ADD, or attentional deficit disorder, is a commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder in children, affecting between 3 and 5 percent of school age children. According to the National Institutes of Health, boys are diagnosed with attention deficit disorder more often than girls. For parents who do not want to give their child medication, therapy is an effective treatment for attention deficit disorder. Working with a therapist who specializes in ADD can help manage symptoms with medication. In addition to therapy, a healthy diet, a good night's sleep and educational techniques can reduce symptoms of this condition.
Diet
Altering a child's diet can improve the symptoms of ADD. According to the National Institutes of Health, giving a child a diet with plenty of fiber and nutrients can help ease symptoms. In addition, limiting junk food, limiting foods with additives and fried foods may also reduce the symptoms of ADD.
Sleep
Getting enough sleep at night can alleviate some of the symptoms of ADD. According to the National Institutes of Health, children with ADD should get enough sleep at night--at least eight hours of sleep every night. However, if the child is a restless sleeper, she will not have the full benefits.
Education
Working out a therapy plan with the child's teacher can reduce symptoms of attention deficit disorder without the use of medication. Because a full classroom may be very distracting for the child, symptoms may improve through one-on-one instruction with the teacher. The child may also benefit from study techniques, as well as special accommodations in the classroom.
Therapy
Therapy is an effective alternative to ADD medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, works on behavior modification in the different areas of the child's life. Behavioral therapy teaches the child about rewards and consequences of his behavior, and sets goals for behavior and achievement.
