We have used a natural approach with my difficult child that includes:
[*]dietary restrictions (no processed foods, no food colorings, organic when available, fruit juices, milk, and water only - no sodas);
[*]fish oil supplements (the brand we use isn't available in the US, but it is a capsule that is chewable and has orange juice in it to disguise the fish oil);
[*]careful monitoring of sleep to ensure he gets at least 10 hours per night, every night
[*]use of lavender in as many forms as we can get it! (bath bubbles, sachets for pillows, room spray)
[*]ensuring that exercise and outdoor play are a part of everyday activity
[*]behavior modification
[*]decluttering of the household of ALL nonessential items and regular purges of toys to keep things to a minimum (keeps distractions down)
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These are not in any particular order, but it is the laundry list of things we do to keep difficult child on an even keel. When difficult child does go off the rails, I usually find that food and/or sleep deprevation is the culprit.
Good luck to you!
