The causes of ADHD have never really been identified, although in recent years researchers have come up with a laundry list of possibilities. One thing they are certain of is that parenting doesn’t play any part in your child’s condition, so blaming yourself is a waste of time and emotions. While parenting isn’t involved, genetics might be. It has been shown that where families have relatives with the condition, your child stands an increased chance of having it also. It is also believed that there are environmental factors that may worsen or contribute to the severity of the child’s behavior and attitude.
Toxin, poison and certain chemical exposure during pregnancy can also increase the chances of ADHD developing in your child. If your toddler is exposed to these types of things, it could also lead to development of this condition. Exposure to lead has been shown to increase disruptive often violent hyperactivity and behavior in children as well as inattentiveness and lack of focus.
In brain scans performed on children with ADHD, it has been shown that areas that control these types of symptoms are less active than with non-ADHD children. If you smoke drink, smoke or take drugs, know that it may have a negative effect on the neurons producing transmitters that control behavior.
Food is often blamed for hyperactivity in kids, though it has never been reliably proven that it causes ADHD. However, refined sugar should be restricted in children’s diets even if you only suspect a connection to your child’s behavior changes. Realize that limiting sugar can’t hurt, and it could offset the development of other conditions like obesity and diabetes.