ADHD: Alternatives to Medication

On-Demand Class · Emotions & Behavior

Many parents panic when told that their children need Ritalin or some other form of medication. In this course you will arm yourself with all the information you need to make an informed decision as to the best course of action for your child.

Class Description

Gain a strong understanding of natural, sustainable alternatives for ADHD children and how to implement these yourself. Learn about how often ADHD is actually a misdiagnosis for another condition Find out if your child’s unique learning style is accommodated in their school Learn how to create an ADHD friendly diet Find out if your child’s sleeping habits may be creating their symptoms and what to do about this Recognize any unmet needs that may be influencing your child’s behavior Find out why honoring your child’s values may be the most important step you take in helping them to learn and focus Learn about alternative natural treatments including stress biofeedback, herbs, chiropractic care and family therapy in resolving ADHD symptoms This course will help you to make the best decisions for your unique family. You will be able to pick and choose from the variety of tools and skills offered to find what works for your child and in your own particular circumstances. This course is not just about dealing with a disorder, but more about how to help your children to overcome their challenges and to fulfill their potential in life.

Sessions Overview

  1. Introduction: In this session you will get a brief outline of what will be covered in this course and how to best make use of te course.
  2. Introduction to your session teacher: An introduction to your session teacher, Mia Von Scha - Life and Parenting Coach. Take a quick look at my qualifications and motivation for creating this course.
  3. What is ADHD?: In this session you will learn about the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and problems inherent in diagnosis. You will also have a pdf with some quotes from experts on what they have to say about ADHD, along with links to the full articles if you wish to read further.
  4. Side effects: In this session we will cover some of the side effects of Ritalin and the weighing up of pros and cons.
  5. What else could it be?: If it's not ADHD, then what could it be? This session introduces you to the topics we'll be covering for the rest of the course...
  6. Age appropriate behavior: In this session we'll look at how age appropriate behavior can be mistaken for ADHD, as well as gender differences between girls and boys and why boys are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. What if there isn't a problem at all?
  7. Misdiagnosis: Similar symptoms, different diagnosis. In this session we will highlight some alternate diagnoses that often get misdiagnosed as ADHD. You will receive a pdf of 50 different conditions that often get misdiagnosed as ADHD so that you can embark on your own investigation.
  8. Labeling: How labeling a child as having ADHD may change the way that we see them. I have also attached an article on "Why French Children Don't Have ADHD". I would definitely recommend watching this Youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uU6o2_UFSEY
  9. Learning styles: Is your child a kinesthetic learner? In this session we'll explore different learning styles and how these contribute to focus and learning.
  10. Sugar and carbohydrates: This session will be the first of a few sessions looking at diet and how this contributes to wellbeing and behavior. This lecture will focus on sugar and carbs. There is also an excellent video on diet and psychiatric problems https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-TupRO7qjc
  11. Nutrient deficiencies: Some common vitamin and mineral deficiencies that create symptoms of ADHD. I've included some recipes for making your own probiotics!
  12. Food allergies: In this session we will explore common allergens and food additives that may be affecting your child's behavior.
  13. Some useful herbs: Two natural herbs that have been found to help with managing symptoms of ADHD and some other possible alternative treatments. You can also try these alternatives: https://www.cognitune.com/best-natural-adderall-alternatives/
  14. Creating a dietary protocol: How to put all these dietary principles into action! I've attached some resources to get you going. Also try this site: https://www.thepaleomom.com/
  15. Environmental Toxins: Common household toxins, how these affect neurotransmitters in the brain, and how to avoid them. Attachments include a list of things to look out for and a recipe for natural suncream!
  16. Stress: Why stress is the ultimate roadblock to learning and how you can help your child to overcome it. Try this simple breathing exercise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YKeY09uG8U
  17. Exercise, sleep and overstimulation: How much exercise is necessary? Is it ADHD or sleep deprivation? How do over and under-stimulation affect a child's ability to learn and concentrate? Answers to all these questions, a sleepy time audio track to help your kids switch off at night, and some ideas on earning screentime...
  18. Human needs and their link to behavior: This session is all about why making sure your child's psychological needs are met is essential in avoiding misbehavior and distraction in class. See the attached exercise.
  19. The importance of values: Why values are the most important factor in determining whether a child will have attention and retention of information.
  20. How to determine your child's values: Using the Demartini Values Determination Process to find out what is really important to your child. See the attached worksheet & this link http://www.transformationalparenting.guru/transformationalparentingblog/the-values-jar-getting-to-know-your-kids-on-a-deeper-level
  21. Family Therapy: In this session we consider using family therapy to help break up systemic problems that may be affecting your child.
  22. Summary of action steps: Now that you have all the information, where do you begin putting it into action? Find the handy check list attached to guide you through the steps.
  23. Medication or alternatives?: A final thought on the decision making process.

Your Instructor

Mia VonScha

Mia is a child therapist and transformational parenting & mindfulness coach, a motivational speaker, and author of inspirational children's books. She has been featured in numerous television, radio and magazine interviews for her alternative approach to parenting and life.

Degrees and Certifications

MA Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy for Children, Adolescents, and Families (Roehampton) EMDR (EMDR Centre London) BA Psychology (Unisa) Certified Trauma Counsellor (RAU) Advanced Certificate in Mindfulness for Individuals & Young Learners (Enjoy TEFL)

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