As summer comes to a close and the back-to-school season approaches, it’s natural to feel a mix of hope and concern—especially if your child has ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), or anxiety. You know that your child is creative, caring, and full of potential, but the structured environment, social pressures, and academic challenges of school can be overwhelming for them, and stressful for your entire family.
If you find yourself lying awake at night worrying about your child’s sleep struggles, their challenges with transitions, their ability to stay focused in class, or their difficulties in regulating emotions and behavior, you’re not alone. We want you to know that there’s hope, and you have the power to set your child up for success this school year—without having to rely on medication.
The Changing Landscape of ADHD and SPD
Before diving into strategies, it’s important to recognize a concerning trend: the rates of ADHD, SPD, and anxiety in children have been skyrocketing. While conventional medicine often attributes these conditions to genetics and neurotransmitter imbalances, we believe it’s crucial to look at the bigger picture. Our children are growing up in a world that’s faster-paced, more stimulating, and often more stressful than ever before. At the same time, opportunities for physical activity, unstructured play, and connection with nature have diminished.
That’s why at Foundation of Stone, we’re passionate about offering a holistic, root-cause approach to supporting children with ADHD and SPD. By addressing underlying nervous system imbalances and making strategic lifestyle changes, we can help your child not just survive but thrive in school and beyond.
Let’s explore five game-changing strategies that can transform your child’s school experience!
1. Gradually Reset Sleep Schedules
Quality sleep is crucial for managing ADHD and SPD symptoms. During sleep, the brain consolidates learning, processes emotions, and recharges for the next day. Unfortunately, many children with ADHD and SPD struggle with sleep issues, creating a cycle of fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
Here’s how to get back on track:
- Start early: Adjust bedtimes and wake times earlier by 15 minutes every few days. This gradual approach is less jarring than a sudden change.
- Create a calming bedtime routine: Incorporate activities like reading, gentle stretches, or a warm bath to signal that it’s time to wind down.
- Minimize screen time: Ensure screens are off at least one hour before bed to promote relaxation.
- Optimize the sleep environment: Keep the room cool, dark, and quiet to enhance sleep quality.
2. Create an Organized Home Environment
Children with ADHD and SPD often struggle with organization and executive function skills. By creating structure and predictability at home, you can reduce anxiety and help your child feel more in control.
Here’s how:
- Set up a central command center: Use a large wall calendar or whiteboard to track everyone’s schedules, assignments, and important events.
- Designate spaces for school items: Assign specific spots for backpacks, school supplies, and completed homework to reduce morning stress and teach valuable organizational skills.
- Implement color-coded systems: Differentiate subjects, tasks, or activities with colors for quick visual cues.
- Create checklists for routines: Break down morning and evening routines into simple steps to make transitions smoother.
3. Set Up a Distraction-Free Study Space
Many children with ADHD and SPD are highly sensitive to their environment. Creating a dedicated, distraction-free space for homework and studying can make a world of difference.
Here’s how to set it up:
- Choose a quiet area: Select a spot away from high-traffic parts of the house to minimize distractions.
- Ensure good lighting: Use natural light or a well-positioned desk lamp to create a comfortable workspace.
- Stock up on supplies: Keep all necessary materials within reach to reduce the need for your child to get up and potentially lose focus.
- Consider background noise: If silence is too distracting, try white noise or instrumental music to help maintain concentration.
4. Prioritize Morning Exercise and Physical Activity
The benefits of exercise for children with ADHD and SPD are immense. Physical activity not only improves cognitive function and boosts mood but also helps manage anxiety. Dr. John J. Ratey’s book, “Spark,” presents compelling research on how exercise can be as effective as medication for some children with ADHD.
Here’s how to incorporate more movement into your child’s routine:
- Start the day with exercise: Engage your child in a morning activity, like a walk, stretching, or a quick game. This helps improve cognitive function and emotional balance.
- Integrate movement throughout the day: Consider using a stability ball instead of a chair for homework or incorporating “brain breaks” with jumping jacks or stretches.
- Make it fun: The goal is to make movement enjoyable and natural, not a chore.
5. Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care
If you haven’t explored Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care yet, this could be a game-changer for your family. To understand why, let’s briefly explore what’s happening in the nervous system of a child with ADHD or SPD.
These conditions are often characterized by an overactive sympathetic “fight or flight” response. This leaves children constantly on edge, making it difficult for them to focus, transition between activities, or regulate emotions. At the same time, their parasympathetic “rest and digest” system, crucial for focus and emotional balance, remains underactive.
Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care aims to address these imbalances. Through gentle, specific adjustments, we work to release tension in the sympathetic nervous system while activating the calming parasympathetic system, including the vital vagus nerve.
This can lead to a range of benefits:
- Improved focus and memory
- More balanced energy and emotions
- Enhanced sleep quality
- Stronger immune function
- Better digestion and appetite regulation
- Fewer behavioral challenges
- Increased confidence and social skills
At Foundation of Stone Family Chiropractic, we use advanced diagnostic tools like INSiGHT Scans to create personalized care plans for each child. These scans allow us to pinpoint areas of nervous system stress and track improvements over time.
Empowering Your Child for the School Year Ahead
By implementing these strategies and addressing the root causes of your child’s symptoms, you can set them up for a successful school year. Your child’s brilliant mind deserves every opportunity to shine—in the classroom and beyond.
Remember, every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Be patient with yourself and your child as you implement these strategies. The journey may have its challenges, but with the right support and approach, your child can thrive. We’re here to help you every step of the way. If you’re not local to us, check out the directory to find a PX Docs office near you.
Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead—one where your child’s unique gifts are recognized, nurtured, and celebrated.