Descriptions of Conditions and Modalities

Much research has been done on learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder (formerly called hyperactivity) in children. Many theories have been put forth and controversy abounds. Recently, these disorders are being recognized in adults as well but less has been written about them. Pharmacological treatments are popular, especially on central nervous system stimulants such as Ritalin. However, more natural therapies are often successful. These disorders are multifactorial, composed of several sub types of problems. Therefore, one person may respond to one treatment while another may fare better with a different approach. Using a holistic approach, assessing all the factors and using all applicable methods and treatments should give the best results by addressing these different facets. Below is a list of possible avenues and resources to explore.

PHYSICAL IMBALANCES

Hypothyroidism

A low metabolic rate can cause difficulty in concentration and attention span. In children, this may manifest paradoxically as hyperactivity while adults typically display fatigue. A simple screening test is the basal axillary temperatures, as a low temperature correlates with hypothyroidism. (This is the temperature of the body at rest, done first thing in the morning before getting out of bed and is taken under the arm.) Thyroid replacement therapy in these individuals can work as dramatically as Ritalin or other stimulants.

Reference: Hypothyroidism, The Unsuspected Illness: Broda 0. Barnes. MD. (Available from the Broda 0. Barnes Research Foundation.

Lead Or Other Metal Toxicity

Lead poisoning is increasingly being recognized as a problem in children. One in six children have high blood lead levels, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Mercury, lead and other "heavy" metals are neurotoxic and can cause behavioral, cognitive or neurologic problems, such as hyperactivity, decreased IQ, poor coordination, etc. Lead can come from lead based paints, lead pipes, hobbies, batteries, old or imported pottery or leaded gasoline. Use of leaded gasoline has raised the lead levels in the environment by as much as an estimated 40,000 times the level in 1900. Despite elimination of leaded gasoline, the background level still remains at 30,000 times the level of a hundred years ago. Use of a good quality water filter may be important.

For more information on Lead, contact the National Lead Information Center 1-800-LEADFYI or EPA's Safe drinking Water hotline. (US Environmental Protection Agency publication #800B920002)

Mercury toxicity can be caused by amalgam dental fillings. "Silver Fillings" are really misnamed.

Mercury makes up approximately half of the filling, the rest of the amalgam is copper, tin ,zinc, and silver. It has been proven that the mercury is constantly coming out of the filling and going into the body. In fact,the amount of mercury in the brain is direly related to the number of fillings in the mouth. Mercury is even more toxic than lead. Like lead, mercury affects the nervous system. Remember "mad as a hatter" from Alice in Wonderland? In making felt hats, mercury was used and the hat makers were affected mentally. Think of the possible implications on young growing minds when mercury amalgam flings are placed in their mouths. Mercury has been shown to impair behavioral development and to cause psychomotor deficits. Also it can cause distractibility, disturbed peer relations, withdrawal and immaturity. There are dentists that specialize in mercury free dentistry and proper removal of these fillings.

References: Weiss, B. (1983) BEHAVIORAL TOXICOLOGY OF HEAVY METALS: Neurobiology of the Trace Elements L Dreosti and R. Smith, eds. Humana press, pp.1-5O.

Choi, Ben; METHYLMERCURY POISONING OF THE DEVELOPING NERVOUS SYSTEM; PATTERN OF NEURONAL MIGRATION (N THE CEREBRAL CORTEX; Neurotoxicology 7(2) 592-600 (1986).

Marlowe, M., Jacob's, J., Moon, C., Errera, J.. MAIN AND INTERACTION EFFECTS OF MENTAL POLLUTANTS IN EMOTIONALLY DISTURBED CHILDREN, in RB. Rutheyford (Ed); Monograph in Behavioral Disorders. (1984). Vol 7, Reston, Va; Council for Children with Behavior Disorders. 67-79.

Diet and Nutritional Deficiencies

Sugar consumption is thought to be the cause of many health problems in the West, including tooth decay, diabetes, and obesity. Whole foods that are naturally sweet have accompanying nutrients that aid in the ingestion of the sugars. Refined sugars are missing these nutrients, this creates a problem for the body in the process of sugar metabolism. Excessive production of insulin can affect concentration, mood and behavior. It is important to eliminate sugar and refined carbohydrates. It can cause sleepless nights, anger, mood changes, depression, fear, anxiety and obesity and hyperinsulism, resulting in increased risk for many diseases.

Salts can affect the nerve and energy patterns of the entire body and multiple symptoms can occur including hyperactivity and learning disabilities.

Osteopath physicians and chiropractors who are knowledgeable about craniosacral therapy can safely and painlessly correct these abnormalities with results that are often long lasting.

The Cranial Academy (317)879-0713

Dr. Dougle,as Wolff, Doctor of Osteopathyl Neurologist (212)877-8106

INTEGRATIVE THERAPIES

Perceptual Styles

ldentifying a child's (or your own) learning pattern can help to identify what style of thinking and learning is most individually effective. Often this is accompanied by improved self esteem as the child realizes there is not something wrong with them or their style of learning and they can learn by approaching it differently. Understand these unique needs can facilitate communication with teachers and understanding of behaviors that seem to stand in the way of learning. Donna Markova, Phd, has written two innovative books on understanding the way we learn, think, communicate and the way our brain organizes, creates and remembers.

References: The Art of the Possible and How Your Child Is Smart are available from

Educational Kinesthetics

Edu-K or "Brain Gym" is a system of simple movements or exercises which integrate acupuncture points, behavioral optometry, and kinesiology that promotes whole brain, integrated, multisensory learning. These simple movements take little time and effort yet:

Considering the benefits from such a simple yet profound therapy, "Brain Gym" is a worth while addition to any program for learning disabilities or ADHD. all ought to try it!

Reference: Edu-Kinesthics, Several books and how to manuals are available from this source.

Sensory Integration

Another resource for children who are restless, tend to be too rough, or dislike tight or uncomfortable clothes is sensory integration therapy. It consists of exercises taught by occupational therapists.

Reference: Sensory Integration International, 1402 Cravens Avenue Torrance, CA 90501

Biofeedback Training

Biofeedback Training teaches one how to consciously control the autonervous system through the use of biofeedback devices in order to alleviate conditions relating to ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism and Learning Disabilities

Eidetic Imagery

The Eidetic Image is a special kind of mental image or picture seen in the mind that contains a record of important life experiences. 'These events are stored in our brains filing system. The reason why some people have problems in their lives is because some experiences are unsolved or not yet understood. Learning disabilities are frozen potentials in learning. The person has had learning experiences that have socially injured him or her. These images then create neural signals in the brain which affect learning. In many cases, Eidetic Imagery therapy actually gets to the source of the condition where prolonged therapy sessions are no longer necessary.

Most of the portions of these descriptions were compiled by Dr. Robban A. Sica, Medical Director for The Center For Healing Arts in Orange, CT