After exhaustive studies, the medical fraternity has discovered a simple remedy for the growing numbers of children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - Mother Nature.

Interacting with a natural environment is as effective as drugs

The really startling factor that will have parents of ADHD children whooping for joy is how the great outdoors rivals Ritalin when it comes to improving dwindling concentration levels. Green environments can and do have a significant impact on the well-being of your child without having to resort to drugs, which all have negative side effects in some form or another.

Studies conducted at an American university and published in the Journal of Attention Disorders indicated that children are able to concentrate better and for longer periods of time after they have been in and interacted with a pleasing natural habitat like a city park, golf estate or conservation area.

However, when the same subjects were placed in both rather slumberous residential areas and the more bustling central business districts, they failed to exhibit the same heightened levels of concentration.

City environments demand more interpretation

City environments appear to require a lot more interpretation by the affected child and are consequently rather tiring for them. In fact, researchers have dubbed urban areas fatiguing environments, compared to the restorative elements of a natural one.

Add to this newfound knowledge the unequivocal fact that ADHD kids focus better when they ‘re on the move and taking your attention-bereft child to natural play areas, or even areas where they can participate in a particular sport like cricket or soccer fields, should provide a double whammy for their improvement.

Parents have reported how an activity as simple as gardening has had positive effects on the development of their child. Many of us find working with the soil and enjoying the warmth and bounty of nature therapeutic, but it is those actions that engage more than a single sense that are particularly helpful to the child diagnosed with ADHD. Gardening ropes in a number of senses, including olfactory, tactile and visual as well as prompting our kids to move around and be active – all of which are natural elixirs for the hyperactive.

The easy answer is an active life in a pleasant natural milieu

The easy answer to the improved health and well being of any child living with ADHD is quite simply an active life in a pleasant natural environment. So if your child happens to be one of the ADHD statistics, the solution appears to be simple - pack those bags and head for rural surroundings, such as small holdings, farms or golf property estates.