Everyday Health: Can too little discipline or lax parenting cause ADHD? Why or why not?
Will Meek, PhD (willmeekphd.com): Part of what makes the picture of ADHD so confusing is that we still do not have an agreed-upon idea of what it is, or enough research to understand what causes it. Most people agree that there is some biological component that may express itself regardless of environment, while others propose that it is a vulnerability that surfaces based on things such as too much TV or permissive parenting. My personal view is that ADHD does have a strong genetic component and that lax parenting either exacerbates ADHD or causes behavior that looks similar to ADHD.
Stephanie Sarkis, PhD (stephaniesarkis.com): ADHD is a genetic and biological disorder. More than 10 genes have been identified as being linked to ADHD. There is nothing a parent can do to cause ADHD. Children with ADHD benefit from structure and positive reinforcement, so pay attention to what your child is doing well.
Rory Stern, PsyD (thetruthbehindadhd.com): Bad parenting, lack of discipline, and lax parenting cannot and do not cause ADD/ADHD. However, that does not mean such parenting styles do not contribute to the severity of the ADD or ADHD that appears in the child. That said, many people believe that children with ADD or ADHD need more discipline. This is simply not accurate. Rather, children with ADD or ADHD need a specific style of discipline that works with them and their biological differences rather than against them. Too many people want the child to change in ways that are not chemically, biologically, or neurologically possible. It's the old forcing-a-square-peg-in-a round-hole debate. On the contrary, these children can be quite successful, but mentors and parents need to fully understand what they are up against.
Rhonda Pawlan, MS (coachmerhonda.com): Parenting does not cause ADHD. This is a neurobiological disorder, often inherited from a parent. However, parents who learn how to use effective strategies can help their child with ADHD fare better in the world.
Linda Aber (lindaaber.com): Symptoms of ADHD like distractibility, hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattention, disorganization, and forgetfulness are not the result of lax parenting. ADHD is a neurological, biochemical brain condition, a heritable trait that is influenced by genetics. The same genes also promote positive qualities, such as creativity, sensitivity, high energy, imagination, and persistence, as well as thinking that can be characterized as being "out of the box." These strengths are the hidden gems that parents need to point out daily and celebrate with their children.
Jodi Sleeper-Triplett (jstcoach.com): Children and teens with ADHD benefit from added structure and daily routines, which can be difficult for some parents to implement. But lack of structure and discipline or lax parenting does not cause ADHD. Studies have shown that parenting style has no correlation with ADHD. There is some evidence, however, that having an ADHD child affects the quality of parental care. In one study, the quality of parenting improved after the child was treated with stimulant medication, which reflects the not surprising conclusion that raising an ADHD child is a challenge.
Last Updated: 11/22/2010