Does Your Child Have ADHD? When It’s Not Just the Season

Recognizing ADHD Symptoms During the Holidays

Imagine…your child comes home for winter break with a report card that does not exactly sing their praises. And now you’re sitting at the table listening to that darling angel bouncing off the walls screaming carols at full blast, wondering if you need to cancel another holiday party because you can’t risk a meltdown at someone else’s house.

The holiday season, a time for joy and togetherness, can sometimes bring unexpected challenges, particularly when dealing with children. If you’ve noticed a change in your child’s behavior, such as increased irritability, difficulty focusing, or trouble adapting to changes in routine, and you suspect it’s not just the holidays at the root of the symptoms – we’re here to help.

Common Triggers for ADHD Symptoms in Children

Often, the holidays exacerbate already present symptoms of ADHD in children. You might have been wondering before, but now you’re ready to acknowledge and address what might be going on in your child’s inner world. It’s essential to understand that behind their “behaviors,” there may be underlying factors at play. Especially during the holidays, we can see an increase in:

• Nutritional Deficiencies: Seasonal changes to a child’s diet can adversely impact brain function and behavior – think of less protein and more sugar as the culprits.
• Gut Health Issues: There is an undeniable connection between the gut and the brain. Nutritional imbalances in gut bacteria can also adversely influence mood and behavior.
• Environmental Toxins: Trying to keep the house clean for all your guests? Exposure to environmental toxins, like scented candles and common household cleaners, can exacerbate behavioral issues.
• Neurotransmitter Imbalances: With the holidays, there can be an increase in outside stimuli like lights, noises and activity around the house. Imbalances in brain chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and GABA can affect mood, attention, and impulsivity.

A Naturopathic Approach to ADHD

It can be hard to know where to start in dealing with your child’s symptoms. At Neighborhood Naturopathic, we take a functional approach when it comes to addressing these challenges. Our experienced naturopathic doctors can help you identify the underlying causes of your child’s behavior and develop a personalized treatment plan that will help them live an optimal life. The holiday season does not have to be a nightmare!

How We Help: Neighborhood Naturopathic’s ADHD Support

• Comprehensive Assessment: We conduct a thorough evaluation of your child’s health history, diet, lifestyle, and current medications.
• Nutritional Counseling: We can help you optimize your child’s diet to support brain health and behavior.
• Gut Health Support: We may recommend dietary modifications, probiotics, or other supplements to improve gut health.
• Environmental Detoxification: We can provide strategies to reduce exposure to environmental toxins.
• Neurotransmitter Support: We may recommend supplements or dietary modifications to support neurotransmitter balance.
• Pharmacogenomics Testing: This advanced testing can help determine your child’s most effective medications and dosages.

Supporting Your Child’s Wellness Year-Round

By addressing these underlying factors, we can help your child develop the tools and strategies to manage their behavior and thrive. If you’re concerned about your child’s behavior, don’t hesitate to seek help. Neighborhood Naturopathic offers new patients a free 15-minute consultation to ask questions and learn how to get started

 

Neighborhood Naturopathic is located in Edina and serves the greater Minneapolis/ St. Paul area in Minnesota.