11 yr old with adhd

[dorothykeith]

what can be done at home to help my 11yr old step son with adhd he is not on any type of meds for this

[allmymarbles]

You do not describe his behavioral or emotional problems. Could you please give us more information?

[Anneinside]

You have received some very good advice. I would, however, suggest that you go to the ADD/ADHD forum instead of the bipolar forum. Click on Forums at the top of the page, go down to Health Forums (the first one listed) and on that page you will see ADD/ADHD forum.

[Sandman2]

    Very good answers by the above.  On the ADHD forum, I always recommend getting the book - "The ADD/ ADHD Answer book," by Susan Ashley.  She has a section on "succeeding in school", "Parenting," "homework," "self esteem," etc.  You will find the book very helpful.
     Also this site has an extensive list of ideas to help a child at school.  
http://helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_teaching_strategies.htm  
     If school is your main area of concern you will find this very helpful

[specialmom]

Hi,  well-------  the nervous system can be calmed with something called 'heavy work'.  You can google this in relationship to sensory integration disorder.  My son has sensory which is very very similar to adhd and can look alike.  My son has a nervous system that is overactive and he seeks input into it which causes hyper looking behavior.  I have found this 'heavy work' to be really valuable in calming his system.  Worth a try.
Examples would be things that are basically physical activity----  swimming is the perfect exercise.  It gives muscle work and deep pressure all at once.  Bouncing on a trampoline.  Hanging off of  monkey bars or zip lines.  Rock climbing.  Sports such as soccer, football, wrestling.  Karate is really good.  Lifting some light weights.  Push ups.  All of these things work to slow the  nervous system.  
I will tell you that this type of physical activy improves my son's focus tremendously.  
I think for the organizational issues, you can get him organizational tools.  Check lists, planners, watch with alarm, etc.  Help him learn to be organized.
Some people look into diet and go gluten free I've heard.  And they add in fish oil gummies (little critters makes a chewy version you can get at any store).  
A fidget at school is helpful.  Even a coffee stirrer to chew on helps.  
So, how do any of those ideas sound?

[remar]

I would recommend therapy to start with. Some kids are more active than others, and this is normal. You need to keep him busy so he can get out all of his energy. I am not a big fan of medicating kids for ADHD. I am not a Dr. That is just my personal opinion.