ADHD and Adoption

Studies suggest that adopted children are about 20% more likely to have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).  Theories as to why are abundant.  Some studies say many adopted children have a genetic link.   Meaning, those with impulse control may be more likely to experience an unplanned pregnancy thus placing a child for adoption.

Other studies suggest that adopted children, especially older adopted children are exposed to risk factors that may affect their behavioral health.  Those factors include movement from foster home to foster home, prenatal drug exposure, abuse and neglect.

Finally, other researchers suggest that we as adoptive parents may be more alert to our child's behaviors and more likely to notice symptomatic behavior.  In other words, we know a risk may be present and therefore we along with our children's teachers and doctors are less likely to brush off an impulsive behavior or other symptoms.  I have also read one article that went so far as to say adoptive parents are many times more affluent and therefore our children receive better medical care therefore behavioral issues are more likely to be diagnosed.

I do not know the answer.  I am not a behavioral specialist.  I am a mother.  I am an adoptive mother.  I am a parent of a child recently diagnosed with ADHD.

I know ADHD is a highly debated topic.  I agree ADHD/ADD is sometimes over diagnosed.  I also know that our son's doctor has spent the last 17 years of his career receiving post graduate education on ADHD/ADD and behavioral health.  I feel we are in good hands. ADHD was brought up a long time ago as a possibility and we waited until he started school to see if he had any issues.  We started to have issues so we revisited the possibility of ADHD and received a formal diagnosis.

Since beginning a medication regime we have seen a big change in his behavior.  He is much more focused, calm, less impulsive and we have even noticed a change in his speech.  He speaks more slowly, clearly and effectively.

We were very hesitant to begin medication.  We did not want to mess with God's work.  We were afraid we would be altering his personality, changing who he is.  We did not want to make him feel worse, clouded, foggy or drugged.  We struggled with these feelings and concerns and sought answers.  After a little counseling from an adult ADHD sufferer we learned we were helping him.  We began to understand what it was like for him to be in class.  If someone was tapping their foot, a bird was outside chirping, someone was walking down the hall, and the teacher was talking he was hearing all of it.  His brain could not filter out the backgrounds sounds to focus on his lessons. After much discussion and many email exchanges we became comfortable with our decision.

This week was his first week back to school while taking his medication.  What a change!  He now participates in all class activities.  He did not have any behavioral issues. He even taught a child how to build a spaceship with connector sticks.  If you knew our son before medication you would know you could barely get him to sit still long enough to teach him something let alone him having the patience to teach someone else.  What a major milestone!

We are still learning, reading and educating ourselves about ADHD. We are working hand and hand with his physician to make sure we are doing what is right for our son.

A specific cause for ADHD/ADD has not been identified. Our son had a genetic risk so we were on the lookout. We had a hunch and we followed our gut.  I think we have made the right decision.  I blog about our son's ADHD diagnosis to make you aware.  ADHD can be an issue in adopted children.  ADHD can be an issue for any child but studies suggest a higher occurrence in adopted children, it is good to be aware and informed.



A few articles about ADHD in adopted children:
Post Adoption Learning Center
Families.com
AdoptiveFamilies.com