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Does your child have problems concentrating or remaining on an activity? Impulsive? Then your child probably has a specific learning difficulty called Attention-deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD).

The American Psychiatric Association of Washington, D.C., describes ADHD as a disorder characterized by "hyperactivity, impulsiveness and an incapacity to sustain attention or concentration." Stated simply, ADHD can be characterized by two distinct sets of symptoms: inattention and hyperactivity.

This disorder is difficult to diagnose because no specific medical laboratory markers exist for ADHD. Only behavioral assessment tests, observations from teachers and parents, and clinical assessments provide its diagnosis. According to studies, there is growing evidence that the principal cause of ADHD is genetic. Its non-genetic causes were also found to be neurobiological in nature such as prenatal stress and low birth weight, traumatic brain injury, maternal smoking during pregnancy and very severe early deprivation. ADHD is a medical illness likened to diabetes or asthma because this condition can be successfully managed, but not cured.

It is sad to note that a significant number of students do not reach their utmost potentials because they have particular problems concentrating and remaining on their tasks. They have difficulties with reading, spelling, writing and other aspects of the course. Left untreated, they feel isolated from their peers; suffer low self-esteem; experience failure at school and problems at home, which may lead to substance abuse and depression. Parents, however, must not lose hope for many researches regarding this disorder abound.

ADHD is being recognized as an epidemic in the United States. As estimated by the National Institutes of Health in Washington, D.C, about 3 to 5 percent of American children suffer from this disorder. This is an alarming trend, but what is more troubling is that these more than 6 million American children are being treated with central nervous system stimulants, usually methylphenidate (Ritalin) when there is a more natural approach.

Diet is very important to an ADHD child. This is according to a 1997 study written by Jean Breakey in the Journal of Pediatric Child Health. Research from 1985 to 1995 concluded that diet certainly affects some children and that symptoms relating to ADHD, such as sleep problems, physical symptoms and mood changes, can change with diet.

Research has shown that long chain fatty acids could have real benefits for a range of learning and behavioral conditions. Why? This is simply because approximately 20% of the dry weight of the brain and approximately 30% of the retina are made from these elements. These fatty acids increase our energy level and ability to concentrate, aside from providing greater resistance to common illnesses such as flu and cold, and helping pregnant women avoid premature births, low birth weight and other complications.

However, the average Westerner's diet is usually processed food high in carbohydrates and sugar. Many people fail to realize the importance of fatty acids. There are certain types of fat that are indispensable for living healthily, and these are the two 'families' of essential fatty acids: omega-3 and omega-6. The body actually uses three (3) major types of omega 3 fatty acids: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Once eaten, the body converts ALA to EPA and DHA. These fatty acids, also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), play a vital role in brain function, normal growth and development. The body more readily uses these compounds, as against the short chain saturated fats, which generally ought to be avoided. Long chain fatty acids are regarded as essential because they are important for most key processes in our life.

However, these acids can only be sourced from our diet because our bodies cannot make them. The main sources of the omega-3s containing DHA and EPA, the key ones for the eye and brain, can only be found in fish and seafood. On the other hand, green vegetables, certain nuts and oils are the dietary sources for omega-6 fatty acids. There must be a balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the diet because omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation while most omega-6 fatty acids promote inflammation. An appropriate balance of these essential fatty acids helps maintain or even improve health. A balanced diet should consist of about one to four times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids.

Parents, give your children oily fish and green leafy vegetables now!