ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

Source of Information: Webmd.com

What Is It?

A behavioral disorder causing difficulty with…

• Concentrating


• Constant movement


• Following directions


• Getting bored easily and frustrated with tasks


• Impulsivity


• Paying attention

What Causes It?

The exact cause is unknown. However, the following factors may contribute to ADHD:

• Brain changes


• Chemical imbalances


• Exposure to toxins in early childhood


• Heredity


• Infections during pregnancy


• Injury to the brain


• Poor nutrition during pregnancy


• Substance abuse (including cigarette and alcohol use) during pregnancy (According to a recent article, children exposed to prenatal smoking are 2-1/2 times more likely to develop ADHD.)

SPONSOR

Without treatment, can result in…

• Anxiety


• Conduct disorder


• Depression


• Inability to make and keep friends


• Learning disorders


• School difficulties

Is it Hereditary?

Possibly. ADHD tends to run in families.

Diagnosable at Birth or Latent?

Latent. ADHD is diagnosed based upon the child’s behavior, most often during the early school years.

What Else Do I Need to Know?

Parenting a child with ADHD requires a lot of patience.

What’s the Bottom Line?

ADHD cannot be prevented or cured, but it can be managed. For more information on ADHD, check out the following links:

• Disorders: ADHD category in the Parenting Special Kids blog


• Health Concerns for Adoptees: ADHD category in the Russian Adoption blog

+++++++++++

Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy

Source of Information: Webmd.com; American Council for Drug Education

What Is It?

Drinking alcohol while pregnant may damage a growing fetus.

What Causes It?

Drinking alcohol while pregnant.

What Are the Symptoms/Risks?

Mild to severe issues, including:

• Abnormal facial features


• Birth defects


• Growth problems


• Learning and behavior problems


• Miscarriage


• Premature delivery


• Stillbirth

Is it Hereditary?

No.

Diagnosable at Birth or Latent?

Some issues will be present at birth (birth defects). Others might appear over time (growth problems; learning and behavior problems).

What Else Do I Need to Know?

The stage of development that is most dangerous for alcohol consumption is during the first ten weeks of pregnancy, when the organs are developing. Heavy drinking (5 drinks in one day) may impede the baby’s growth later in the pregnancy.

What’s the Bottom Line?

The more alcohol that was consumed during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester, the greater the health risks. Nobody knows how much alcohol can be ingested before the baby suffers health consequences.

See the following blogs for more information:

• Living With FAS/FAE


• What is FAS/FAE?



• Eye Test May Identify Fetal Alcohol Syndrome