As parents we all want our children to excel in every aspect of their lives and when they don't somehow we feel like we should have, or could have, done more. Many parents of an ADHD children feel this way, and quite honestly it is natural parental instinct for most. But the question here is whether this guilt is really justified or not.
ADHD is not the obscure condition it once was. In fact, today it is estimated that at least 8 percent of children have some form of the condition. That said, scientists and doctors have yet to discover the exact cause of the condition.
There was a time no so long ago when parents of children who showed signs of ADHD (inattention, impulsive behavior, erratic behavior, disorganization, poor memory, hyperactivity) were blamed for their child behavior and/or academic under achievement. Those laying the blame are always quick to point out if the child's parent would have done this, or done that, things would have turned out different.
But the truth is ADHD has little to do with parenting and more to do with biological imbalances and development inconsistencies in certain areas of the brain. Mainly those responsible for self regulation.
Another cause that required child ADHD treatment at one time was minor brain trauma caused by difficulties during birth or a minor brain trauma. During this period ADHD was actually referred to as minimal brain damage or dysfunction. What we know today is that while a few cases of ADHD in children are indeed caused by minor brain trauma the vast majority have no history of traumatic birth or even minor accidents.
PET (Positive Emission Tomography) along with other brain scan technology has revealed that certain areas of the brain in ADHD children show about ten percent less activity than their peers without the condition. This is particularly noticeable in the areas that control attention and attributed to underdevelopment along with poor glucose absorption.
Some believe that the real culprit can be found in a child's diet. The two areas most often mentioned are refined sugar and food additives. This topic has been hotly debated for over two decades ever since Ben Feingold first suggested this by observing how children reacted to different foods and food additives. Experts now believe that diet modification will help reduce ADHD symptoms in about one out of every ten children. I would suspect that the average mom dealing with a hyperactive child would believe this number to be much higher.
Another theory being considered as a cause of ADHD in children is whether or not exposure to smoke, alcohol, drugs, or environmental toxins play a role in the development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. While many believe this to be the case all we really know for sure is that heredity is an uncontroversial factor since just over half of all children with ADHD have at least one parent with the disorder.
While the true cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is unclear, we know enough to know that parenting and upbringing are not cause. Knowing this has removed a heavy burden form parents who earlier may have felt guilt and confusion. Now, with more reliable information, these parents can concentrate on seeking appropriate treatments for their kids. Examples of non-pharmaceutical options include homeopathic ADHD remedies, behavioral therapy, regulated diet treatment, and increased levels of outdoor activity.
Robert D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic consumer advocate for natural health and natural living with over 10 years experience in the field. To learn more about ADHD along with information about safe and effective herbal and homeopathic ADHD remedies Click Here
