8. How can Ritalin help the ADHD child?

8.1. A common solution to the ADHD/ADD prescribed by doctors is the use of the controlled drug Ritalin.

8.2. Ritalin is a stimulant and helps the ADHD/ADD pay attention, control his hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

8.3. Ritalin has been found to be effective with approximately 70%-80% of ADHD children, and if those who are not responsive to Ritalin are given Dexedrine or Cylert, the effectiveness rate for stimulant medications goes up to 96%.

8.4. Disadvantages of using Ritalin include:

• Loss of appetite / weight
  
• Rebound effect after taking the drug (child cannot control himself after the effects of the drug has worn off)
  
• Cure the symptoms but not the root cause of the problems.
  

8.5. Ritalin is often used with behaviour management therapy to achieve maximum benefits from the behaviour management therapy.

8.6. Ritalin can be used as a catalyst to help the ADHD/ADD child learn better problem solving skills that would be required in his adult life.

8.7. Other alternative treatments include:

• Herbal alternatives / Health supplements such as Effalex, ZAN, ATTEND, multi-vitamins, etc. which can help some ADHD/ADD children selectively (www.add-products.com)
  
• EEG neuro-feedback, meditation
  
• Brain gym exercises, Tai Chi
  
• Tomatis method (using audio signals for sensory integration? www.tomatis.com, www.tomatis.com.sg),
  
• Davis correction method for dyslexic children (www.dyslexia-uk.net) etc
  
• Sensory Integration therapy (www.sinetwork.org/whatisdsi.htm)