Due to the adverse effects that most ADD medications have on the child, many alternative ADD treatments are being used to address the situation. Certain behavioral modification strategies as well as educational interventions are being employed as alternative solutions or natural ADHD treatments which are part of a holistic approach to the condition.

Creating environmental support systems especially within the school is considered as a key alternative ADD treatment strategy. Experts suggest that the ideal classroom for a child with ADHD is one in which classroom rules and expectations are clearly defined. Children with ADHD can best benefit from an environment that is structured and organized where routines are well defined. The home environment can also be structured to provide optimum support to the child with ADHD. Alternative ADD treatments that involve environmental modifications necessitate family and household rules that must be both clear and consistently implemented. Predictable routines often help structure time for the child with ADHD. There should be a quiet and relaxing study area where virtually no distractions exist.

While in the classroom, the child should be placed in a location close to the teacher and not be in an isolated area. Students with favorable behaviors should be seated close to the child with ADHD. Environmental alternative ADD strategies should also call for a study area with reduced stimuli. This room should also be made available for use by all the students, not just the child with ADHD to also promote social interaction.

Teachers should also closely monitor the schedules and routines. They should be organized in to accommodate the fluctuation in energy presented by the child. A mixture of low and high-energy activities would be more desirable as an integral part in alternative ADD strategies that restructure the environment and activity levels. Activities, though, should generally be stimulating, interesting and meaningful and involve a lot of hands-on projects vs. seat and board work or lecture.

It is important for parents and educators to be aware of how these environmental alternative ADD methods can greatly benefit children with ADD.