Founder Katie Gately, LPC, BCBA shares the ups and downs of ADD and ADHD, and how she finds ways to redirect causes related to flare-ups
Lately at our practice, we’ve been getting a large number of calls regarding ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Clients are inquiring about executive coaches, complaining of therapy not working, and the struggles their children face. It’s clear: ADD and ADHD affects people of all ages and abilities. Yet, I’m reminded lately in my own personal life that many symptoms of ADD and ADHD are exacerbated by the environment we cultivate, and not nearly as much from the condition itself.
As you may, know we were recently blessed with the opportunity to move to a new location, with a better environment for everyone. But as a business owner, and the person driving this growth, it required a large amount of my time, and therefore my children at home were given less structure than I usually provide.
This week, I have noticed a huge increase in their behavior, hyperactivity, and impulse control. It got me thinking about how frequently I’m able to take my own advice, and the significant difference I notice in my children when we are following the brain-focused, healthy lifestyle that I’ve created here at Behaved Brain Wellness Center. And while I know “perfect parenting” is not realistic all the time, I still found myself wondering, “How did we get here?”
I often have non-negotiables, although, I would say that I am the outlier when it comes to my rules. No screens during the week, an hour of time outside, vitamins, and a fairly structured after-school and bedtime routine. I would say I follow this about 80% of the time.
Last week, it was about 40%. My children became overstimulated from screens, exhausted from late bedtimes, and increased their snacking from lack of healthy, high-protein and quality fats in their meals. I am angry at myself for dropping the ball, as I notice the symptoms of ADD returning.
ADD and ADHD are neurological disorders that mostly need to be medicated at a certain point in life, though we feel passionately about non-stimulant ADD and ADHD solutions. We are often asking our children with ADD and ADHD to do things they certainly cannot do. School gets harder, social life requires more, and at some point, there is a tipping point where they start to spin out.
Those managing ADD and ADHD are dopamine seekers. They seek quick, immediate gratification from life. They tend to eat sugar, are more likely to get addicted and overstimulated by gaming, and can argue or create conflict when unnecessary. As kids, they go from 0-60 when it comes to feelings, and require a very specific, direct, fun and engaging therapy technique.They also tend to be sensory-seeking and get overstimulated easily. They’re more likely to do things quickly, rush through tasks, and can be competitive.
So, why start this conversation about my kids? Because in my mind, mental health can be a spectrum, and we all land on it in various ways. Genetically, we are predisposed to things, and a large number of children meet the criteria for ADD.
But what if we took two children, both with the same diagnosis, and subjected them to different environments. One child was given free reign of screens, little structure with schoolwork and expectations, and no supplementation or diet monitoring. Since children with ADD and ADHD are very sensitive to these things, my guess would be this child feels uncomfortable in their skin, is very overactive, and probably gets negative feedback frequently. They may feel frustrated with themselves, upset with their peers, and possibly a little depressed.
Let’s take another child with the same brain structure. Instead, we limit and oversee the screen time. Let’s also make sure that they aren’t exposed to high dopamine screens, such as YouTube, Fortnight, or TikTok. Now let’s monitor their sugar and processed food intake. Let’s make sure they move their bodies daily and get unstructured outdoor time. Let’s also provide visual tools and schedule planning to help them plan their time at a young age. Finally, let’s make sure they get enough high protein and high fat foods in their diet, and maybe even give them a good quality vitamin such as Barlean’s Omega and Equazen from Klaire labs. As an added bonus, we even bring them in for neurofeedback sessions at Behaved Brain!
Although I feel fairly strongly that the second situation would not make their ADD or ADHD symptoms disappear, it would allow them to be better managed. The second child would understand their bodies more and have more tools available to them to help mitigate their flare-ups.
I’ve seen this many times with my own clients. Adding these layers is so vital to help mitigate flare-ups from ADD and ADHD. And I say layered because it takes time to work on each of these solutions. Hardly anyone is expected to add all these elements at once. ADD and ADHD will not just go away, but with environmental and biological support, it makes the condition much more manageable. Once you start making positive changes, you will see the improvement in your child. And if you start slipping, like I did, you can recognize it in their behavior and begin adjusting back again.
So for me, I am going to give myself grace, because I can’t possibly be the most perfect boss, therapist, and mom all in one day. But I can try my best, make adjustments, and improve tomorrow!
