W
hat we’ve all been told is that ADHD is a problem. That adults and kids with ADHD are “broken” to some degree, they have something wrong with them. Well, in this article I’m going to address that issue in this way — yes and no.
Truth is, ADHD is a simple condition to understand because it’s the net effect of other challenges instead of an entity all its own. ADHD has a cause (many of them, actually), just like all things, and its symptoms are simply the effects of those causes. Understand the causes of ADHD and you can learn how to either harness its “superpower” or see how easily one can succumb to its challenges.
Think Like a Porsche
Kids and adults with ADHD undoubtedly have what I like to call “Porsche brains” — meaning their brains like to go fast, and therefore are basically stuck on the “gas” at all times. This element is the key to their superpowers. Fast cars can get places faster, effectively getting more things done in the same amount of time as other cars. That’s why so many of our great innovators, inventors, artists, and entertainers fit the ADHD description.
But if you’ve ever taken a look at a Porsche up close, sure it has a huge engine (brain), but it also has very large brakes, and a very sophisticated and advanced handling and suspension system. Put another way, because a Porsche can go very fast, it must also be able to slow down really fast and be able to handle corners really fast.
A child or adult with ADHD has one piece of that formula, but not both. They have fast-moving brains that constantly want to be on the go, but they have small brakes and poor handling.
In day-to-day life this equates to having a tough time slowing down and sitting still when needed, difficulty paying attention in more slow-moving environments (math class, meetings, etc.), and a tough time transitioning from one activity or subject to another.
If focused on something they love that is fast-paced and dynamic (ex. video games), their ADHD mysteriously goes away and they can stay deeply tuned into that activity for hours and hours.
Are Drugs the Only Option?
So how can we help kids and adults with ADHD better “apply the brakes” and “navigate the corners?” How can we help them better cope with stress, school, work, and the constantly changing demands of life? Are stimulant and psychoactive drugs the only option?
My answer to that last question is more straightforward: No. Drugs are not the only answer and option. That is welcome news to so many parents especially, who are wary of the potent side effects and addictive nature of ADHD drugs.
For eight years now, my office- Premier Wellness- has focused on ADHD and related conditions like Sensory Processing Disorder and Autism. And for eight years, its been able to help hundreds and hundreds of kids, teenagers, and adults manage their ADHD without drugs and unwanted side effects. We’ve seen countless cases go from constant struggle to celebrated success and thriving.
I, myself, fit the mold of ADHD like a glove. I’m a full-blown “raging bull” who’s got that Porsche brain for sure. And I legitimately thank God every single day for giving me this superpower. I’ve been blessed to learn exactly what strategies and solutions to employ in order to install a better braking and handling system within my brain and body, and I constantly keep it maintained and updated.
Because of that, I also love to teach and share with parents and patients exactly what is causing their challenges, and what they can do about them. Join one of the NWF live webinars to learn more or contact a provider in your area to discover how they can help!
Article originally posted on Premier Wellness Chiropractic’s blog
Dr. Tony Ebel is a pediatric and wellness certified chiropractor, who specializes in neuro-developmental disorders such as autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, seizure disorders and other special needs cases. He has extensive education, experience, and passion in these areas, and has a large family practice in Crystal Lake, Illinois, serving this population, as well as general family wellness. He holds post-doctorate certifications in pediatrics and wellness, and also has hundreds of hours of continuing education and training in the areas of autism, ADHD, sensory challenges, seizures, neuro-immunology, and other pediatric topics.
Dr. Tony now frequently travels throughout the country as well as internationally, providing his Perfect Storm lecture and seminar to other chiropractors, staff, and related professionals, and also has done over 100 public/parent lectures on this topic and others. He has been a featured presenter at the world’s largest autism seminar, Autism One, held each year in Chicago.
He has a beautiful wife Kristina, three incredible daughters, Addison, Alaina and their latest addition, Emilia, and an amazing little boy Oliver who himself went through “the perfect storm” spending 6 weeks in the NICU with a very grave prognosis of lifelong epilepsy, autism, and severe developmental delays. However, thanks to the early application of chiropractic care, Oliver never had a single seizure, or a single delay, and today is a vibrant and healthy 6-year-old stud! Dr. Tony is a health and wellness “junkie” who loves CrossFit and juicing, spending time with his family, and sports.
