Posted by: Cheryl Healey on: July 24, 2011
Has it been suggested to you that your child may have ADHD? Has your child already been diagnosed with ADHD? Are you looking for natural solutions because on some level you know drugs are only a band-aid and do not address the root causes of symptoms? Do you work with ADHD children? Whatever your reason for reading this book, buckle your seatbelt and get ready to unhook from the current mainstream ideas about ADHD and these trail-blazing children!
It is now estimated that somewhere between 5-10% of children ages 6-17 have been diagnosed with ADHD. According to statistics, an estimated 2.5 million or more children are on drugs to manage the symptoms attributed to ADHD. Why are the numbers so high and constantly increasing? Why do so many children have a brain that is different and labeled as ADHD? Have you ever asked these questions?
With 5-10% of the population of our youth diagnosed with an ADHD brain, it has reached critical mass or the tipping point. In his book, The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference, Malcolm Gladwell states that a tipping point is “the level at which the momentum for change becomes unstoppable.”
Since the time of the caveman, the human brain has gone through many stages of progression. Man and nature are hard-wired to evolve. It would be unwise to believe we have already reached the pinnacle of evolution in our current state.
I have two important messages to share about ADHD. In a nutshell,
According to Charles Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection, natural selection is nature’s way of preserving new traits in a species that at first may seem like genetic mutations. While this is just a theory, I have come to truly believe that the ADHD brain is the next evolution of the human mind. I believe that they are extra sensitive in many ways and utilize a larger percentage of their brain capacity. That is why the numbers keep increasing around the world. Sensitive children with the capability to utilize more of their mind and intuitive gifts are here to lead us into the new age we are entering. This new brain – new mind, naturally has the traits and abilities required to help humans thrive in the world we have all created. These children, often labeled as ADHD, are becoming the new normal.
Just like everyone, these children hold within them a life purpose that is needed to help the evolution of the planet. Whether it is in a small or large way, they are a gift and so is the contribution they are here to offer.
In his book entitled The New Brain (Rodale Books, September, 2004), Richard Restak, M.D., a neurosurgeon and popular science writer about the brain, makes a case of a society creating a need for ADHD traits and that perhaps ADHD should no longer be considered a disorder.
I have some questions for you:
If you answered yes to any or all of the questions above, you are not alone. Everyone without a diagnosis of ADHD has sensed the need for what this brain can do innately. As a society, or perhaps world-wide, we have created the need for traits and habits that are helping us keep up with the modern way of life we have created.
Multi-tasking has been adopted as a way of coping to try to keep up with all that is going on around us and in our busy lives. By multi-tasking, an entire population is trying to adapt and do what the ADHD brain does naturally. However, medical studies now tell us that multi-tasking creates damage in the human brain.
We live in a time when everything is moving very quickly. Information is multiplying at a rate of approximately 66% per year as of studies done a few years ago. Some estimates state that by 2013 information on the Internet will double approximately every 72 hours. Change is the only constant.
Have you ever watched a news program with multiple screen shots projected at once? Which one should your mind focus upon? You have probably viewed at some point a television program with stock market quotes moving along the bottom of the screen like a conveyor belt. Even if you try to focus on the person speaking, your eyes and mind wander to the bottom of the page from time to time.
Are you doing the work of more than one person? Are you a wife, mother, entrepreneur, housekeeper, etc.? Are you a husband, father, business professional and honey-do-man? How many hats can one person wear successfully and still enjoy a harmonious lifestyle?
We are also a society hooked on the “quick fix”, no doubt birthed out of the same need to keep up with the ever-increasing speed of life and not loose any ground. As a population we want food, banking and dry cleaning in the drive-through lane and a pill to make everything better immediately. Depending on the person, the “pill” does not have to be a drug. It can be food, exercise or even addictive or non-health enhancing behaviors that get you through the day. There are a plethora of coping mechanisms available for modern-day stress relief.
Medical research now states that stress is the number one cause of disease. The unfortunate catch 22 we have created for ourselves in this society is that the majority of stress relievers to which we turn are often also killers – or at least not life enhancing solutions. So I ask you, if something you put in your body does not enhance your life and vitality, do you ever stop and wonder what it is actually doing to the only body you have in this lifetime?
Children learn by example. The “do what I say and not what I do” model doesn’t work and it never did. The way parents (or other childhood mentors) handle life and day-to-day issues are the way children learn to view and deal with life as well. It is very common that a child either follows the mold set by one parent or does the exact opposite. If you look back on your childhood, you have probably done the same thing.
We all look at life through our own unique way of thinking and believing. We are so entrenched in our individual worldview that we think it is just how things are in life. It is a case of not seeing the forest because you are in the thick of the trees.
The forest I’m speaking about is our current way of treating sensitive children with symptoms identified as ADHD. It starts with public schools requiring every child to fit into a mold and excel under the model created by the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). Fitting the mold means getting good test scores which determines the amount of funding the school receives which then determines teacher performance reviews.
If a child is disruptive in school or isn’t getting good grades, parents are essentially given an ultimatum to address their child’s behavior and/or grades so the system keeps running. There may have been a time when it was normal for teachers to have the extra time to spend with students. However, all the budget cuts and reduced staffing has taken a toll on everyone. With over 2.5 million children on drugs prescribed by doctors to control the symptoms of ADHD, many feel this is the right and normal thing to do. I also know that the decision to drug a child is typically something over which most parents deeply struggle.
There is currently a big referral network that exists between the No Child Left Behind Act, schools, doctors, drug companies, food manufacturers and perhaps even the Food and Drug Administration. This model is not healthy nor does it serve these sensitive children. I believe that when everyone is educated with the bigger picture and healthier solutions, smarter choices will be made and changes in the system will occur. If you’ve ever seen the cartoon The Jetsons, you may remember George Jetson walking the dog on a treadmill that has gone wild and yelling to his wife: “Jane, stop this crazy thing!”
That is the point I know we have reached in the current treatment model. It is now time for the tide to turn in favor of these wonderful children. ADHD is not a disorder. It is just a case of improper diet, toxicity, a need for focus training and perhaps some emotional healing. Everyone has been doing the best they know how to do under the current systems. When we all know more, we can do things differently and choose healthier solutions. I believe it is essential that ADHD symptoms be treated naturally whenever possible to stabilize the brain healthfully and provide the best possible life for the children. There are proven solutions that have worked for over 40 years. I will share them with you in subsequent chapters.
Dr. Daniel Amen has written many books, one about ADHD in particular. He uses SPEC scans to diagnose ADHD. In his book entitled, Healing ADD: The Breakthrough Program That Allows You to See and Heal the 6 Types of ADD, Dr. Amen recommends natural solutions as the first choice. Protocols suggested include proper diet, exercise, appropriate supplementation and coaching.
I am not convinced there are only six types of ADHD. I feel that each child is unique and so are the causes of their symptoms. While the six standard protocols recommended by Dr. Amen may work for the majority, those that do not respond positively and are guided toward medication obviously do not fit those pre-defined molds.
EEG scans are also used as a diagnostic tool by some health care providers for ADHD. EEG is also recommended as a biofeedback treatment for ADHD by some professionals. Electroencephalography (EEG) test results report certain facets of brain electrical function and processing, such as how electrically active various brain regions are and how responsive they may be to stimuli or during cognitive tasks.
My intention and wish for you by writing this book is to bring you out of the forest of current thinking and into the clear meadow so you can look at things with a broader perspective. In the end you will make the choice that you feel is best for your child and your family. However, I am convinced that after you know how to help your child naturally, that will be the only choice that will make sense for your child’s life and wellbeing.
Make no mistake about it. Society has demanded and the process of natural selection has responded with a new “physical advantage” that is obviously meant to equip us for success in the future. The ADHD brain is here to stay. Let’s treat it right!
Note: I use the words brain and mind interchangeably in this book. Since the brain can be photographed and an ADHD brain looks “abnormal” before natural healing and “normal” afterward, it would not appear that anything is different between an ADHD brain once healed of symptoms and a non-ADHD brain. However, the abilities of sensitive individuals labeled with ADHD are different than non-sensitive/ADHD people. I will explain more about this in a subsequent chapter.
From a scientific perspective, the cause of ADHD has been investigated without a definitive answer. Many theories abound from genetics and heredity, epigenetics, head trauma or toxic exposure. While the ADHD mind is the new “brain” that can handle the speed of life as we have now come to know it, the symptoms attributed to ADHD, I believe, are caused by the human epigenome.
Scientists in the field of epigenetics have found that we are what we eat and so are our children and their children. Epigenetics is the study of the epigenome. Epigenetics focuses on heritable changes that occur but do not alter DNA or the genome. DNA is the main component of chromosomes and is the material that transfers genetic characteristics. The genome is a full set of chromosomes; all the inheritable traits. Said differently, epigenetics is the study of that which can be inherited but does not come from DNA or the genome. Meaning something other than genetics is the cause.
Epigenetics literally translates to “above the genome”. Above the genome is a layer of chemicals (histones and methyl groups) that attach to the genome and change the way it expresses in the body. The epigenome tells the genome what kind of cells to be – essentially when to work, how to work and how much work to do.
Everyone has an epigenome and it tells cells how to operate. An issue arises when the chemicals in the epigenome restrict or change the healthy function of cells in the genome. A “problematic” epigenome can be inherited; created during critical life changes such as puberty, pregnancy; life traumas; or develop through one’s lifestyle (toxic foods, toxic exposure, etc.), and prolonged unhealthy emotions such as anxiety. The good news is that the epigenome can be changed naturally!
Think of the genome as the hardware of your human computer. The epigenome attaches to your genome and acts as software telling your cells what to do. The epigenome can tell a cell to be healthy or become abnormal and trigger reactions to certain foods, substances or create disease.
Scientists in the field of epigenetics have proven that food has successfully altered the epigenome in obese mice and their offspring. DukeUniversity’s Randy Jirtle summed up this study for NOVA by saying that “we’ve got to get people thinking more about what they do. They have a responsibility for their epigenome. Their genome they inherit. Their epigenome, they potentially can alter, and particularly that of their children. That brings in responsibility, but it also brings in hope. You’re not necessarily stuck with this. You can alter this.”
Epigenetics is still a relatively new field. Drug companies are already working to create drugs to alter the epigenome for many diseases. What side effects they may produce, only time will tell. In addition, this still leaves the contributing factors of managing emotions and one’s way of dealing with life issues. For ADHD, my money is on integrated natural solutions for children since they have worked for over 40 years and the science of epigenetics has proven that the epigenome can be healed with proper nutrients.
Did you know that Albert Einstein had ADHD and Aspergers? He didn’t speak until around the age of six. One of Albert’s elementary school teachers told his father that “It doesn’t matter what he does because he will never amount to anything.” Do multiple diagnoses and low expectations from those who do not understand sound familiar? The good news is that we all know the story and contributions of Albert Einstein. Every sensitive child diagnosed with ADHD can reach their optimum potential if we choose to view this as an opportunity to heal an unhealthy epigenome naturally rather than as a disorder.
While sensitive children with the ADHD brain are ushering in the new, they have arrived at a seemingly precarious time on Earth. Our food supplies are no longer pure and usually filled with additives and poisonous chemicals and preservatives. Corn in some form is fed to livestock and placed in the majority of all processed foods. Corn metabolizes as sugar. This is great for the weight loss industry, but it is creating an epidemic of diabetes for which drugs are often required.
The soil is depleted of nutrients required to keep the human body healthy and vital, and it is also sprayed with pesticides. Big business meat producers feed hormones and other chemicals to livestock to produce larger animals in a shorter amount of time. This enables them to go to market quicker. All of this is called “food” which you and your children ingest daily.
Since I am a huge animal lover, I must briefly mention here the heartbreakingly inhumane way animals are raised by big and centralized meat producers. It has become very easy for society to turn a blind eye to many things as long as our individual piece of the pie and our comfort zones remain undisturbed. I believe the term “don’t ask, don’t tell” was coined to describe the way animals are treated in these environments.
Supplements have become a common and very necessary staple. Fast and processed foods are the most affordable and widely used but often metabolize quickly, typically have a high glycemic count and little to no nutritional value filled with toxins and preservatives of some sort. Sugar which is so commonly added in some form to so many foods and beverages is a favorite of almost everyone. Studies have even shown that artificial sweeteners can have harmful effects on body and brain health. Now vaccines given to children and teens have created adverse reactions in many cases.
In the name of progress and convenience, we as a society have demanded, and big business has responded with quicker easier ways to live life in the fast lane. You are a member of the most powerful lobby group in the world – the American consumer! If you, I and each of us spend our money on that which is life enhancing, companies will have no alternative but to meet the demands of the buying public. You’ve got the POWER!
ADHD children are very sensitive individuals if you haven’t already noticed. I believe they are hard-wired, because of their brain, to excel at their purpose – that which they came here to accomplish. It certainly worked out that way for Albert Einstein and many other notable individuals.
If you talk with parents of ADHD children who are now grown and in their twenties, you will hear many stories of their children excelling in some particular area. All ADHD children, like each of us, have at least one area in which their talents shine.
There are also, unfortunately, many darker stories and statistics of ADHD children who became addicted to harder drugs and had rougher lives. Many of these children have ended up in the foster care system as their parents are unable to cope or handle the challenges. According to ADHD news, 70% of individuals in theU.S.prison system have ADHD.
If you are reading this book to decide whether or not drugs are the answer for your child with a diagnosis of ADHD, this is where you get to decide if this is a challenge or an opportunity. You are on the cutting edge of helping to choose the direction of history, one child at a time.
You might be thinking: “Wait a minute. I just want something to help my child have a normal, happy and successful life. I’m too busy and not interested in taking on a cause or becoming part of history in the making.”
Well, I understand your point. Stepping up to write this book and share this information was not initially what I had planned for my life either. However, it is a large part of my life purpose and I am passionate about helping these kids and the animals we consume. I’m not asking you to go to rallies for ADHD wellness with me. I am asking you to make informed and healthy choices for your child and your family as best you are able. It is easy to do with a few minor changes. I will lay it all out like a roadmap in this book and make it as easy as possible. I want you to succeed, and I want your child to be happy, healthy and successful too! I am on your team!
Imagine what the mainstream thought in 1492 of Christopher Columbus setting sail for new lands on a flat Earth.
Put yourself in the mindset of people during the time of Nicholas Copernicus circa 1543 when he told everyone the Earth revolved around the sun and not the other way around.
Ken Olson, President of Digital Equipment Corporation said in 1977 that “There is no need for any individual to have a computer in their home.”
What may seem like radically new ideas to a current population could very well be that which leads them boldly and successfully into a brighter future filled with tremendous new opportunities – and new careers not yet imagined!
What would have happened ifColumbushad not discoveredAmerica? Would someone else have discovered it eventually? How would things have been different if it happened later than 1492? What opportunities would have been lost?
What would have happened for Digital Equipment Corporation and its employees had Ken Olson jumped on the vision and opportunity to create personal computers?
Is this a time of challenge or opportunity? Perhaps both, but ultimately you must choose. I can tell you from personal experience that choosing a positive attitude makes life so much easier and joyful.
Since the enhanced abilities of the children coming in point to the next evolution of the species and certain foods, chemicals and toxins are typically the cause of symptoms, how will you choose to treat your child? Will you take the seemingly “quick fix” road of drugs; the road of all natural alternatives and organic food when possible; or some middle path that combines the two as best you can for your family unit? One thing is certain – it is in the highest interest of your child and future generations – your grandchildren, to carefully weigh the options before you decide.
So many parents of children with ADHD beat themselves up and wonder what if anything went “wrong” to create this condition. Good news! You are a trailblazer ushering in a sensitive child with the brain of the future! Your Soul chose your journey. You are strong enough to have contracted to parent a cutting-edge history-making new-brain child with a potential such as Albert Einstein. How cool is that?
Your child, all ADHD children, have come in at a time they knew at a Soul level would be interesting and transitional. They have a strong Soul just like you do. You make a good team!
___End of Chapter One___
If you are interested in reading more of this groundbreaking new book filled with cutting-edge information, please send me an e-mail at Cheryl@thegiftofyou.com
It is currently available as an e-book for $9.95. Below is the Table of Contents.
ADHD: A New Mind for a New World
Contents
Gratitude
Dedication
Your Invitation: A Walk with Destiny!
Introduction
Section 1 Understanding the Big Picture
1 A New Brain for a New Age
2 The Spiritual Component
3 The Current Mindset and Treatment Model
4 It is NOT All About Grades!
5 Every Child is Unique – The Myth of Fitting In
6 A Chapter About Healing
Section 2 YOU HAVE CHOICES Every Step of the Way!
1 Viewpoint
2 Know your rights before you seek help.
3 It’s been suggested my child might have ADHD.
4 I don’t have time or money to deal with a natural solution.
5 My child is on meds for ADHD and now depression has set in. What do I do?
6 My child is on meds, but I want to transition to a natural solution. What do I do?
Section 3 ADHD Wellness Program
1 Introduction
2 Allergies
3 Leaky Gut
4 Food – It’s Either Medicine or Poison
5 Supplementation is essential!
6 Get the toxins out!
7 Exercise – Your New Best Friend!
8 Tools for Focus, Relaxation and Empowerment
9 Environment and Possibility
10 We Are What We Believe
11 Self-Esteem
12 Coaching: The Fast Track to Success
13 Summary Checklist
Section 4 School Success Strategies
1 Why Learning Style Matters
2 Creating Win-Win Environments
3 Homework Habits Revisited
Section 5 Vision for the Future
1 A New School Model
2 The Movement
A Blessing
About the Author
References and Resources
___End of Contents___
Contact Information:
Cheryl Healey
July 25, 2011 at 1:10 pm
Excellent information Cheryl. Thanks for all you do!