| Parents usually blame themselves when their child | | | | transmit incoming signals from our skin, eyes, and |
| has ADHD but currently scientists believe that | | | | ears. Current research suggests that drug abuse |
| structural changes in the brain may be the cause. | | | | may harm these receptors. Some scientists |
| The ADHD causes may be affected by, but are | | | | believe that such damage may lead to ADHD.o |
| not caused by;o Televisiono video gameso sugar | | | | Environmental toxins may contribute or worsen |
| or other foodso food allergieso bad parentingo | | | | brain development or brain processes, which may |
| bad schools or teachingo disruptive home life | | | | be a cause of ADHD. Lead is one such possible |
| Researchers have identified factors that may play | | | | toxin. Exposure to lead, which is found mainly in |
| a role:o Biological issues could be the cause. | | | | paint and pipes in older buildings has been linked to |
| Scientists have been studying the brain and there | | | | disruptive, violent behavior and to a short |
| is a link between the ability to pay continuous | | | | attention span. Exposure to PCBs in infancy may |
| attention and the activity level in the brain. New | | | | also increase a child's risk of developing ADHD.o |
| tools and techniques for studying the brain have | | | | Other research shows that attention disorders |
| been developed so scientists have been able to | | | | are likely to run in families, so genetic factors |
| test more theories about ADHD causes.o The | | | | seem possible. Children who have ADHD likely |
| areas in the brain that control attention used less | | | | have at least one close relative who has ADHD. It |
| glucose or sugar, meaning less activity. So there is | | | | has been found that one-third of all fathers who |
| a suspicion that a lower level of activity in some | | | | had ADHD when they were younger have |
| parts of the brain may cause inattention in people | | | | children who have ADHD. Identical twins share the |
| with ADHD.o During pregnancy drug use, toxins | | | | trait for ADHD making the case of genetic |
| and hereditary problems may be a factor. The | | | | factors even more possible. |
| damaging effects of cigarettes, alcohol and drugs | | | | Having a child with ADHD can be difficult, but |
| can damage the unborn child and of course the | | | | there is hope and many resources are available |
| developing and fragile brain. Fetal Alcohol | | | | that can help. There is advice and information on |
| Syndrome (FAS) a condition that can lead to low | | | | ADHD causes available from social workers, |
| birth weight, brain impairment, and certain physical | | | | schools, doctors and support groups. If you are |
| defects show much of the same symptoms such | | | | concerned about toxins, and prescription drugs |
| as hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity.o | | | | there are many Naturopaths and alternative |
| Drugs and alcohol affects the normal development | | | | medicines available. |
| of brain receptors. Brain receptors help us to | | | | |