Is it ADHD or something else?

104: Treating the Symptoms NOT the Diagnosis: Healing the Brain

This is an episode parents shouldn’t miss as we are joined by an amazing guest, Tiffany, who will be sharing her whole journey both as a mom and a dad who trusted her guts and got ahead of the problem in healing the brain by treating the symptoms not the diagnosis.

Sometimes, our kids’ behaviors get a little bit too concerning which makes us wonder whether or not these behaviors are symptoms that could be a sign of a clinical issue. This leaves parents feeling lost considering that while many behaviors are normal and part of growing up, some may indeed indicate underlying clinical issues that need attention and support.

This is an episode parents shouldn’t miss as we are joined by an amazing guest, Tiffany, who will be sharing her whole journey both as a mom and a dad who trusted her guts and got ahead of the problem in healing the brain by treating the symptoms not the diagnosis.

How Tiffany started to take charge.

Tiffany recalls noticing behavioral concerns with her 2-year-old son who was always so energetic and was dealing with some speech problems. They noticed red flags that were not typical for kids his age.

They went to consult with a pediatrician but the latter said not to worry about the speech of her son as everything will come soon but as time passed by, nothing’s happening. Tiffany’s instinct told her that something is definitely off regarding the situation despite everyone telling her that it’s going to be okay.

It started to frustrate her son not being able to speak properly – wanting to say the words but couldn’t – which is what made them seek help from a speech therapist. However, they were told that everything was fine. Well, it turned out he had a tongue tie as soon as they found another great speech therapist.

Luckily, the new speech therapist was able to assess Tiffany’s kid properly and the progress was instant. They also found that something wasn’t right with his nervous system. A friend of Tiffany’s suggested going to a chiropractor and that’s how their natural healing journey began.

The importance of asking for help.

Seeking help for mental health issues is crucial, especially when dealing with conditions like somatic symptom disorder, anxiety disorder, or any other mental illness. It is essential to remember that addressing and managing the symptoms is just as vital as focusing on the diagnosis itself.

We have to instill in our minds and other people’s minds that seeking help empowers individuals to cope with their symptoms, anxiety, or any other mental health challenges. By addressing the symptoms proactively, individuals can enhance their well-being and health. It's important to prioritize symptom management and not let the fear of judgment hinder them towards recovery and mental wellness.

There’s nothing wrong with asking for help. There are times when everyone’s going to keep reassuring you that everything’s going to be okay sooner or later but then you’ll notice no developments after a while. You can’t just stick to doing the same thing and expect a different outcome; that’s not how it works.

It’s really beneficial to surround yourself with supportive and understanding people who believe in a holistic approach. As parents, we’re supposed to know our kids best. As such, if your gut feeling tells you that something is not right or that there might be an underlying issue, it's crucial to take those concerns seriously and seek professional help.

Be a strong advocate for your kid's well-being. Connect with other parents who may have faced similar challenges. Sharing experiences and supporting one another can be beneficial. However, parents should also take care of themselves as everything can be emotionally taxing.

The importance of nutrition and neurofeedback.

It is imperative for us to monitor the nutritional components that kids get. Like what Tiffany mentioned, having an anti-inflammatory diet will do wonders to your kid’s physical and mental health; so much healing can happen.

Nutrition and neurofeedback play significant roles in supporting individuals dealing with various conditions, such as functional neurological symptom disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, illness anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorders, whether they are rooted from physical or mental illness.

It is only now that some physicians are getting nutrition courses. Back then, most of them don’t get nutrition courses unless they have gone out of their way to do functional work. And so, it is uncommon to have physicians who focus on nutrition.

Digging deeper into her son’s case, Tiffany started to see other symptoms which is how she stumbled upon my name after watching some of my videos about neurofeedback. And so, she wanted to consult about her son’s case and try doing neurofeedback for him.

Neurofeedback was such a great shift for Tiffany’s son as it has the greatest impact since diet is also taken into consideration in such a treatment. Thankfully, her son instantly improved after doing a week of neurofeedback despite being generally sensitive. Tiffany noticed the positive changes with her son as he was truly calmer, happier, and more regulated.

Although, we have to keep in mind that everyone’s response to neurofeedback is different considering the fact that most people have gradual symptoms. On the other hand, young brains of kids under eight are way more responsive and open since there’s more neuroplasticity there. A healthy diet also contributes to having a more flexible brain making it easier to be trained.

Detox baths and supplements.

Detoxification is also important in treating different symptoms and healing since it eliminates harmful substances or toxins. Supplements like magnesium and omega-3 also have many benefits and support one’s overall well-being and health.

When there are symptoms, we need to dig deeper because we know that inflammation from infections and toxins affect the brain and behavior and there isn’t a single psychiatric medication to fix that.

Symptoms of mental health issues can be complex and may have various underlying causes which is why early detection and intervention is a must. This will also help medical and mental health professionals in promptly addressing the symptoms.

Do your research and keep an open mind.

It is important for us to always keep an open mind. Tiffany highlighted how much of a big deal having an open mind is in her journey and emphasized the need to trust your gut instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. When your gut tells you that there’s something wrong, dig deeper and reach out to people and not just your circle of friends either because sometimes, they may not be able to understand your situation entirely. It’s also gonna be helpful to do your research and look for further information. There are many other things that you can do other than taking medications or not doing anything.

Reaching out to people beyond your immediate circle of friends allows you to get different perspectives and insights into your situation. Others may offer valuable feedback, suggestions, or support that you hadn't considered before.

Don’t let one thing that didn't work stop you from continuing your healing journey. You most definitely just haven't found the perfect qualified mental health provider for your kid yet. If you have concerns about your kid's behavior, make sure to seek guidance from professionals.

For more information on neurofeedback, you can check out this link: Neurofeedback Podcast

Is your child struggling with attention and executive functioning skills? Learn how to get your kid to listen and finish tasks in 30 days without the constant nagging and fighting. Get the Dr. Roseann's Parenting Toolkit for only $47 today!

➡️ Join our FREE Natural Parenting Community to receive science-backed resources for your child and family. Join here.

➡️ Get help from Dr. Roseann and her team. Apply here. 

➡️ “Is it ADHD or something else?” Take the quiz. 

Scroll to Top
7 day challenge

Counter your overwhelm and reset your nervous system in 7 days

7 Days to
Self Regulation

Challenge starts on April 22!

Download Your Copy

147 Therapist-Endorsed

Self-Regulation Strategies

for Children

A Practical Guide For Parents

147 therapist endorsed self-regulation strategies for children a practical guide for parents
Skip to content