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This is the last in our series dealing with accurate behavioral diagnosis for your child. As I mentioned in my last article, detailed observations at various times of the day for a 1 ½ to 2 month period will provide sufficient information to help you begin to see distinct patterns in your child’s behavior.For example, you may find that when your child has 8 hours or less of sleep, his mood the following day is much more erratic and unpredictable. Or perhaps after watching a few hours of television or playing on the computer, you find your child has difficulty focusing and being attentive. These are the types of patterns you would have noticed over time.With the observations now documented and sorted, you are now prepared to determine whether or not there are simple and obvious changes you, as a parent can make in your child’s immediate environment. This might include such things as ensuring your child gets enough sleep, eats healthy, non-processed foods, has minimal amount of exposure to television, video and computer games (or at least eliminate violent and aggressive shows and games), has plenty of exercise outdoors, and is not exposed to toxins within and outside of the home. There may also more subtle changes you can make such as eliminating trips to the grocery store with your hungry or tired child just before supper- or bedtime, or bringing healthy snacks and water on long car rides to eliminate low blood sugar levels and consequently, grumpy, moody children.You may also decide that the information you gathered about your child’s behavior merits seeing a health professional – and there are many to choose from. I would recommend your first visit to be to your family physician who generally knows your child’s history. They may be able to provide you with advice on how to change the behavior or they may recommend other health practitioners who specialize in a particular field. Aside from your family physician, there are other health professionals you might want to consider meeting with as well. There are a variety of paths you can take. My suggestion is to begin with the less invasive, more natural approaches. These might include:A food allergist who will determine if your child demonstrates food sensitivities.
A dietitian has an undergraduate degree in food and nutrition and will be able to provide sound advice on healthy and nutritious foods.
A nutritionist may not have as much academic education as a dietician however, they still focus on optimal nutritional matters.
A homeopath uses very diluted substances (natural sources) to create balance in the body. These substances are devoid of chemical toxicity.
A naturopath focuses on the body’s innate ability to heal itself. A naturopath might use different types of healing including herbalism, environmental medecine, acupuncture, aromatherapy, just to name a few.