When it comes to parenting, understanding the brain’s influence on children’s behavior, health, and development is important. This is especially true for children that have been labeled or diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Children have a unique journey through developmental windows. These windows are timelines that the brain initiates and coordinates firing  and wiring functional circuits that are needed to pay attention. Attention is an action that is learned. Attention development actually begins in the womb. Your baby’s eyes began to develop at around six weeks and their ears at 12 weeks. The ears and the eyes are two of our special senses. The beginning of their development represents the beginning of that developmental window. If one sense is off, so is the other. Research has shown that the ability to pay attention requires expected developmental systems are, in fact, able to engage in the world. There are many reasons why a child may not be able to pay attention. Explore your child’s developmental journey in order to pinpoint why they are struggling to pay attention.

The Brain’s Influence on ADD/ADHD

When we talk about the brain most articles approach the topic from the top down. A unique part of human development is that we build our brain from the bottom up. We enter this world fully formed but not fully functioning. We must experience the world through our developmental milestones which in turn bring the brain to life.

The first influence on the developing brain that may interrupt the child’s ability to pay attention is poor timing of developmental milestones. An example is crawling.  During the season of crawling the eyes are watching the hands as the little one explores its surroundings. Next is the influence of brain chemistry. There are neurotransmitters (NT), like Dopamine, and hormones that play a role in many functions of the body, and actions such as motivation, mood, attention, and memory.  Norepinephrine is both a NT and a hormone. Norepinephrine is derived from Dopamine and plays an important role in the fight-or-flight response. This innate response boosts alertness, arousal, and attention, and affects the sleep-wake cycle.

Now let me connect the dots. If a child experiences stress during pregnancy, delivery, and or the first few years of life the brain can practice a different response. Our sympathetic nervous system AKA fight-or-flight, (and other things too) came online 9 weeks of pregnancy. If stress dominates, then a baby can be programmed towards a heightened aroused state. Of course, there can be a withdrawal from this state in order to survive. Either outcome is possible under the influence of chronic stress. Stress is mechanical, chemical, and brain derived. The patterns of stress can create an under-aroused person as seen in ADD or over-aroused person as seen in ADHD, and/or a combination. The brain during development is practicing patterns that will manifest. One of the manifestations can be an inability to pay attention. However, when we figure out where this little one is, the brain can learn new patterns. 

Developmental Dynamics and Adult Outcomes

So maybe you are reading this as an adult and ask yourself why someone didn’t figure this out for me when I was kid. All is not lost. Our brains allow us to change at any time. While it might be easier to work with a child and capture the dysregulation while it is happening. Yes, that could be true. Your brain, regardless of age, can change. Check out a couple of my podcasts:

https://www.connectmybrain.com/chronic-stress-in-adults-and-how-it-changes-our-brains/

https://www.connectmybrain.com/ways-to-improve-focus-and-attention-without-medication/

When you continue to bring in a new message, your brain will listen. Consider neurofeedback training to help bring your brainwaves into their expected ranges. There are known patterns of brainwave disorganization and too many slow waves and fast waves that make it very difficult for someone to pay attention. Neurofeedback is a practice that allows your brain to shift in an expected direction. You can take the driver’s seat in changing your brain. 

Neuroplasticity and ADHD Medication

ADHD is increasingly diagnosed in children, leading to a rise in medication use. While these medications can provide short-term benefits, their long-term effects—like neuroplastic changes in the brain—warrant careful consideration. These alterations can influence various body systems and can have adverse effects. If medications are used, they should be part of a broader treatment plan. Understanding the brain’s ability to adapt and change in response to experiences highlights the potential for non-pharmacological interventions to effect meaningful and lasting improvements in children with ADHD.

Lifestyle Choices and Their Impact

The choices we make daily, from what we eat to how active we are, play a significant role in our children’s health, especially for those with ADD/ADHD. A balanced diet and regular physical activity can enhance brain health, lowering the risks linked to inactivity and poor nutrition. Incorporating the needed supplements, reducing processed foods, and encouraging routines that promote physical and mental well-being can complement other treatment strategies. Engaging children in activities that require focus and concentration, such as certain sports or arts, can also be beneficial in managing symptoms of ADD/ADHD.

A Comprehensive Approach to ADHD

With the normalization of ADHD diagnoses and a growing reliance on medication, it’s time to reflect on the broader picture. Holistic strategies that encompass a child’s entire developmental history, from prenatal stages to early childhood, can offer more sustainable solutions. These approaches should include behavioral strategies, family support, and community resources. Recognizing ADHD as a multifaceted condition necessitates a multi-pronged approach, addressing not only the symptoms but also the educational, emotional, and social needs of the child.

Environmental Influences on Attention

In the digital era, technology’s prevalence can affect children’s attention spans and brain development, particularly in those with ADD/ADHD. Encouraging physical activity and exploration can stimulate critical brain regions, such as the prefrontal cortex and caudate nucleus, vital for managing attention and impulsivity. Limiting screen time and promoting activities that grow attention skills and self-regulation can be beneficial. Creating an environment that supports focused attention and minimizes distractions can help children with ADD/ADHD develop the skills necessary to navigate the challenges posed by this condition.

Steps Towards a Brighter Future

Seek Alternatives: Before turning to medication, explore other options that nurture brain health and address the unique challenges of ADD/ADHD.

Watch for Milestones: Stay vigilant about your child’s developmental milestones, ready to seek early intervention when necessary. Check out our app: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/connect-my-brain/id6499502894 

Moderate Technology: Promote activities that reduce screen time, fostering both physical and cognitive growth.

Consult Dr. Hanson: For developmental concerns, professional guidance can offer personalized strategies tailored to your child’s needs.

Utilize Resources: Connect My Brain provides a wealth of information and support, helping parents understand and support their children’s unique development.

By embracing a holistic view of brain health and development, we can guide our children with ADD/ADHD towards a more balanced and fulfilling life. By equipping ourselves with an understanding of our children’s needs, we can support their journey every step of the way. 

Join Connect My Brain in the journey to a happier and healthier life for every child. Call now at (678) 501-5172, or fill out your information at https://www.connectmybrain.com/contact-us/ and we will be in touch.