Alison Crawford

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that can manifest differently depending on gender. In boys, ADHD is often easier to spot due to hyperactivity and impulsivity, which can lead to behavioral issues in school. Girls, on the other hand, are frequently overlooked because their symptoms are more internalized, such as inattention, daydreaming, and social withdrawal. Many girls are not diagnosed until after puberty, and by then, ADHD may have already affected their self-esteem and behavior. For some, the condition plays out in impulsive behavior, attention-seeking, mood dysregulation, and even substance abuse, as they struggle to cope with the challenges ADHD brings.

In my own experience, when my child was first diagnosed as a teenager, I tried to avoid conventional medication and focus on natural treatments. But as they reached the demanding academic years of Year 11 and 12, it became clear that medication was necessary to help them manage their workload and stress levels. We combined the medication with the right nutritional support, which made all the difference. The medication worked with minimal side effects, and the nutritional plan helped balance their health and mood, giving us the best of both worlds.

Now, I guide families who are navigating similar decisions. Whether they want to avoid medication entirely or use it while minimizing side effects, I provide tailored support. By optimizing nutrition and lifestyle changes alongside or in place of medication, individuals can find relief and manage ADHD symptoms more effectively, helping them succeed without feeling limited by the condition.