Do you want to know the cause of ADHD symptoms? Would it help you to know how to prevent a diagnosis of ADHD for your children and your grandchildren? What if moving away from drugs and toward natural wellness for your child is easier than you have been led to believe?
Some very wise doctors have gone beyond the accepted meme attributed to these children and are testing for underlying causes. When the root causes are healed, the symptoms subside naturally. If you are tired of the same old story about ADHD, I invite you to download the eBook.
This valuable information is extracted from the new groundbreaking book entitled "Family Harmony with Sensitive Children - A Holistic Model for ADHD Wellness." If you are tired of the same old story about wellness, this information is definitely for you and the wellbeing of your child and family.
Together we can help children be the gift they came here to be – naturally!
3. ADHD Wellness Program Summary
The list below is intended as a roadmap. It summarizes the key points in the ADHD Wellness
Program taken from the new book Family Harmony with Sensitive Children – A Holistic Model
for ADHD Wellness so you can easily create an action plan. Some steps can be accomplished
concurrently. It is important to remember that every child is different and what works for one
child may not work for your child. Please remember to use your own intuition and common
sense as well as seek the advice of your trusted health-care professional.
1. Check in with your intuition before making any decisions and remember to do this
consistently going forward.
2. If you don’t already have one, find a doctor who believes in and prefers natural solutions
for symptom relief. Seek out a DAN! doctor, a functional medicine doctor or a referral
from someone you trust.
3. Work with the doctor of your choice to determine if your child has leaky gut, candida,
allergies, toxicity, neurotransmitter imbalances and whatever else the doctor may
recommend with which you agree.
4. Once the tests are in, work with the doctor and/or a nutritionist to create a nutritional
wellness protocol for your child. Leaky gut is typical in these children which can lead to
allergies. Since most neurotransmitters are created in the small intestine, nutrition is a
huge key to the success of ADHD symptom relief.
5. Work with your child’s teacher and the school to do what is best for your child. Is your
child younger than his/her classmates? If younger, this can lead to unrealistic
performance comparisons by the teacher due to immaturity. What is his/her learning
style? Does your child have special needs? Is an IEP warranted?
6. Find a dentist who does not use toxic ingredients such as mercury and fluoride.
7. If your child must be given an antibiotic, also ensure that your child gets plenty of healthy,
preferably organic, probiotics to counteract the loss of good bacteria.
8. Continue to work with the doctor and nutritionist to determine dietary and
supplementation needs and on-going progress. Educate everyone necessary regarding
food issues and allergies if present.
9. Integrate regular physical exercise into your child’s daily routine. This is essential for
sensitive children to move the stress through and out of their body. It’s great to do before
school as well.
10. Have your child learn de-stress techniques to be used as needed.
11. Is counseling or coaching required to get you all through this phase?
12. Begin a regular healthy detoxification program for your child under the guidance of your
health care professional. Your doctor may have already suggested a detox regimen for
your child based on test results.
13. Test your child’s PH level with PH test strips from the health food store. Ask your doctor
for suggestions regarding frequency. A range of 6.8 – 7.2 is considered normal.
4. 14. Join or create an Empowerment Group of like-minded individuals and share the benefits of
positive experiences and tools.
15. Focus on the positive, be grateful and address what is necessary day-to-day. Use the
tools suggested at www.thegiftofyou.com/resources.htm or others you and your child find
helpful.
16. Suggest your child keep a Success Journal as a reminder of things about which to be
proud and positive.
17. Know that you are not alone.
18. Enjoy a fabulous, healthy, abundant and grateful life!
Understanding the Big Picture
It is now estimated that nearly 10% of children ages 4-17 have been diagnosed with ADHD.
According to statistics, an estimated 2.5 million or more children are on drugs to manage the
symptoms labeled as ADHD. Why are the numbers so high and constantly increasing? Why are
so many children given a label of ADHD? Have you ever asked these questions?
There are two important messages I wish to share about ADHD. In a nutshell:
1. Sensitive individuals who are often given labels such as ADHD have increased sixth sense
abilities. We are all intuitive beings. However, they are more “aware.” Because of this, they
get bored easily and drift off. They have a need to physically move in order to process all the
information they take in intuitively or else go into stress which is sometimes displayed as
hyperactivity. In the case of sensitive children, they often don’t know what their stressor is
because they could be picking it up from someone else. Everyone does this to some extent.
2. An unhealthy epigenome is the cause of the symptoms labeled as ADHD and in most cases
can be corrected naturally through proper diet, supplementation, exercise, counseling or
coaching.
“The intuitive mind is a sacred gift
and the rational mind is a faithful servant.
We have created a society that honors the servant
and has forgotten the gift.”
- Albert Einstein
Sensitive children with greater intuitive gifts have 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. I heard one doctor refer to them as “canaries in a coal mine”. They are warning us
of the unhealthy imbalances we have created.
Just like everyone, these children hold within them passions and a purpose in life that is needed
to help the evolution of the planet. Whether it is in a small or large way, they are each a gift and
so is the contribution they are here to offer.
In his book entitled The New Brain, 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.
5. I have some questions for you:
• Do you multi-task to keep up with the newer, faster pace of life?
• Is it difficult to hold your focus for extended periods of time?
• Do you wish you had more energy to accomplish all the things you need to do in a day?
• Have you made a habit of avoiding things that require a lot of thought or don’t seem like
fun?
• Do you get bored easily?
• Have you ever wondered if you have ADHD?
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 an ADHD 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.
We also hold within us a longing for peace and joy. As a society, we have been taught to look
outside of ourselves to attain them. There seems to be an unspoken belief that we are not them
or that being at peace and joyful are not within our control.
Multi-tasking has been adopted as a way of coping 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.
Are you doing the work of more than one person? Are you a wife, mother, entrepreneur,
professional, 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 lose 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 or
any number of addictive, 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 tells us that stress is the cause of 80% of health issues. 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 at your
childhood, you have probably done the same thing.
We all look at life through our own unique filters of belief. We are so entrenched in our individual
worldview that we think this 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.
6. The forest I am speaking about is our current way of treating sensitive children with symptoms
labeled as ADHD. It starts with public schools requiring every child to fit into a mold and excel
under the model created first by the No Child Left Behind Act and now the Race To The Top Fund
program. Fitting the mold means getting good test scores so your school can obtain funding,
won’t be shut down or your teacher won’t get fired. That is a lot of pressure to place on children
and especially sensitive children.
There seems to be a big referral network in place between schools running under the Race To The
Top model (which took over from the No Child Left Behind Act), 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 or coaching 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 to stabilize the still-growing body and brain healthfully
and provide the best possible life for the children. There are proven natural solutions that have
worked for over 40 years.
My intention and wish for you through distribution of this information 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. I am convinced that after you see the big picture and know how to help your child
naturally, there will be no doubt this is the way to go for your child’s life and wellbeing.
Make no mistake about it. Society has demanded and nature seems to have responded with new
physical advantages that are obviously meant to equip us for success in our fast-paced future.
The “ADHD” mind is here to stay. Let’s treat it right!
Note: I use the words brain and mind interchangeably. 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 sensory abilities of sensitive individuals labeled with ADHD seem to be
more enhanced than non-sensitive people.
Epigenetics
From a scientific perspective, the cause of ADHD has been investigated without a definitive and
unified answer. Many theories abound from genetics and heredity, epigenetics, head trauma or
toxic exposure. While the ADHD mind is equipped to handle the speed of life as we have now
come to know it, the symptoms attributed to ADHD are caused by the human epigenome. Each
child is unique and so are the causes of their symptoms. The epigenetic cause is unique within
each individual.
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
7. 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 developed 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 and
healed 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 even create
disease.
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 toxicity and managing one’s emotions and
ways of dealing with life issues. For ADHD, my money is on integrated natural solutions for
children since they have worked for over 40 years. In today’s world, the science of epigenetics
has proven the epigenome can be healed with proper nutrients.
Food Is Medicine
You’ve undoubtedly heard that “we are what we eat.” Food is meant to be fuel for the body.
Food is also medicine, except when it is filled with toxins or substances which cause toxic and
allergic reactions in the human body. In today’s world, food is either medicine or poison. It
cannot be both. Can you tell the difference? Your body certainly can. Unfortunately, toxic food
usually tastes great.
Think about it. In our fast-paced lifestyles we tend to wolf down our food on the way to a
meeting, a game, or whatever is next on the calendar for the day. Unfortunately too often food
has also become a substitute for love and a stress-reliever. Many people today assume
symptoms of some kind are normal and may already take medication for one or more issues
caused by reactions to food.
We live in a world where big business owns most of the farms. If you haven’t seen the DVD’s
Food, Inc. and Processed People, please do. There are also many books out that tell the truth
about the state of the food we eat in America.
My intention is to help you and your family care so much about your health and happiness that
you implement healthier choices every day and read food labels if you don’t already. It is
essential that you cast your vote with your dollars and choose healthy options. By downloading
this information, you are either already in or have just unconsciously joined the ranks of those
who want a healthy body and fulfilling life. Congratulations!
8. Moving Forward To Wellness
The outlook you, your child and your family have of your situation will make all the difference in
what is possible. Since this is uncharted territory, it is very important for you, your child and
your family to know that you are not alone. There are many support systems, meet-ups, and on-
line vehicles with which you can share ideas and learn helpful strategies and information from
those walking a similar path. Reach out. It will help. I have listed some resources at
www.thegiftofyou.com/resources.htm.
A Facebook page has been created at www.facebook.com/adhdchildren to share posts that will
inform, empower or brighten your day. Join in the conversations, share information and ask
questions. Everyone will benefit.
It is essential that you keep our eyes and heart on the big picture rather than appearances so
that the day-to-day coping necessary during these changes in your life and in the world do not
get the best of you. I know from personal experience this is not always easy, but it does help
tremendously.
You and your child chose each other for the gifts and lessons your Souls desire. Knowing and
remembering this fact can help in difficult situations. Some great questions to ask yourself in
challenging times are:
• What is the gift in this situation?
• Is there a skill or quality I am being called to learn or strengthen?
• Do I need to change something about myself or my life?
• How can I utilize this situation for my greatest good?
• What else is possible?
• How can this turn out better than I can imagine?
After you ask one of the questions above in a quiet, calm place with an open heart, just listen.
Let your intuition guide you.
Your breath is your connection to your Soul. Your intuition is your connection to God. Meditation
(in whatever form works for you) can be your best friend. Ask your own questions from your
heart and just listen. Your inner expanding self, that spark of God that you are, knows how best
to help you. Know that your guidance may not always seem practical or logical. Make sure it’s
your intuition and not fear guiding you. Your intuition may push your comfort zone. I can tell
you from personal experience though that following your inner guidance is the most grace-filled
and quickest path to your intentions.
If you wish to learn more about the book: Family Harmony with Sensitive Children – A Holistic
Model for ADHD Wellness, or discuss a speaking engagement in your area, visit
www.thegiftofyou.com.
Thank you for downloading this product and implementing the program. I look forward to
connecting again.
To your success,
Cheryl Healey, C.N.H.P.
The Sensitive Child Advocate
Certified Natural Health Professional
Helping children be the gift they came here to be – naturally!