ADHD is not preventable. There is very little a parent can do – or did – for their child to have developed ADHD. While things like limiting screen time and taking prenatal vitamins *may* decrease the risk of ADHD, it is believed to be entirely a developmental disorder that occurs no matter the behaviors of the parent.
Once a child has ADHD, it is also not something that can be “cured.” But it may be possible to reduce the severity of symptoms. As therapists that work with children, teens, and adults with ADHD, we know from experience that managing ADHD symptoms can go a long way towards improving other areas of mental health, like anxiety and depression. Thus, it is a good idea to pay attention to parenting tips and techniques that might help manage ADHD presentation.
Food, Exercise, and Coaching
Parenting a child or teen with ADHD is unique, and different from parenting a neurotypical youth. We offer parent coaching services with ADHD Training Center to help parents navigate these challenges, including building your child’s confidence, focus skills, and more.
Another component to pay attention to is diet and exercise. Like most techniques for controlling ADHD, diet and exercise alone are not going to be a “cure,” but they can reduce the severity of symptoms and may help parents and children with behaviors.
“Food and nutrition can play a very helpful role in the management of ADHD symptoms and behaviors” says Rebecca Appleman of Appleman Nutrition, a nutrition counseling company in New York. “Ensuring the diet is well-balanced and includes adequate amounts of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, iron, magnesium, and vitamins B, C, and D can all help support brain function to improve cognition, memory, focus, and mood.”
Rebecca also believes that it’s important to monitor your child’s reaction to different foods. “Research also shows that eliminating any food intolerances or sensitivities one may have can help to reduce adverse symptoms, but these food triggers vary on an individual basis.”
Eating food may not cure ADHD, but it may help children manage their symptoms better, making life for both you and them easier to manage.
Exercise is similar. Exercise:
- Improves focus and attention – Exercise increases dopamine and norepinephrine, which support concentration.
- Reduced impulsivity – Physical activity enhances executive function, helping regulate behavior.
- Better mood regulation – Exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, often co-occurring with ADHD.
Excess energy can be challenging for children that are already trying to manage ADHD. Exercise can use much of that energy, improving sleep quality while also boosting some of the neurotransmitters that help children manage their mental health.
Making Decisions that Support ADHD/Executive Function Disorder
The foods your child eats and the amount of exercise they enjoy should not be looked at as cures for ADHD. But they are tools that can support a more ADHD-managed life – not only for your child, but for you as well. If your child might benefit from therapy, please reach out to Long Island Counseling Services today.