There are few things happening today more disappointing than the massive chemical experiment being applied to our kid’s brains. 

Who knows what the consequences of giving kids brain altering drugs will be.  There are already warnings about antidepressants and suicide.  The largest experiment being Ritalin and other stimulants, which alter the neurotransmitter composition of the brain (chemical messengers). 

On one hand, I rest easy knowing that brains are resilient, beyond our imagination.  On the other hand, I know that these kids need help with their brain, and as a result they are struggling, and often medicated, which does nothing for the underlying problems. 

If you are a parent and are uncomfortable with the drugging of our kids, what can be done for aggression, inattention, disruption, anger, hostility, and other symptoms, including the autism spectrum?

From a practical perspective, being a doctor dad, I can offer our personal strategies for our kids. 

Avoid food additives and colors.  If you want to experience acute ADHD and upset in your children, give them some food colors.  Our oldest daughter, Savannah, is most susceptible to these chemicals.  I can recall a few screaming upsets that occurred directly following eating these chemicals at a party.  If they are a regular part of your diet, you may not know what calm looks like!

Whole food choices.  Whole foods are unaltered from the way nature offers them.  While we are far from perfect, the intention toward whole foods has a limiting effect on the consumption of refined sugars and flours, while emphasizing veggies, fruit, and protein sources.  Another direct route to a crazy kid is blood sugar dysregulation from constantly consuming junk foods high in processed, refined sugars and grains. 

Physical and mental stimulation.  We engage our kids in conversation, projects, and physical play.  Our babies are adjusted, tossed, turned, rolled, and exercised.  Direct eye contact and communication at all ages is a must.  Singing, art, dance, yoga, flips, swinging, running, climbing, and jumping are brain building activities that we use on a regular basis.  

Yes, the basics, with intention. 

From a clinical perspective, we call the “problems” listed above, “Functional Disconnection Syndromes.”  Which simply means that certain areas of the brain aren’t doing their jobs and/or communicating with other areas of the brain. 

For example, ADHD is nearly always a lack of frontal cortex activation.  This can be caused by self image issues, immune stressors, or lack of physical stimulation.  (Video games, TV)

As a clinician, we can watch eye movements, body patterns, and other reflexes and develop a plan to stimulate the lower functioning parts of the brain.  Simple things like vibration, massage, timing exercises, sounds, smells, and eye exercises depending on how cooperative the child is. 

In the meantime, we assess confounders, including immune and stress chemicals, emotional states, allergies, inflammations, and blood sugar regulation.   These are the ultimate causes of functional disconnection, and the myriad of symptoms from ADD to Autism. 

Give your kid his or her best opportunity for health, happiness, and success in whatever endeavor.  We can provide a specific program, for at home or supervised, to clean up, clear up, and build up a great brain.