Find Out How Time Outdoors Can Ease ADHD Symptoms

SAN DIEGO DIVORCE LAWYERS

Find Out How Time Outdoors Can Ease ADHD Symptoms

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If your child has attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), finding the right solutions can be challenging for divorced fathers. In this issue, we’ll talk about how quality time outdoors can go a long way in naturally helping children with ADHD.

What is ADHD?

This neurologically based condition inhibits a person’s ability to restrain their spontaneous actions or responses. While Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and ADHD are words used interchangeably, the condition has undergone several name changes over the years, and ADHD is now the official name of the condition.

The American Psychiatric Association says that about 5% of children in the U.S. have ADHD, but other studies have shown much higher rates.

Symptoms of ADHD typically begin showing themselves between the ages of 3-6 years, and the average age of ADHD diagnosis is 7 years. Common symptoms of ADHD among school-aged children include:

  • inability to pay attention to details or constantly making mistakes in school or job tasks;
  • not appearing to listen when being spoken to;
  • being easily distracted;
  • often losing things;
  • talkative, but more than usual;
  • continual fidgeting; and
  • inability to play or do leisure activities quietly.

What can I do to help with my child’s ADHD?

For starters, it’s highly recommended that you follow the treatment outlined by your child’s doctor. Typically, medical treatment for ADHD revolves around therapy and medication.

One of the things you can do, however, to augment the treatment and alleviate ADHD symptoms is to spend more time with your child outdoors.

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign conducted a study that showed a significant reduction in ADHD symptoms for children exposed to natural settings after school and on weekends.

For the study, 322 boys and 84 girls from throughout the country – all diagnosed with ADHD – took part in the study. Researchers assigned a host of activities for the participants; some to be completed indoors and areas without extensive greenery (parking lots and urban areas) while others were in natural outdoor settings, including backyards and parks.

In each of the follow-up comparisons, the participants got the most out of the projects taking place in natural surroundings.

“I think we’re on the track of something really important, something that could affect a lot of lives in a substantial way,” one researcher said. “Simply using nature may offer a way to help manage ADHD symptoms. It’s (nature) readily available, doesn’t have any stigma associated with it, doesn’t cost anything and doesn’t have any side effects – except maybe splinters.”

For expert advice from a men’s divorce lawyer in San Diego, call The Men’s Legal Center.

We’re big fans of dads, and know how challenging fatherhood can be. When you divorce, however, you do not divorce your children. Every second together is precious.

If you’re a man facing divorce, we urge you to get in touch with us here at the Men’s Legal Center. Our sole purpose is to make sure men have the resources and knowledge they need for the best possible outcome in family court.

You can reach us at 619-234-3838 or via email.

 

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