subject: Is ADHD Hereditary? – Looking At New Perspectives To Help You Raise Happier Kids [print this page] Is ADHD Hereditary? Looking At New Perspectives To Help You Raise Happier Kids
They say that the question, is ADHD hereditary, can be answered by reflecting that it has the same probability of an inherited trait such as height. That is a pretty high percentage. Others say that that one in four children who may have ADHD are bound to have a close relative or other family member with the same condition. It seems that if you notice the same disorganisation, distraction and multi tasking in one of your children, it could well be that you both have ADHD!
Some research in Israel has shown that two genes have been identified which could answer the question, is ADHD hereditary. A lot more research needs to be done.
Some research done by the well known ADHD expert called Dr. Russell Barkley has succeeded in actually identifying the DRD4 repeater gene which could be the major one causing this condition. While the main cause may be biological and neurological, scientists are not underestimating the role that a dysfunctional family, the home environment and other factors can play.
Very often a parent who has ADHD himself may be at a loss in trying to organise an ADHD friendly home and a support structure which can help both parent and child.
Just by giving more time to physical activity together and making sure that we have some bonding and prime time with our ADHD kid can be so important. In many ways, it is even more important than actually organising the activity.
Avoiding shopping malls is important too. It has been shown that an ADHD child will suffer more form sensory overload in a place like that. Simply avoid these malls as much as is humanly possible and dedicate that time to green time activities or simply using a Wii board at home if the weather is awful.
Cutting down on media time before bedtime can help the ADHD child get better quality sleep for longer periods. It has now been demonstrated that the circadian patterns and our wake sleep cycle can be put out of sync if we use the computer right up to the time we go to bed. This applies equally well to adults as to children and also whether we have ADHD or not.
Deciding on a comprehensive type of treatment which includes some of the above activities together with sound behavior modification plan will work wonders instead of worrying too much about the question, is ADHD hereditary. If we can avoid medication with psychostimulants and opt for the alternative methods instead, we will really be well on the way to raising much happier kids. Check out my website to make sure you are on the right track.
