Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 11/12/2009

Question
My boyfriend's daughter is 5 and has been having behavior problems in school.  She has trouble sitting still in class; can't stay focused on a task; runs off from the group repeatedly when outside; has recently been violent with other children (hitting, biting and stabbing with pencil).  When at home, she throws tantrums, kicks and screams when being defiant, and constantly challenges the adults around her.  She does have her good days too, they are just few and far between.  We try to discipline with standing her in the corner and spanking when necessary - but very infrequently.  Her father and mother both used Meth prior to conception, and her mother possibly continued that some during the pregnancy.  Her mother did expose her to Meth being used in the home between birth and the age of 3 when her father gained custody.  Her mother is only around once in a while every other month or so, but is moving to Colorado in January.  The child is not aware of this move yet.  My question is - where do we start to find out what, if anything, is clinically wrong with this child?  Her father is at a loss, and I'm struggling to help them both through this difficult time.

Answer
This appears to be a typical tragedy of  an inherited neurological condition called ADHD.(Attentional Deficit  Hyperactivity Disorder.) The Meths used by the parents does not cause ADHD but one of the complications of non diagnosis of this condition in one or both parents is "drugging'.
Spanking can only make her worse apart from the unfairness of spanking her for having inherited a condition. You description of the child is absolutely typical of ADHD. You need to suggest to the father to see a medical doctor who is trained in diagnosing and treating  children with ADHD, urgently, to start with. Perhaps the mother should also be advised to seek help. Good luck!