Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 6/7/2009

Question
Our 28 month granddaughter is very hyperactive, nevers sits still.  Constantly moving, takes at least 1 hour to fall asleep every night.  She says alot of words, listens when talked to, understands what you say to her, she just can't seem to sit still.  Her mother used illegal drugs during the whole pregnancy, could she possibly have ADHD?

Answer
There is a distinct possibility that she has ADHD for two reasons besides your very good description of her hyperactivity and insomnia. One of the complications of untreated ADHD in the adult is unfortunately taking illegal and possibly dangerous drugs. ADHD is inherited so the possibility of the mother passing it on to her child is very likely.  Depending on what drugs the mother took, they might have aggrevated the situation in the child. There is no mention of the father? However both the child and the mother should see a doctor experienced in ADHD as both may benefit from expert treatment.  The current approach is to treat and council, even at this young age. G*d's reward (blessing) for not having strangled your child when she frustrated you is GRANDCHILDREN! Good luck.