Another possible cause of ADHD is reported to be food dyes or preservatives. For example, one study showed that up to 62 percent of children with ADHD had symptoms provoked by various food additives. But, the researchers now ask, is this a cause, or as in the case of sugar, is it an effect?
Dr. Ben Feingold first popularized the idea in his 1985 book, Why Your Child Is Hyperactive, that food additives caused ADHD. However, multiple medical studies since then indicate that the likelihood of these substances playing a role in ADHD is very, very low. Although food dye or preservatives may affect some children, it is at most a very small percentage and a very small effect.
The most likely explanation, once again, is the parents' expectations. Let me explain. If we believe that our children may react to sugar, dyes, or preservatives, then it is highly likely that we will see their activity as hyperactive - even when it is just normal activity. This was proven in a medical study at the Menninger Clinic.
They found a group of kids whose parents were convinced that they were reacting negatively to sugar. They then gave the kids Kool-Aid sweetened with aspartame and not sugar. The parents of half of the boys were told their sons had been given sugar. Tbe other half was told that their boys had received a placebo drink with no sugar or aspartame. Diet For Children With Adhd
The scientists then observed the parents interacting with their sons. Interestingly, the parents who bad been told that their children had ingested sugar stayed much closer to their children and made more visible efforts to control their behavior. The researchers presumed that these parents were "expecting trouble."
The parents that were expecting the reaction also rated their boys' behavior as "hyperactive." This was true even though this group's activity levels were actually lower - that is, less active - than the boys whose parents had been told that their children had received a placebo drink.
You and I both know that our expectations can affect the way our children respond and behave. Furthermore, if we believe that sugar or additives make our kids act crazy and tell them this enough, they may well do what we predict!
The researchers also suggest another possibility - what they call "the special occasion effect." The effect occurs on those special family events, parties, or holidays when treats are liberally dispensed. These events can be especially exciting, or even stressful, for some children. Therefore, their behavior may simply be related to the event - not the sugar or additives.
Some kids are more likely to misbehave whenever their usual routine has been disrupted. This can look like hyperactivity, or may even be hyperactivity. But the cause is the disruption, not what they've eaten. Diet For Children With Adhd
While it is highly unlikely that ADHD is either caused or worsened by junk foods, there are plenty of other health reasons to restrict these foods - at least on normal days.
How should I discipline my ADHD child?
One of our constituents wrote to Focus on the Family saying, "We have a five-year-old son who has been diagnosed with ADHD. He is really difficult to handle, and I have no idea how to manage him. I know he has a neurological problem; I don't feel right about making him obey like we do our other children. It is a big problem for us. What do you suggest?"
Dr. Dobson took the time to respond to this anguished mother, "I understand your dilemma, but I urge you to discipline your son. Every youngster needs the security of defined limits, and the ADHD boy or girl is no exception. Such a child should be held responsible for his or her behavior, although the approach may be a little different."
According to Dr. Dobson, "Most children can be required to sit on a chair for disciplinary reasons. However, the ADHD child would probably not be able to remain there. In the same way, spanking may actually be ineffective with some highly excitable children who are little bundles of electricity. As with every aspect of parenthood, disciplinary measures for the ADHD child must be suited to his or her unique characteristics and needs."
What are some "Rules of Thumb" that you can use in training up these special gifts "in the way they should go"? Next post, we'll highlight 18 suggestions you can use on your ADHD kids. If you want more information, you can get Diet For Children With AHDH right away!
