[at-l] Re: Hiking with ADD (hyperactivity)

[beccalane@hotmail.com (mountaingirlbl)]

well...i have ADD and have been diagnosed with it for many years. i am
an avid backpacker and grew up hiking with my family. although i am not
a "severe" case and also know nothing about the kid that you are talking
about, i would imagine that you would find him to be pleasantly
different in the woods. kids with ADD tend to stand out in routine,
scheduled, rigid activities--hiking is none of these. in the woods, you
are lost admist thousands of sights, sounds, and smells.

i have also worked extensively with ADD and ADHD children in the woods
and have found that they only time they get bothersome is at camp when
food is to be prepared, fires built, etc. solution--get them involved
and make sure it seems that you really "need" their help. let him/her
explore and try new things out. i don't think going off the medication
is a bad idea--the calming effect of the woods should provide you with
an alternative.

hopefully i made some sense. from experience, i know that i could never
be more focused or peaceful than when i am surrounded by nature. of
course, we are all different so my reactions are not universal. all in
all, i think there is no better treatment for a child who struggles in a
crowded schoolroom with demands of finished work. enjoy it.



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