Gabor Maté

Much more research, thinking, writing had to go into it.

I took no medication.

In fact, when I even tried to, I thought it might help.

All it did is cause me side effects.

In other words, my brain has changed because I've looked after it.

Now, what I'm talking about is neuroplasticity, the capacity of the brain to develop new circuits in response to new experiences.

So if we see...

ADHD in particular, mental health issues in general, not as these written in stone genetic conditions, but as problems of disturbed development, then by providing new conditions, we can promote healthier development.

But this culture tends to punish, and the parenting expertise in this culture tends to be one of sanctions, behavior control and punishment.

No.

Kids need understanding, attunement, compassion, being held.

And the worst bully is desperate for healthy attachment without us.

People say to me, are you saying that ADHD...

or depression or whatever is not a biological problem.

Sure, it is a biological problem.

Everything is a biological problem.

If I sneeze, that's a biological problem.

But what shapes the biology?

What I'm saying is that what shapes the biology is life experience.

And that's true throughout a lifetime.