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Does my child have ADHD, ADD or dyslexia?
ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder) and ADD(Attention Deficit Disorder), are becoming increasingly commonly diagnosed. ADD/ADHD is hard to define because of the large spectrum of symptoms and manifestations. Dyslexia refers to a language disability in which the individual finds it hard to translate languages into action. Approximately 60-70% of individuals with ADD or ADHD have dyslexia as well.
The Dyslexia Research Institute in Florida, USA, suggests that the following symptoms may be indicative of Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorders:-
- Spotty performance on IQ tests: high in some areas, low in others; IQ scores decline by age 1.
- Poor visual motor perception resulting in handwriting and copying problems
- Poor reading and/or comprehension skill.
- Poor phonological awareness – difficulty in learning and organising sounds: may affect speech, reading and spelling
- Poor ability to deal with time
- Poor spatial orientation resulting in poor handwriting and problems with reading body language
- Variability in performance – able to do something once but not the next time
- Difficulty in interpreting nuances
- Difficulty in generalisation of information
- Difficulty in developing morals and ethics
- Attention and concentration deficits
If you think your child may have ADD, ADHD or dyslexia, they should be diagnosed by a specialist so they can be put into special programmes to aid their learning.
There are many recommendations for diet, supplements and prescribed medications to treat ADD, ADHD and dyslexia.A word of caution, however - since medical science is still unable to pinpoint the cause of these conditions, most recommendations may not be ideal for every individual. Many of the supplements recommended for treatment seek to address certain deficiencies found in ADD and ADHD individuals or tip the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. They do not, however, remove the cause.
Omega-3 Oils:
Often found in fish and nuts, omega 3 (alpha linolenic acid) is a precursor for DHA and EPA.
DHA, or docasahexanoic acid, is the primary building block of brain tissue. It is therefore essential for brain function and may help in certain behavioural and neurological disorders. It is often a component of fish oil and flaxseed oil.
A combination of DHA and EPA reduces the symptoms of ADHD children with learning difficulties in a significant number of studies, over a minimum 12-week period.
Pycnogenol:
An extract from the French maritime pine bark, its antioxidant properties allow increased flow of nutrients to the brain and regulate enzymes that control the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. It is hypothesized that there is decreased blood flow to the brain in ADD.
Gingko biloba:
This is an extract from the leaves of the gingko biloba tree, from which the potentially toxic ginkgolic acid is removed. It may perform a mild neuroprotective function by inihibiting monoamine oxidase and thus increase mental alertness and overall brain function. In addition, studies have shown that gingko increases blood perfusion to both the brain and periphery, and increases attention span. It should be used with caution in people who are on anticoagulants, pregnant or breastfeeding. The typical recommended dose is 240mg a day.
St John's Wort:
This supplement is purported to increase serotonin availbility in the brain. However, exact composition of each supplement depends on the harvesting, processing and storage of the material. It has several contraindications, especially with most prescription medications taken for depression. Studies have not shown any conclusive evidence for using St John's wort to treat ADHD.
Carnitine:
Increases the ability of certain tissues to produce energy; studies show that it is promising but further studies are needed to substantiate this.
Iron:
Iron deficiency is implicated in learning disabilities and ADHD. Iron is essential for the creation of some neurotransmitters and helps regulate dopamine.
Zinc:
Taking 40mg daily gives modest benefits, however, absorption is hindered by simultaneous intake of calcium, manganese, copper, iron and some prescription medications.
Kavakava:
Increase concentration, memory and reaction time. Taking kavakava may help with anxiety and restlessness associated with ADHD and ADD. However, this supplement is contraindicated in children under 12 and with mant prescription-only antidepressants.
Other supplements include valerian, which soothe reponses to stress and increase restful sleep; DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol), which increases the production of the neurotransmitter, acetycholine; and L-Glutamine, which increases brain electrical patterns.
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