According to a 2010 government study, 8.4% of children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a form of developmental disability characterized by hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.

It’s back-to-school time—time for your kids to mentally depart from their summer vacations and focus on learning. That can be challenging for any child, especially when it still feels like summer outside. But for those with serious problems paying attention, it’s a very tough assignment.

Here are some typical behaviors associated children’s attention deficit:

• Has trouble sitting still
• Easily distracted
• Constantly in motion, touching everything in sight
• Has difficulty processing information quickly; becomes easily confused
• Often avoids tasks that require sustained mental effort
• Very impatient; often interrupts others
• Frequently acts without regarding to consequences

Diagnosis and Treatment of Children’s Attention Deficit

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, true ADHD is not easy to diagnose. A licensed health practitioner needs to collect information about the child’s behavior, overall health, environment, and diet. Other conditions need to be ruled out first, such as learning disabilities, depression, and hearing or vision problems.

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, parents dealing with children’s attention deficit can choose to put their child on a pharmaceutical drug, such as Ritilin, Adderal, or Focalin. These medications work well for many children, but do come with side effects. The most commonly reported side effects are sleep problems, decreased appetite, anxiety, and irritability. Less common side effects include personality changes (such as a lack of emotion), or developing “tics”—sudden, repetitive movements or sounds.

A Natural Approach to Treating Children’s Attention Deficit

In an effort to avoid the side effects of ADHD drugs—or the high cost, if one’s insurance doesn’t cover them—parents are increasingly turning to natural ADHD treatments. Some seek psychotherapy for their child. Some try to make changes in the child’s diet, such as cutting out sugar, caffeine, and dairy products; avoiding foods with artificial colors and MSG; and adding B Vitamins and Omega 3 fatty acids.

Yet another option is to treat children’s attention deficit with homeopathic and natural supplements designed to support a child’s ability to focus and concentrate. A key ingredient in many of these supplements is DMAE, a substance naturally produced in the brain which proponents like Dr. Nicholas Perricone say supports improved mental focus. Superfruits for anti-oxidant benefits and chamomile for calming effects are also commonly found in natural ADHD supplements, which come in child-friendly tablets, chewable wafers, soft gels, and liquid formulas.

Paula Detwiller, All Vitamins Plus Contributor