Children and adults of all ages find it difficult to concentrate from time to time.  It’s normal and quite expected when something catches ones attention.  Unfortunately, however, some children (and adults) find it difficult to remain focused more than occassionally and this often affects his/her ability to complete tasks.  Often these same children find it difficult to control impulsivity, and are often more active physically during times that it isn’t considered appropriate.  If you find these qualities in your child, he/she may have what is referred to as Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD for short or perhaps too much sugar!

In the past twelve years, it has been reported that the number of children diagnosed with ADHD has increased by 33%.  Why?  Partly due to the fact that doctors and parents are becoming better at detecting cases when a child frequently demonstrates the behaviors referenced above.  Are all cases of ADHD truly the disorder or are there cases where parents cannot control their children’s behavior therefore they seek medical assistance and medication?  No doubt!  I’ve seen it in my classroom.   Children who were well-behaved for me each and every day were holy terrors at home with their parents.  When asked to complete the paperwork required for the medical practitioners, I answered the questions based upon my observations of the child in the classroom – NOT what I was often asked to state on the forms by parents looking for an easy way out.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder cannot be prevented because no one truly knows what causes it.  Experts suggest that it is a combination of factors including genetics, environmental toxins, and nutritional habits.  Since we cannot change genetics, let’s look at a few other suspected contributors that we can modify and control:

• Secondhand Smoke:  Even to have to mention this to readers is frustrating as it is highly publicized that secondhand smoke is toxic.  Studies have been conducted over the years and the results have suggested that pregnant women who smoke while they are pregnant run an increased risk of giving birth to children with ADHD.  Now studies indicate that children exposed to secondhand smoke are at a 50% increased risk of developing two or more behavioral and learning disorders, including ADHD.  Although studies aren’t conclusive whether tobacco smoke harms children’s brains, it has been discovered that kids may be vulnerable to the effects of cigarettes.
• Pesticides:  Researchers from both Canada and the United States have found a connection between exposure to organosphsphate pesticides which are those nmost often used on commercially produced produce and the presence of ADHD symptoms in children (and adults).  Now before you go and jump the gun, it isn’t suggesting that children immediately stop eating fruits and vegetables, it means that parents may want to shop more wisely.  In other words, purchasing fruits and vegetables that are organic when possible or from local farmers markets who can prove that they’ve harvested chemically-free is the way to go.  As with any fruit or vegetable, you’ll want to insure that you scrub and rinse your produce carefully to remove any toxic residues, but remember, certain toxins are absorbed into the produce so you’ll want to discover which vegetables and fruits are less affected than others.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is serious business.  It can affect both children and adults in many ways.  Although I, nor my two children have the disorder, I have several relatives that do.  It has made everyday activities and interactions with others quite difficult.  Additionally, it can impact different aspects of life from interpersonal relationships and social interactions, to physical limitations on the job.  Because it affects everyone to a different degree, medications must be closely monitored.  Medications can help with controlling the symptoms as can other remedies such as monitoring a child’s dietary consumption, a good exercise regime, and adequate rest.  Most important is learning about and teaching children effective strategies to use both at home and school for children who exhibit ADHD. It can make all the difference in the world.

NOTE:  Brain Anatomy:  In a study conducted on the brains of thirteen (13) preschoolers diagnosed with ADHD symptoms and thirteen (13) without, scientists in Baltimore reviewed the results of the MRI’s and found that the region of the brain important for cognitive and motor control was smaller in the children with ADHD.  Although the study was conclusive in terms of the results, determining how to alter the contributors affect on the brain have not been discovered yet. (The red area within the yellow section reflects cognitive learning taking place within the brain.)