As a parent, you want the best for your child — for them to succeed, be happy, and live a healthy life. So, when you hear about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affecting about 10% of children worldwide, you may wonder if there is anything you can do to prevent your child from developing it.
ADHD is characterized by symptoms, including:
Although there is no guaranteed way to prevent ADHD, you can practice several strategies to reduce its risk of development in your child.
Here at Northeast Pediatric Associates PA in San Antonio, North Central San Antonio, Schertz, and Castroville, Texas, we have some effective tips for you, starting here:
To help steer your child away from developing ADHD, consider the following topics where you can play a role:
If you are the birthing mother of your child, maintaining a healthy pregnancy and infancy can contribute to reducing the risk of ADHD. This includes receiving proper prenatal care, avoiding drugs and alcohol during pregnancy, and breastfeeding for at least six months because studies have shown that children who were breastfed as infants have a lower risk of developing ADHD than those who weren’t.
We offer guidance and care for expectant mothers, so we can provide support every step of the way for a healthy pregnancy.
Ensuring that your child has a healthy diet can also play a role in reducing the risk of ADHD. Nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support healthy brain development and function.
Your child should also avoid processed foods, artificial sweeteners, and additives, such as food coloring.
Starting a routine of healthy habits for your child at an early age establishes a thriving foundation for living a healthy lifestyle.
Helping your child develop good habits includes:
You can also lead by example. When your child sees you practice healthy habits, they want to make those choices, too.
Children who experience trauma, neglect, or abuse are at a higher risk of developing ADHD. That’s why it’s important to create a stable, supportive, and secure home environment that fosters emotional and physical well-being.
A few tips for creating a safe, loving home for your child include:
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Northeast Pediatric Associates PA if you have any questions about how you can implement these specific practices.
As mentioned before, there is no guaranteed way to prevent ADHD. However, it’s important to know the risk factors associated with the disorder.
Genetics is a strong risk factor when it comes to ADHD. If you or a sibling has ADHD, your child is at a higher risk of developing the disorder. At the same time, your child’s family history of ADHD doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll develop the disorder.
Another risk factor for ADHD is exposure to environmental toxins. These include lead, mercury, and other chemicals found in some pesticides, air pollution, and household products. It is important to recognize and avoid exposure to these toxins whenever possible.
Trauma, neglect, and abuse in childhood are also linked to an increased risk of developing ADHD. Children who experience these adverse experiences are more likely to have difficulties with attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity.
Fostering a safe and stable home environment for your child that addresses their emotional and physical needs can play a role.
If you feel overwhelmed about the many ways you can help prevent ADHD in your child, don’t hesitate to be open and honest about your concerns with us. You can rely on our expertise and experience to help you walk through these steps to give your child a happy life.
Because every child is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting, we take the time to work with you and your child on an individual basis, providing solutions that work well for you and your child.
If you suspect your child may have ADHD, or if you want to learn more about how you can keep your child from developing this disorder, we can evaluate your child and recommend treatment options. Simply contact us today by phone or online. We can also set up a telehealth appointment for you as a convenient option.
