Dear clients of the ADHD group. As promised.... ADHD in Children: Birth Through 12 Months ADHD doesn’t suddenly develop when a child reaches school age, but instead, most research shows a high correlation between genetics and ADHD. We must assume, therefore, that a child with ADHD was born with Attention Deficit Disorder. Most children, however, are not diagnosed with ADHD until past the age of 6 (although younger children can be diagnosed), once they reach school age and there are demands to pay attention and complete tasks. Even so, some parents of a child with ADHD have noticed differences in their child from birth. According to ADDResources, some of the signs are: More squirmy Less able to cuddle More impatient More easily frustrated Require more attention Have more colic Have a more difficult temperament It is important to remember that babies with some or all of these signs do not necessarily have ADHD. Many children are fussier and require a great deal of attention but show no signs of ADHD in later years. Additionally, many children that are later diagnosed with ADHD do not have any problems early in life. In previous support groups for parents, some also indicated their children, later diagnosed with ADHD, slept less or took only short catnaps in comparison to children that were not diagnosed with ADHD. Newborns and babies cannot be diagnosed with ADHD. They are not capable of the behaviors listed in the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual). This manual lists the symptoms of ADHD, such as impulsiveness or forgetfulness, which doctors use to diagnose ADHD. If your baby seems extremely fussy or cries often and for long periods, contact your pediatrician to determine if there are any medical reasons or problems that could be causing your baby pain. Some common medical reasons for colic, or crying for extended periods) are: Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) Food sensitivities Cow milk sensitivity (this can occur in breastfed babies when the mother ingests cow milk) Sensitivities or allergic reactions to formula Parents can begin by eliminating foods to determine if the fussiness is being caused by a sensitivity or allergy to certain foods. In addition, there are some strategies you can use to help cope with a fussy, high-need baby: Carry your baby with you. Use a sling to keep your baby with you. Dance with your baby. Use warm baths to help your child relax. Use a mirror to let a child watch himself or herself. Share responsibilities to give yourself a break. Plan ahead to make days easier. Babies, no matter whether they may be later diagnosed with ADHD or not, need love and attention. Your behaviors will not normally cause a baby to be excessively fussy. Remember your baby will grow up and this time, although exhausting, will end and a new phase will begin. Enjoy the time with your baby and when feeling overwhelmed, ask a friend or relative to take over for a few hours to provide you with some well needed relaxation time. Babies need a healthy and happy parent to care for him or her. Take care of yourself so you can take care of your baby.
Posted on: Mon, 02 Sep 2013 10:00:58 +0000
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