Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders. Symptoms of ADHD include: difficulty staying focused, difficulty paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and over-reactivity. The prevalence in the U.S. is 86% of children have ADHD. Parents of children with ADHD tend to have a diminished quality of life, increased economic costs, and increased risk for developing long-term academic underachievement. If ADHD goes untreated, it increases the risk of conduct, violence, alcohol dependence, antisocial behavior, and criminality.
In children with ADHD, there is a chemical imbalance in the brain where the body is not functioning properly, such as digesting and detoxifying certain foods. The inability to digest and detoxify certain foods balancing the body's homeostasis tends to increase ADHD symptoms. In addition, if the body is nutritionally deficient, everything tastes bad and bland, leading to more picky eating tendencies (decreased appetite).
What can Feeding Therapy do for clients with ADHD?
Develop strategies to increase attention span during mealtimes (at school, dinner table)
Refer to other specialists that may be able to provide internal health solutions
A gastrointestinal (GI) specialist can help determine the client’s current gut health, as gut health correlates with full body function, such as attention span.
Changing the child’s diet can…
Relieve GI problems
Lessen constipation
Improve language skills and learning
Increase focus and attention
Reduce hyperactivity
Increase better sleep
Ease toilet training
Reference
Darby, J. (n.d.). Nutrition management for patients with ADHD - Summit professional
education. Summit Education. from https://summit-education.com/online-course
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