Some people believe that bad parenting causes ADD. I'm sure you've heard people say things like, "he just needs a little discipline." Or "If he were mine, he wouldn't act like that!" Although proper care and discipline do play a significant role in child rearing, we can't blame all our ADD symptoms on our parents.
It is interesting to note that in studies of adopted children, heredity seems to play a greater role than environment. A high percentage of adopted children have ADD even though their adoptive parents are unlikely to have ADD. Looking at their birth parents, there is a high percentage of ADD.
Some people strongly believe that food additives and sugar cause ADD. When the theories are tested this doesn't seem to be the case. In a few children (about 5% or ADD children), symptoms seem to improve when sugar and food additives are removed from their diet. My advice would be to try removing these things from your diet (or your child's) and continue a restricted diet if it helps you and your child. I don't think you can point to the additives as a cause of ADD, though. The most important thing for those with ADD to remember is that ADD has been proven to be a neurobiological or neurochemical disorder. It means your brain works a little differently, but it is not your fault. You don't need to blame yourself or your upbringing. Another very important thing to remember is that there are many ways to cope and have a very full and rewarding life with ADD. Researchers have discovered that those with ADD are more creative and have a higher IQ than those with "normal" brains, so don't think of ADD as a "disorder". It is merely a "difference". A difference that can be very positive.
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