03/30/2025
ADHD runs in families and I’m learning why
Today, out of the four child consults I had, three children had an ADHD diagnosis, and the fourth’s mother reported suspicions of it. What stood out even more? Every single one had a family history of ADHD.
I’ve been seeing this pattern more and more - children struggling with focus, impulse control, and emotional regulation, with parents who either have a diagnosis themselves or deeply resonate with ADHD traits. It’s made me even more curious - Why does ADHD so often run in families? And how much of it is about more than just genetics?
Lately, I’ve been reading my third Gabor Mate book, Scattered Minds: The Origins and Healing of ADD. I’m only halfway through, but this book has resonated so much with me. This morning, during my coffee and read at Mullaloo, I found myself reflecting deeply on these ideas. By the time I got to work, I was keen to share this resource with each of the parents I consulted with!
One of the biggest shifts for me has been asking about family history of ADHD in my consults - something I hadn’t routinely done before reading this book. The fact that nearly every parent has given a positive answer so far has made me stop and think - how did I not see this before?
I wanted to share this more widely here because I truly believe it’s a must-read for any parent navigating these challenges.
What I’m learning:
✅ ADHD isn’t just about attention and hyperactivity - it’s closely tied to emotional regulation and how the brain adapts to stress.
✅ Brain development is shaped by early relationships. Children need attunement - consistent and responsive caregiving - to develop strong attention and impulse control. When this is disrupted - often due to stress, intergenerational trauma, or parental overwhelm, the brain adapts in ways we later label as ADHD.
✅ ADHD runs in families not just genetically, but emotionally. Many parents I work with recognize similar struggles in themselves, which makes sense. These patterns can run deep across generations. This isn’t about blame but about understanding how we can best support both children and parents.
Airway and sleep health are foundational for optimal brain development in the first few years of life, but more and more, I’m starting to understand that secure attachments between children and caregivers may be one of the most powerful factors in shaping a child's emotional and behavioural development. Yet, they don’t always get as much attention as other aspects of health.
Seeing the same patterns in so many families has deepened my curiosity about how we can support children and parents in ways that go beyond just managing symptoms. Instead of just treating behaviours, how can we support emotional regulation, resilience, and connection to truly help children thrive?
If you’ve ever wondered why ADHD seems to run in families, or how early experiences shape attention and self-regulation, I highly recommend Scattered Minds. It offers a deeply compassionate and holistic perspective, shifting the focus from just managing symptoms to truly understanding ADHD at its roots.
I’m surprised to hear how many parents are familiar with Dr Mate’s work or have picked up his books but haven’t got around to reading them (just like Breathe, Sleep, Thrive… haha!). I would love to hear if you’ve found his work influential too!
Here's the link to explore this valuable resource:
https://www.amazon.com.au/Scattered-Minds-Origins-Attention-Disorder/dp/1785042211/
