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What We Know About ADHD and the Brain
What We Know About ADHD and the Brain By Mary Asomah...
As more research is done in regards to the condition known as ADHD the more we learn about the connection of the
brain and ADHD.
The brain ADHD are directly related, because ADHD; which is a disorder that causes children to have difficulty
staying focused and attentive, and also causes hyperactivity and impulsivity, is caused by a chemical imbalance in the
brain.
ADHD behaviours are caused by this chemical imbalance. The more we discover about the brain and ADHD the more we are
able to come up with effective treatments for our children.
Recent Studies on ADHD and the Brain
In recent studies on the brain and ADHD it was discovered that ADHD may delay but does not prevent the development
of the brain's attention center.
The studies, by researchers from the National Institute of Mental Health, found that the ADHD brain is about three
years behind in maturing, with regards to attention.
This brain and ADHD study may explain why many children with ADHD appear to 'outgrow' their ADHD behaviour.
The findings are considered good news to parents, as it shows that the brain development does occur, but is just
delayed.
ADHD and the Brain's Functioning
We understand more clearly how ADHD affects a child's brain. A child with ADHD actually thinks differently than a
child who does not have ADHD. Some of the unique characteristics of a child with ADHD include...
Hyper-focusing: The ADHD brain hyper-focuses, to the point where other stimuli are blocked out.
Distractibility: We know from studying ADHD and the brain, that a child who has ADHD will hyper-focus on an
interesting stimuli. If a child is hyper focused on something the brain thinks is interesting, but it is not what the
child is supposed to be focused on at the time, then the child is seen as being distracted.
Over-stimulation:
The brain of a child with ADHD is constantly searching for important stimuli. This can become overwhelming, and ultimately
lead to over-stimulation, which results in a child showing frustration, irritability and temper tantrums.
Hyperactivity:
Sometimes when the ADHD brain is searching for interesting stimuli the child will feel the need to get up and move around
in order to find that interesting stimuli.
Not every child with ADHD battles with hyperactivity.
Impulsivity:
We have learned through ADHD and brain studies that the ADHD brain responds immediately and reflexively in situations.
This causes children to say and do things without thinking them through first.
