Then, the child takes prescriptions to “control” this behavior. Perhaps the solution for this child who does not behave accordingly is due to lack of attention, structure, physical activity or even sleep. Adjust these factors and avoid medication. According to athealth.com as many as 20% receive no real benefits from medication and those that do, still experience problems with ADHD.


Treating ADHD without medication requires change. Change any personal point of view and attitude you hold towards her behavior. This positive attitude must come from you. Release the frustration you have as an adult and try to understand her. Think about how she feels as a child who has trouble paying attention or sitting still. Focus on the positive, let go of the negative.


Take parenting classes. Enroll in other courses that allow the parent and child to work together to help the child and parent cope better with ADHD. These courses teach ways to handle the fidgeting, hyperactivity, improve focusing skills and much more. Keep a positive and open mind because parents going into these courses also work on improving parental behavior.


Think of the behaviors you want to encourage. Using positive reinforcement, when she does something like cleans her room by herself, encourages her, as this is the behavior you want to reoccur. Use fairness when deciding on a proper consequence for her actions. You want to improve the inappropriate behavior, not worsen it.


Approach a child with patience and love. Give him plenty of affection and attention. Children love hugs, books and even just watching that favorite movie with mommy or daddy. Teach him patience through showing him patience. The “do as I do” model for him to follow works because children love to imitate and soak up parental actions.

Parent a child with consistency. Children thrive on consistent routines every single day. Implement a daily routine and stick with it. Make sure the routine meets the needs of the child and remember to meet your individual needs too.

Remove all the sugary foods out of her diet. Replace these with healthy snacks and meals. Children do not require the extra boost from foods that do more harm than good. Healthy foods aid in proper growth and functioning of the body and mind.

Set an early bedtime. A young child need not be up late at night. The more sleep they receive, the better they behave. Lack of sleep causes an increase in hyperactivity/inattentive symptoms in children compared with those who received more than 7.7 hours of sleep a night according to medscape.com.




So, please, tell me... Am I crazy to think that this editor is just going on something based on their personal opinion? And that's what led to the rewrite?? I worked hard on this article, because it's so close to home and I wanted it to include information that I find works in my house, from personal experience and with what the experts say. I'm not saying that this is the ONLY way to help control ADHD, but they do help.. ALOT.


I mean, I added 5 websites for my references and resources.

What do you guys think?? Abandon?? I don't WANT to rewrite it, especially in the way the editor is suggesting. It's not a strategy article.