what causes adhd in children

The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but research suggests that genetics plays an important role. ADHD tends to run in families, and a child with ADHD has a 1 in 4 chance of having a parent with ADHD. It’s also likely that another close family member, such as a sibling, will also have ADHD. Other factors that may increase the risk of developing ADHD include premature birth, low birth weight, exposure to environmental toxins, and brain injuries. Research has identified a number of possible differences in the brains of people with ADHD from those without the condition, although the exact significance of these is not clear. It is important to note that ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, eating too much sugar, or watching too much television.