How to Notice ADHD in Children

You have likely heard of ADHD, but what does it mean and how is it relevant to you? Someone with the medical condition of ADHD has differences in brain development and activity – particularly in the areas that affect attention. It can be seen by difficulty in sitting still or practicing self-control. ADHD in children is often obviously displayed in their behavior – whether at home, school, or among friends.

If you are yet to see a child who will naturally sit still, follow instructions, or even wait his or her turn, you are not alone. However, children affected by ADHD struggle far more than others in these areas.

Symptoms of ADHD in Children

Consider the list below to better understand how ADHD in children is commonly revealed.

• A lack of attention or being easily distracted is seen when a child has difficulty focusing their mind on a task. When you speak with the child, chances are he or she will not retain important details of what he or she heard you say.

Once the child starts a task, he or she is likely not to finish it. Often ADHD in children is seen when the child misplaces things, daydreams, or dawdles, and is absent-minded.

• Fidgety and restless children who are hyperactive find it difficult to stay quiet when required or even sit still. When needing to complete a task they may rush through it, making mistakes they would have avoided if they were more careful.

The hyperactive behavior which can cue parents and teachers to ADHD is often seen in the child’s rough play, jumping, and climbing at inappropriate times. Their behavior often will disrupt and distract others.

• Talking or acting without thinking and having a very strong drive to be impulsive is often a display of ADHD in children. This is noticed as children may push past others, interrupt play or conversations, or grab items they want. The behavior trait of doing things without first asking for permission or taking items that do not belong to them can veer towards adopting risky and sometimes dangerous behaviors.

Children who struggle to control their physical and verbal reactions to situations are also prone to find it challenging to regulate their emotional reactions, which are often too intense.

It is in the normal developmental stage of a young child to be distracted, impatient, restless, fidgety, and impulsive. These behaviors are not completely reliable predictors of whether children have ADHD.

The ability to control an improving attention span, and practice patience and self-control all develop naturally as the child passes through various developmental milestones.

The skills are taught and learned from parents and teachers. ADHD in children then becomes more obvious as the child passes through these normal periods of development without achieving the milestones associated with their age and stage.

If the child has a comparatively low ability to wait and listen, or sit still and pay attention, and especially when this behavior interferes with their or others’ ability to enjoy learning at school or being part of a family, then ADHD may be revealed.

Frequently asked questions

How is ADHD caused?

The science is not clear on the causes of ADHD. However, it is thought that ADHD is an inherited condition, with a greater probability of the condition found in children who have relatives with it, are born prematurely, are exposed to pollution or other environmental toxins, or if their mothers abused drugs during pregnancy.

What is the diagnosis process?

To see whether your child has ADHD, visit your doctor for a checkup, which will also include vision and hearing tests. Doctors sometimes ask parents and teachers to complete a checklist to better understand the child’s behavior.

Doctors sometimes find that ADHD in children is associated with anxiety, learning problems, and possibly oppositional and defiant behaviors. A trained counselor, child psychologist, or psychiatrist is more able to answer these final elements if they are present in a child.

How can we treat ADHD in children?

There are several treatments, which include medicine to activate the brain to be less hyperactive and more regulated, making self-control and focus easier. Parent coaching is where parents of ADHD children learn the best way to respond to these behaviors. Behavior therapy whereby therapists help children develop cognitive, emotional, and social skills that may be repressed due to their ADHD.

What happens if you do not treat ADHD in children?

It is often harder for them to build their confidence and succeed. This lack of a track record of assertive action which resulted in success makes it easier for them to have lower self-esteem, fall into oppositional behavior, battle at school, engage in risk-taking behavior, and experience friction within their family.

Help with ADHD in children

If you’re looking for additional help with ADHD in children whether through understanding, diagnosing, or creating a treatment plan, please browse our online counselor directory or contact our office to schedule an appointment. We would be honored to walk with you on this journey.