Children with ADHD often have other problems, too. There are many disorders that can go along with this condition, and it’s important to be sure your child is diagnosed properly.

One of the first things to consider is that he may be hypoglycemic. What this means is that his blood sugar levels go up and down a lot. This can lead to mood swings, irritability, and restlessness, and make it hard for him to stay focused and remember things. A good diet is very important for these kids. Cut out sugar, processed foods, caffeine, MSG, and artificial colorings and preservatives. Stock on up fresh fruit and veggies and whole grains.

Learning disabilities sometimes

coexist with ADHD. A kid with a learning disability is usually very bright, but he has trouble grasping new concepts. Reading, spelling, and math are the big problem areas. Without help, these kids fall further and further behind in school, getting more and more frustrated.

There’s no quick fix for a learning disability, but with help, children can learn to cope with it, and do reasonably well in school.

Problems sleeping are also common. Your child may have trouble falling asleep, and once he’s finally asleep, he may not stay asleep for more than a couple of hours. This is a real problem, as these kids really need a good night’s rest so they’ll

be able to go through their day with fewer frustrations

There can be several reasons why your child has trouble sleeping. Sometimes you can’t sleep because you’re too wound up, and he may have the same problem! Or he may be worried about homework or something else he hasn’t finished. A big issue is that the medication he’s taking may be keeping him awake, especially if he takes it later in the day.

Are there things you can do to help your child get to sleep more easily? Yes, there are. It’s important to follow a consistent routine each night. Try to have dinner, a bath, and a story before bed at the same

time every day. Eat dinner at least a couple of hours before bedtime, and keep it light. Give him a snack before bed. Warm milk is great, as it will help him sleep. Avoid sugary drinks like pop or juice, and definitely avoid anything that contains caffeine.

Keep things quiet in the evenings. Don’t let the kids chase each other around the house screaming, or they may be too excited to go to sleep at bedtime. Avoid TV and video games. Reading a story before bed may help.

Bedwetting can also be a problem. Your child may be worried about wetting the bed, which would make it hard to fall asleep.

Or once it happens, he may wake up and not be able to get back to sleep. Usually this stops by the time your child is ten, but this problem can continue into his teen years.

ADHD is also associated with Tourette Syndrome. A child with Tourette’s is unable to stop moving around or making noises. These behaviors are called tics, and they include repeating words, coughing or grunting repeatedly, blinking his eyes, or bouncing his legs. Tics can be mistaken for ADHD symptoms.

Sometimes your child’s medications can make the tics worse. They also tend to get worse if he’s feeling tense. Getting him focused on something that keeps his attention can help.

Remember that not all kids with ADHD have learning disabilities or other problems. But when these conditions do occur together, they can make your child’s life very difficult, so it’s important to be aware of possible problems.

Darlene Norris is a mom and grandma who has been using herbal remedies for many years to keep her family healthy.

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, it’s important to learn as much about it as you can. You do have options besides psychiatric drugs like Ritalin and Concerta. Visit my website, http://www.herbal-remedies-for-busy-moms.com/adhd.html to learn about non-drug options for treating ADHD.