ADHD in the Early Years: Pre-Natal and Early Causes and Alternative Ways of Dealing

Abstract

<p class="0abstract"><span lang="EN-US">Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurological disorder with a lack of an official scientific understanding of its genetic nature and the potential causes. However, there are practical research data that points to certain directions. In this paper, we examine the possible external causes of the disorder and specifically ones whose influence is related to pregnancy and (early) childhood years. Children born prematurely and/or with low birth weight are at high risk of developing ADHD. Maternal smoking, alcohol consumption and psychological disorders during pregnancy were proven to play a part as well. Some special social and economic situations raised the risk of appearance in the minors experiencing them. Electronics are a factor of distraction to children and were found to exacerbate symptoms. Most importantly, parenting choices can be determinant for a child with the disorder. A solution often proposed for symptoms of this nature is medication. Nonetheless, there were many defects and risks found within the psychostimulants used for the disorder. Alternative treatments are proposed before reaching for medication, two very effective ones being brain training and meditation.</span></p>

ADHD: Causes and alternative types of intervention

“…According to Drigas & Driga (2019), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurological disorder that continues to lack scientific data regarding its nature and methods of treatment. Some factors, such as the socioeconomic status of the family, the existence of a psychiatric disorder in the mother, or smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy, have been proved to play an important role.…”

"Key to Behavioral Observation of Developmental Disorders" by teachers in Greek School and the role of ICTs

“…Moreover the combination of the above with digital technologies in education domain, could be very productive, successful and facilitates and improves the educational procedures via Mobiles [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25], various ICTs applications , AI & STEM [67][68][69][70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80][81], and games [82][83][84][85][86][87][88]. Additionally the combination of ICTs with theories and models of metacognition, mindfulness, meditation and emotional intelligence cultivation as well as with environmental factors and nutrition [12][13][14][15], accelerates and improves more over the educational practices, results and the design of personalized educational procedures.…”

Electronic, VR & Augmented Reality Games for Intervention in ADHD

“…According to Drigas & Driga (2019), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurological disorder, which still lacks scientific data concerning its nature and treatment methods. Some factors, such as the family's socioeconomic status, the existence of a psychiatric disorder in the mother, or smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy, have been proved to play an important role.…”