Tiny Timing, Big Impact: Prompt Parent-Infant Dialogue May Cut ADHD Risk

A study of 12-month-old infants and mothers (ALSPAC) found that mothers who respond to their baby’s vocalizations within one second lowered the child’s odds of receiving any psychiatric diagnosis by age 7 by about 17% per 10% increase in timely responses (OR 0.83). The link was strongest for ADHD and disruptive behavior disorders, with no association for autism or internalizing disorders. The authors emphasize correlation, not causation, and suggest this timing could inform automated early-screening tools and parental coaching, though findings are limited by small diagnostic subgroups and a focus on mothers only.