ADHD Treatments: Searching for the Magic Bullet

A couple weeks ago, I emailed a fellow blogger mom, Jenn Choi. I'd been reading a lot about a parenting approach for ADHD kids that sounds fabulous. It’s one of those deals where you buy a set of CDs, and learn the system by listening to the CDs. They’re pricey, but for good reason. Experts should earn a decent living from imparting their wisdom to others. But, should I invest my money in this, my latest promising discovery?

Jenn owns the CDs, so I asked her what she thought. She thought just what I thought she would think. The CDs are great. But, they’re probably not a magic bullet.

Some people seem to find a magic bullet for treating their child’s ADHD. For some, ADHD medication cures all ills. For others, a certain supplement is “the answer” for their child. The CDs I was researching are backed up by heartfelt testimonials from parents across the country. They change lives for some.

So far, I haven’t found a magic bullet for treating Natalie’s ADHD and other special needs. Besides, it’s hard to hit a moving target. One day I’m looking for the perfect sleep aid, the next for handwriting help. This week, it’s managing angry outbursts, the next it’s dealing with all impulsivity, all the time.

I have spent a considerable amount of money already on therapies that I hoped would be magic bullets. Therapeutic listening, with its specialized headphones and CDs, had the potential to work wonders for a variety of Natalie’s issues. She didn’t like following the listening protocol, and I didn’t have the energy to make her follow through. I recouped some money by selling our barely-used equipment to another family.

We were able to borrow a weighted blanket from a friend instead of buying one. In theory, it made sense for Natalie, and it may have helped calm her, the first or second time we used it. But it wasn’t "the answer." On subsequent trials, it had no effect. We returned it with our thanks.

I’ve ordered yoga DVDs for calming, several different CDs to help with sleep, and fidget toys for focus. I tried chia seeds for Omega-3s. All different kinds of pencil grips. Rubbery things for Natalie to chew on for oral stimulation. I meant to install some therapy swings in the basement, but again, lacked the follow though to find a contractor to install the proper hook on a ceiling beam. Therapists -- we’re on number three. Meds -- too many to count.

I decided not to bite the bullet, not to try these particular magic bullet CDs. For now, anyway. Instead, I’ll do what seems doable, what feels reasonable to me, today. And I’ll try not to beat myself up for not trying harder, trying more -- newer -- better.

Until the next time I feel the pull of magic.