Drug Free Options
Alternative Approaches
- Sight & Hearing
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech Therapy
- Exercise
- Diet
- Education & Learning Styles
- Neuro-biofeedback
- Trauma Counselling
- Social Skills Training
- Parenting Skills & Family Counselling
- Meditation & Relaxation Techniques
- Toxins & Auditory Processing
- Other Treatments
Points to Consider for Non-Drug approaches
Parents don't want to waste time, energy and money on therapies that are not going to help their child's unique challenges. The following is a list of recommendations and points to consider to help you to manage your child's problems.
- It is of vital importance that if you are using medications to manage your child, drugs should be used in conjunction with other non-drug interventions, e.g. self-management strategies and counselling.
- Do your research. Look into a particular approach from a variety of sources - books and websites are particularly helpful. Keep in mind though, that there are pros and cons to virtually everything.
- Just because some technique or method hasn't been scientifically proven, or is out of the mainstream, doesn't mean it won't help your child. Many scientifically respected methods of intervention started off with a simple observation of having 'worked'.
- Since all children presenting with attention and behaviour problems are unique, paying attention to testimonies of observant parents dealing with similar challenges to your child can be very helpful.
- Does the method of treatment make sense (especially physiologically)? Is it appropriate for your child?
- Be wary of over-inflated claims, e.g. those treatments claiming a 'cure'. Don't necessarily be put off by such claims either - the intervention may still be a very useful tool in managing your child's problems.
- Consult with professionals who are willing to listen and support you and who are more holistic/open in their approach. Keep in mind that most professionals don't know everything about all current interventions and treatments.
- Of course our children are what is most precious to us. Consider the cost of the treatment with that in mind. Look at the treatment as being an investment in their ongoing well-being and success. If the treatment seems expensive, are there less costly, more effective alternatives you haven't tried yet?
- Is the treatment safe? Are there any risks? Often the 'worst case scenario' in trialling an alternative treatment, is that there will be no change.
- How long will it take to see positive results/some improvement?
- When embarking on a particular treatment intervention it's a good idea to tell as few people as possible, so you can get honest, non-biased feedback.
Remember, regardless of which treatment approach you try, the most powerful way in which a child can be helped is by building a positive, strong support network, especially within the family and at school.
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