ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a developmental disorder that affects a person's ability to focus, control impulses, and maintain appropriate activities. This disorder is usually diagnosed in childhood, and can survive to adulthood.
The exact cause of ADHD is not yet fully understood. Although ADHD tends to be passed down in the family (genetic factors), other factors may also be the cause.
Is It True That Too Many Stimulus Cause ADHD?
In the modern era, many babies have been exposed to various stimuli, ranging from gadgets, televisions, interactive toys, to loud noises around them. "Excess stimulus" refers to the baby's exposure to stimulation that is too intense, both visually, auditoryly, and physically.
Examples include the use of gadgets such as tablets or smartphone for for a long time, excessive noise, television that continues to turn on, as well as toys equipped with lights and constantly attracting attention.
Many parents are wondering if over-stimulus exposure could contribute to ADHD's development. Although research into this relationship is still ongoing, some studies suggest that excessive exposure to stimulation, especially at an early age, could affect the development of impulse attention and control.
However, it is important to know that ADHD can be influenced by various factors, including genetic factors and the environment. Therefore, although excessive stimulus contributes, this is not the only factor causing ADHD.
Also read: 5 Strategies To Manage Symptoms Of Children's ADHD
Many experts argue that exposure to excessive stimulus and the use of electronic devices can trigger symptoms resembling ADHD. This can also worsen symptoms in children who are already vulnerable to ADHD.
The negative impacts of the use of electronic devices and excessive stimulus on the development of children's attention include:
- Decline in sleep quality: Screen exposure before bed can interfere with healthy sleep patterns.
- Focusing difficulties at school: Children may have difficulty concentrating, especially on tasks that require high attention.
- Influence on social skills: Reduced interactions with peers can hinder the development of children's social skills.
Tips For Managing Stimulus In Babies
Although too many stimuli are not the direct cause of ADHD, managing stimulus exposure properly is highly recommended to support healthy to adult development.
Here are some tips for managing stimulus in babies:
- Limit the time for using gadgets or televisions: Especially for children under 2 years old, limit the duration of use.
- Choose toys that stimulate cognition: Use toys that support development, such as voiceless toys or excessive light.
- Direct interaction: Invite babies to communicate more often through simple chats, songs, or games.
- Reduce noise: Create a quiet environment and make sure the baby has enough time to rest.
Too much stimulus exposure to babies does not directly lead to ADHD, but gadgets and excessive noise can affect children's focus and behavior skills. Therefore, it is important for parents to create environmental balance and provide stimulus that is in accordance with the stages of baby development.
If there are further questions, you can consult a doctor through the Ai Care application that can be downloaded on App Store or Play Store.
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