Attention Deficit Disorder
One of the most significant theories on A.D.D. has
come from author Thom Harttmann. He proposed that,
over thousands and thousands of years, humanity has
evolved into two basic types of people in order to
survive: hunters and farmers.
Someone with a farmer's temperament can get up and do
the same tasks consistently day-in and day-out. Most
educational institutions were designed by
farmer-types and reward people with this temperament.
Hunters, on the other hand, provided for the tribe by
going on the hunt. Instead of a consistent day-to-day
lifestyle, they were required to be both
hyper-focused and hyper-sensitive in order to
successfully bring food back to the tribe. They were
also required to be highly creative
in order to out-smart their game.
People with a hunter's temperament thrive on a highly
stimulating work environment, and tend to
move towards occupations that are creative in nature.
Some ideal occupations for hunters are: musicians,
entrepreneurs, sales people, etc...
In our modern-day society, people with a hunter's
temperament can suffer immensely if they try to make
themselves fit into systems and expectations designed
by farmers.
Sadly, if a child with A.D.D. (a hunter) is not
supported and encouraged for their way of being, they
can grow up with an extremely low sense of
self-esteem. This can often lead to addictive
behaviors, which are common for people with A.D.D. These
addictions become coping mechanisms for their
inability to focus without a certain level of
stimulation.
Managing
A.D.D.
For both children and adults, awareness and
understanding are the first steps.
For starters, people with A.D.D. require a different
kind of diet than other people, in order to
be most effective. Expanding on the idea that A.D.D.
people are hunters, a high-protein diet is ideal.
This protein can be derived as easily from vegetable
sources, as from animal protein.
People with A.D.D. also tend to be more sensitive to
artificial ingredients and preservatives. A diet
consisting of mostly organic/natural foods is ideal.
Exercise is also essential
for someone with A.D.D.. Going back to the hunter
model -- "the hunt" required short bursts
of rigorous exercise. Running a few times a week, or
highly active sports activities, can greatly support
clarity of thought and overall well-being. Although
this is true for just about everyone, these are
virtually essential for someone with A.D.D.
How do I learn more?
First off, I would suggest reading
up on A.D.D.. Because there is
such a broad spectrum of opinions on A.D.D., it is
advised to move towards those that
stress diet and lifestyle management, over the use of
pharmaceuticals. Many drugs given for A.D.D. can have
life-long detrimental effects -- effecting both brain
chemistry and liver functioning.
I've also listed a number of very informative websites. There you
will find both useful information and online support
groups.
For adults with A.D.D., a life
coach can make a huge difference.
A good life coach can create the stability and
support needed to really thrive with A.D.D..
