Can a dog help my child with ADHD?
Being a family with ten children aged near adulthood into infancy, we are always looking for ways to help improve the well-being of our children whether physically, emotionally, cognitively, or spiritually. Over the last 17+ years of parenting, we're still learning and believe we have a long way to go, but it is a journey and we're so thankful for the people, our tribe, who have helped educate us and champion parenthood with us.
One of the more recent developments we've discovered has been through physical therapy after our son suffered a concussion. Thanks to this referral, we learned about reflex integration from our Physical Therapist, which put us on our own education journey; delving into the world of cognitive development in children and the pervasiveness of childhood ADHD and Executive dysfunction.
Reflex integration
Reflex integration refers to the process of integrating reflexes into the nervous system in a way that allows them to function appropriately in response to various stimuli. Reflexes are automatic responses to a specific stimulus that involves a quick, involuntary movement or activity. They are an important part of the nervous system and play a crucial role in maintaining balance, coordination, and overall physical development.
There are several different types of reflexes, including primitive reflexes, postural reflexes, and voluntary reflexes. Primitive reflexes are present at birth and help to ensure the infant's survival. They include reflexes such as the rooting reflex, which helps the infant locate and latch onto the breast or bottle for feeding, and the sucking reflex, which helps the infant to feed and swallow. Postural reflexes help to maintain balance and coordination, and voluntary reflexes are under conscious control.
Reflex integration therapy involves using various techniques and exercises to help the individual integrate their reflexes into the nervous system in a way that allows them to function appropriately. This may involve activities such as crawling, rolling, and other movements that help to stimulate and mature the reflexes. The goal of reflex integration therapy is to help individuals improve their coordination, balance, and overall physical development.
Reflexes play an important role in brain development, as they provide the foundation for more complex movements and behaviors. When reflexes are not integrated properly, it can interfere with the development of other skills and can lead to delays in physical and cognitive development.
For example, if an infant has a retained primitive reflex, it can affect their ability to sit, crawl, and walk, as well as their ability to learn and perform other tasks. Similarly, if an individual has a retained postural reflex, it can affect their balance and coordination, which can impact their ability to perform everyday activities such as dressing, writing, and playing sports.
Reflex integration therapy can help to address any delays or issues related to reflex development by stimulating and maturing the reflexes through specific exercises and movements. Reflex integration therapy is a type of therapy that aims to integrate reflexes into the nervous system in a way that allows them to function appropriately. It is often used to address delays or issues related to reflex development, which can impact an individual's physical and cognitive development. By integrating reflexes into the nervous system in a way that allows them to function appropriately, individuals can improve their coordination, balance, and overall physical development. This can also have a positive impact on cognitive development, as it can help to improve the individual's ability to focus, concentrate, and learn new tasks.
The therapy may involve a variety of techniques and exercises that stimulate and mature the reflexes, such as crawling, rolling, and other movements. These activities can help to improve coordination, balance, and overall physical development.
Reflex integration therapy may be used to address a range of issues, including:
Delays in physical development, such as sitting, crawling, or walking
Balance and coordination problems
Difficulty with fine motor skills, such as writing or tying shoelaces
Learning and attention difficulties
Reflex integration therapy is typically provided by a trained therapist, who will work with the individual to develop a customized treatment plan based on their specific needs and goals. The therapy may be provided in a one-on-one setting or in a group setting, depending on the individual's needs and preferences.
There is some evidence to suggest that reflex integration therapy may be helpful for individuals with ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
Some research has found that individuals with ADHD may have delays or abnormalities in the development of certain reflexes, which can impact their ability to focus, concentrate, and learn new tasks. Reflex integration therapy may be able to address these issues by stimulating and maturing the reflexes through specific exercises and movements.
However, it is important to note that reflex integration therapy should not be used as a standalone treatment for ADHD. It is most effective when used in conjunction with other evidence-based treatments, such as medication and behavior therapy. It is also important to work with a qualified healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for an individual with ADHD.
There are several ways that a dog can potentially help with delays in physical development in children. Here are a few examples:
Physical therapy assistant: Some therapy dogs are trained to assist physical therapists in working with children who have delays in physical development. The dogs may provide support and encouragement as the children practice exercises and movements, which can help to motivate and engage them in therapy.
Motivation and encouragement: Dogs can be very motivating and encouraging companions, and they can help children to stay engaged in therapy and other activities. Children may be more likely to participate in therapy and work on developing their physical skills if they have a furry friend by their side.
Social and emotional support: Dogs can provide social and emotional support for children with delays in physical development. They can offer comfort and companionship, which can help children to feel more at ease and more motivated to work on their physical skills.
Balance and coordination: Some therapy dogs are trained to help children improve their balance and coordination through activities such as walking with the dog or playing ball.
There is some evidence to suggest that having a dog and spending time outside can potentially help with learning and attention difficulties in children. Here are a few ways this may be the case:
Physical activity and exercise: Playing outside with a dog can provide children with an opportunity for physical activity and exercise, which can help to improve their overall physical and mental health. Regular physical activity has been linked to improved cognitive function, including better attention and memory.
Social interaction and companionship: Dogs can provide children with social interaction and companionship, which can be beneficial for children with learning and attention difficulties. Children may feel more motivated and engaged in activities when they have a furry friend by their side.
Outdoor play and learning: Being outside and playing with a dog can also provide children with an opportunity to learn and explore their environment. This can help to stimulate their brains and keep them engaged in learning.
Stress and anxiety reduction: Spending time with a dog and being outside can also help to reduce stress and anxiety in children. Dogs have been shown to have a calming effect on people, and being in nature has been linked to improved mental health.
Similarly, Executive dysfunction, also known as executive function disorder (EFD), refers to difficulties with certain cognitive processes that are necessary for goal-directed behavior and decision-making. These processes, known as executive functions, include planning, organization, problem-solving, task initiation, and impulse control.
People with executive dysfunction may have trouble starting and completing tasks, following through on plans, and making decisions. They may also have difficulty with time management, organizing their environment, and prioritizing tasks. They may be forgetful, easily distracted, and have trouble multitasking.
Some common signs and symptoms of executive dysfunction include:
Difficulty starting tasks or projects
Procrastination
Disorganization
Difficulty setting goals and making plans
Difficulty completing tasks or projects
Poor time management skills
Struggling with multitasking
Difficulty adapting to change
Difficulty with impulse control
Poor self-regulation
It's important to note that executive dysfunction is not a standalone disorder. It is often seen as a symptom of other conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), traumatic brain injury, or certain neurological disorders. It can also be a side effect of certain medications or a result of chronic stress or lack of sleep.
Nature-Deficit Disorder and its impact on children
"Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder" is a book by Richard Louv that discusses the importance of nature in children's lives and the negative consequences of children's increasing disconnection from the natural world. The book argues that exposure to nature is essential for children's physical, emotional, and cognitive development and that a lack of nature in children's lives can lead to a range of problems, including attention disorders, obesity, and depression. The book also discusses the ways in which parents, schools, and communities can help to reconnect children with nature, including through outdoor play, nature education, and other activities that encourage children to explore and appreciate the natural world.
"Boys Adrift: The Five Factors Driving the Growing Epidemic of Unmotivated Boys and Underachieving Young Men" is a book by Leonard Sax that discusses the phenomenon of boys who struggle academically and socially in school and the factors that may contribute to this. The book identifies five factors that Sax believes are driving the increasing number of unmotivated and underachieving boys: a lack of physical activity, a lack of time in nature, the overuse of video games and other screen-based technologies, the decline of reading, and the use of medication to treat behavioral and learning problems. Sax argues that these factors are leading to a decline in boys' motivation, concentration, and academic performance and that addressing them is essential for helping boys succeed in school and in life.
“The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative” is a book written by Florence Williams that explores the many ways in which nature can improve our mental and physical well-being. In the book, Williams discusses research that suggests that spending time in nature can reduce stress, increase creativity, and improve overall health. She also examines the ways in which modern society has become increasingly disconnected from nature and the negative consequences this can have on our well-being.
One of the main arguments of the book is that nature has a therapeutic effect on the mind and body and that spending time in natural environments can help to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall well-being. This idea is supported by a growing body of research that has found that spending time in nature can have a range of benefits for mental health, including reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, improving attention and memory, and promoting a sense of well-being.
The book also discusses the ways in which modern society has become increasingly disconnected from nature, and the negative consequences this can have on our well-being. Williams argues that as we become more urbanized and spend more time indoors and in front of screens, we are losing our connection to the natural world. This disconnection can have a range of negative effects on our health and well-being, including increased stress, lower levels of physical activity, and decreased exposure to natural light.
Overall, The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative is an engaging and informative read that offers a compelling case for the importance of spending time in nature and the many benefits it can have for our mental and physical well-being.
Nature cure
Nature cure is a form of alternative medicine that aims to use natural methods, such as diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes, to promote health and healing. It is based on the belief that the body has the natural ability to heal itself and that natural therapies can support and enhance this process. Some proponents of nature cure suggest that it can be helpful for a variety of health conditions, including ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
It is generally recommended that children spend at least one hour per day engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity, such as playing outdoors. This recommendation is based on guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and is meant to ensure that children get the recommended amount of physical activity to support their physical and mental development.
However, the actual amount of time children should spend playing outdoors will depend on their individual needs, interests, and abilities, as well as the availability of outdoor spaces and activities. Some children may be more physically active and require more time outdoors to meet their needs, while others may be less active and need less time.
It is important for parents and caregivers to encourage children to spend time outdoors in a variety of activities, including playing sports, climbing, running, and exploring nature. Outdoor play can also provide children with opportunities to learn new skills, develop their sense of independence and self-confidence, and engage with the natural world.
In addition to encouraging outdoor play, it is also important for parents and caregivers to ensure that children are engaging in a variety of activities and are not sedentary for extended periods of time. This can be achieved by providing children with a range of indoor and outdoor activities and encouraging them to be physically active throughout the day.
Conclusion
Overall, ADHD and Executive Dysfunction, Reflex Integration, Outdoor Play, and Mental Development are all interconnected and can have a mutually reinforcing effect on children's development. Engaging in activities that support reflex integration and provide opportunities for outdoor play can help to support children's mental development and overall well-being.
Here are a few activities that a child can do with a dog outdoors:
Going for a walk or a hike: This is a great way for the child and the dog to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors.
Playing fetch: Many dogs love to play fetch, and it's a fun way for a child to interact with their dog and tire them out.
Going to a dog park: A dog park is a fenced area where dogs can play and run off-leash. It's a great place for a child to watch their dog socialize with other dogs and have some fun.
Training sessions: Children can work with their dogs on basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, and come. This can be done in a backyard or at a local training facility.
Swimming: If the child's dog loves the water, they can take them to a lake or beach and let them swim and play.
Playing hide and seek: This is a fun game for both the child and the dog. The child can hide and the dog can try to find them.
Going on a scavenger hunt: Children can create a list of items for the dog to find on a walk or hike, such as leaves, sticks, or rocks. This can be a fun way to explore the outdoors and keep the dog engaged.
It is important to note that a dog should not be used as a substitute for professional therapy or treatment. It is best to work with a qualified healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for a child with delays in physical development. Outdoor play is important for children because it allows them to get fresh air and exercise, which are both important for their physical health. It also helps children to develop their social skills, as they are more likely to interact with other children when they are outside. Outdoor play can also help children to develop their creativity, as they are presented with new environments and challenges to explore. Additionally, outdoor play can have a positive impact on children's mental health, as it allows them to relax and de-stress in a natural environment. Finally, outdoor play can be a great way for children to learn about and connect with the natural world, which can foster a sense of wonder and curiosity about the environment. There is some evidence that playing outdoors can help children with ADHD. Outdoor play may provide children with ADHD an opportunity to expend excess energy, which can help improve their focus and concentration. Outdoor play may also provide a break from the structured environment of a classroom, which can be overstimulating for children with ADHD. In addition, being in nature has been shown to have a calming effect on the mind, which may also be beneficial for children with ADHD. It is important to note that outdoor play should be just one part of a comprehensive treatment plan for ADHD, which may include medication, therapy, and other interventions.