By: Howard Olshansky, JFS Executive Director

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions in both kids and adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 6 million children in the U.S., nearly 10%, have been diagnosed with ADHD, and about 4–5% of adults live with it. With so many people affected, you’d think there would be a clear answer on the best way to treat ADHD. The truth is, experts often disagree, and families can feel caught between very different approaches.

That said, as long and as frequent ADHD has been diagnosed, there have always been conflicting theories as to the best way to treat ADHD. So, what are the main theories about ADHD treatment, and what might that mean for you or your loved ones?

Medication: The Medical Model

For many doctors, the first treatment they recommend is medication. Stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall are often called the “gold standard” because they can quickly improve focus, reduce hyperactivity, and make it easier to manage daily life. Many parents and adults report that medication feels like flipping on a light switch; it helps them finally sit still, pay attention, or get through a workday without constant distraction.

But medication isn’t perfect. Side effects like appetite loss, trouble sleeping, or mood changes can be tough. Some families also worry about long-term use, or about the possibility of misuse, especially among teens and young adults. This leads many people to wonder if medication should really be the only option or just one part of the solution.

Therapy and Skills Training

Another common approach focuses less on brain chemistry and more on behavior. Therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or parent training help kids and adults build tools for everyday life. For kids, this might mean learning to follow routines, stay organized, or handle frustration without melting down. Parents may learn strategies for setting clear expectations and using positive reinforcement. Adults often focus on time management, breaking tasks into smaller steps, or learning how to manage emotions.

The upside is that therapy builds long-term skills that medication alone can’t provide. The challenge, though, is that severe symptoms can make it hard for some people to benefit from therapy without medication as support.

Lifestyle and Holistic Approaches

Beyond medication and therapy, some families and adults explore lifestyle changes. Exercise is one of the most researched areas. Regular physical activity has been shown to boost focus and reduce impulsivity. Diet is another hot topic, with some studies suggesting that cutting back on processed foods or adding omega-3 supplements may help.

Mindfulness and meditation are also gaining traction. For kids, this might look like short breathing exercises at school; for adults, it might mean daily meditation to calm racing thoughts.

The big question here is whether these changes are powerful enough on their own. Most experts say they can be very helpful but work best when combined with other strategies rather than as stand-alone treatments.

Alternative and Controversial Ideas

There are also more unconventional theories. Some people argue that ADHD is over diagnosed, or that it reflects a mismatch between traditional schools/workplaces and how some brains function. From this perspective, the “treatment” is less about fixing the person and more about changing the environment, such as more flexible classrooms, shorter work meetings, or reduced screen time.

Others explore treatments like neurofeedback, herbal supplements, or chiropractic care. While some individuals swear by them, the scientific evidence is still limited, and results can be unpredictable.

Putting It All Together

If you’re feeling confused, you’re not alone. ADHD treatment is not one-size-fits-all. What works for one child or adult may not work for another, and sometimes it takes trial and error to find the right balance.

For many, the best approach is a mix: maybe medication for symptom relief, therapy for skill-building, and lifestyle changes for overall well-being. It’s also important to keep an open mind because what works for your family today may change over time as needs and circumstances shift.

The debate over ADHD treatment will likely continue, but one thing most experts agree on is this: people with ADHD can thrive with the right support. Whether that comes from medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination, the key is tailoring the approach to the individual.

Practical Tips for Families and Adults Considering Treatment

Start with a trusted professional. A pediatrician, psychiatrist, or therapist can help guide you through treatment options and make recommendations tailored to your needs.

Weigh the pros and cons of medication. Ask about side effects, how long medication lasts, and what signs to look for that it’s working (or not).

Consider therapy alongside medication. Skills training and coping strategies often provide benefits medication alone can’t.

Don’t overlook lifestyle basics. Good sleep, regular exercise, and balanced nutrition can all make a noticeable difference.

Stay open to adjustments. ADHD symptoms and needs can change over time, so it’s common to tweak treatment plans as kids grow or adults enter new life stages.

Involve the support system. Teachers, family, and even employers can play a big role in creating environments where someone with ADHD can succeed.

By: Howard Olshansky, JFS Executive Director

As preparations begin for the High Holidays, our home and families gear up for the most special time of year in the Jewish culture. We anticipate gathering with family we might not often see, plan for special meals, attendance at High Holiday services and some families might be traveling to be with extended family. For many all this planning can be stressful. However, for a family with a child or adult on the autism spectrum, preparing for the holidays is much more than just a heightened level of stress.

Let’s start by understanding the scope of the issue. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is increasingly recognized: in the United States, 1 in 31 children—about 3.2 percent—were identified with ASD by age 8. Extrapolating to the adult population, approximately 5.4 million U.S. adults—or around 2.2 percent—live with autism. Globally, the estimated prevalence is roughly 1 in 100 children, though some newer estimates suggest closer to 1 in 127 individuals—about 61.8 million people worldwide. Given these figures, it’s likely many families will share the holidays with someone on the spectrum—making preparedness and empathy important.

When a loved one is on the autism spectrum, the Holidays can bring multiple challenges especially given sensory sensitivities, disrupted routines, and social expectations. Understanding these dynamics is key to crafting a more inclusive, supportive holiday experience.

Key Challenges

1. Disruption of Routine

Autistic individuals often depend on predictability. Holidays naturally interrupt daily structure—travel, staying at different homes, altered sleep and meal schedules—all of which may trigger stress or behavioral challenges. Establishing a simplified schedule or visual plan for each day can help ease transitions. 

2. Sensory Overload & Environment Stressors

Crowded gatherings, loud music, festive lights, diverse foods, and ambient smells can overwhelm someone with sensory sensitivities. Packing a “sensory survival kit”—noise-reducing headphones, familiar snacks, fidget toys, or sunglasses—offers immediate relief. Visiting a new venue beforehand, viewing pictures or maps, or identifying quiet spaces can provide predictability and reduce anxiety. This is especially relevant if you are planning to attend services.

3. Social Expectations & Communication Strain

Holiday gatherings often come with intense social interaction: small talk, group conversations, mingling with distant relatives. People with ASD may struggle to participate or may disengage completely. It helps to carve out breaks—moments of downtime or exits to calm spaces. Offering advance notice about who will be there, along with clear expectations (“we’ll have a meal, share gifts, then watch a movie”), allows better emotional preparation. Please keep this in mind if you are hosting someone on the spectrum and make as many accommodations, as possible.

4. Fraying Family Dynamics & Fatigue

Caregivers may face emotional and physical tolls during holidays, especially when attempting to balance everyone’s needs. Siblings may feel overlooked; parents may struggle to juggle specialized support alongside holiday tasks. Building in individual time—quiet breaks, one-on-one attention, rotating responsibilities—can help reduce burnout and maintain connection.

Some strategies to plan for a smoother High Holiday experience

Prep with visuals and predictability

Share images of the holiday location or attendees.

Use calendars, timers, or checklists to communicate what’s coming next.

Create sensoryfriendly spaces

Identify or designate quiet zones in the event space.

Bring comfort tools: headphones, weighted blanket, favorite object.

Set clear expectations with guests

Brief visitors gently about sensory needs or communication styles.

Ask relatives to avoid surprises and respect schedules.

Offer choices and autonomy

Let your loved one control pacing: rest first, socialize later; choose meal order; skip certain activities if they feel uncomfortable.

Balance traditions with flexibility

Stick to core routines, when possible, but be ready to adapt.

Prioritize meaningful parts of celebration and let go of others.

Look after caregiver wellbeing

Schedule breaks and enlist help from others.

Use virtual check-ins or supportive resources if in-person help is limited.

Why It Matters

Managing holidays with an autistic loved one is more than logistical planning—it’s an act of inclusion and love. By holding space for their sensory, communication, and emotional needs, the experience becomes richer for everyone. It models respect for neurodiversity and nurtures deeper family bonds. As prevalence continues to rise—1 in 31 children in the U.S., and around 1 in 127 people globally—more families will engage in this balancing act, making awareness and adaptive practices vital. 

Final Thought

The holidays may never be as carefree or spontaneous if you’re supporting a loved one on the spectrum—but they can be deeply meaningful. With preparation, sensitivity, and open communication, you can craft celebrations that honor everyone’s comfort and joy. After all, the true gift is connection—shared in ways everyone can feel included.

By: Julie Loftis, JFS Marketing Specialist

As the school year approaches and families begin adjusting to new routines, it’s not uncommon for parents to feel overwhelmed. The transition from summer to fall often brings anxiety—new teachers, schedules, academic pressure, and shifting household dynamics. For many, these challenges stir deeper questions: “Why is this so hard? Am I doing something wrong? Why does everyone else seem to have it together?”

At Jewish Family Services (JFS), we hear this often—and we want every parent to know: “You are not a bad parent. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not failure.”

Following the Shalom Park BeWell Resiliency Roundtable youth and parent surveys, JFS saw clear patterns. Parents across our community expressed feeling isolated, under-resourced, and unsure how to manage their children’s emotional needs—especially post-pandemic. The data showed rising concerns about anxiety, behavioral challenges, and emotional regulation in children, alongside a deep desire for support.

In response, JFS is launching several new initiatives to meet these needs. “Parenting from the Inside Out,” a support and skill-building group starting this fall, will offer a space for caregivers to explore how their own experiences shape their parenting—and how they can grow alongside their children. Grounded in neuroscience and attachment theory, the group fosters greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and empathy.

To reach even more parents, July marked the introduction of Weekly Parenting Pointers on JFS Facebook and Instagram accounts. Every Wednesday helpful, expert-informed parenting tips will be posted to support families in our community. These posts will offer practical guidance on topics such as managing stress, building strong parent-child relationships, fostering emotional regulation, and more. Our goal is to provide accessible, bite-sized resources that empower parents and promote resilience at home—one tip at a time.

Behind these efforts is a deep clinical foundation. JFS offers trauma-informed counseling for families, including evidence-based practices like Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions). These therapies address the root causes of stress, offering relief for both children and caregivers.

Back-to-school season can resurface unresolved stressors for both parents and children. Transitions, expectations, and social pressures can be difficult to navigate. But families don’t have to do it alone.

The message is simple: Struggling doesn’t make you a bad parent. Avoiding support only keeps you stuck.

JFS encourages parents to view reaching out as an act of love—for yourself and your child. Whether through therapy, support groups, or engaging with a weekly post, small steps can create lasting change.

As September unfolds and the school year begins, we invite families to let go of perfection. Lean into community, embrace imperfection, and remember: parenting is not about having all the answers—it’s about having the courage to ask for help when it matters most.