ADHD in Children

Signs of ADHD in Children

Also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD affects boys and girls of all races and income levels. However, Caucasian boys are much more likely to be diagnosed with the condition since ADHD is often stereotypically associated with this group.

Accurately diagnosing ADHD in children can be difficult, since a young child often does not know how to articulate his/her problems. However, an attentive parent can often recognize signs of the disorder. A child with ADHD frequently shows the following symptoms:

• Described as fidgety or squirmy by parents and teachers
• Has trouble staying seated in school
• Interrupts when others are speaking
• Prone to talking excessively

Children can also have ADD, which is essentially ADHD without hyperactivity. This condition is characterized by an extreme difficulty completing everyday tasks and learning new concepts. A child with this condition may show the following signs:

• Making careless mistakes
• Ignoring details
• Having trouble following instructions
• Finding it difficult to stay organized when completing schoolwork

Remember, all children struggle with impulse control, hyperactivity, and restlessness at some point. These behaviors are only a problem when they are extreme, prolonged, and/or interfering with the child’s daily activities. In fact, most medical professionals won’t diagnose ADHD in children unless the symptoms have begun before the age of seven, been present for at least six months, and occur in more than one setting.

Getting Help

If you think your child may have ADHD, the first step is to have him/her evaluated by a qualified medical professional. Your child’s pediatrician can provide a referral. Or, if you think your child’s condition is affecting his/her academic performance, you can make a written request to have the school provide a free evaluation.

Although they can have some unpleasant side effects, Ritalin, Concerta, and other similar drugs remain an important part of managing ADHD in children. However, they are not the only solution to the problem. For example, behavioral therapy is becoming increasingly popular. Many parents also request 504 plans for their ADHD children. These documents legally require the child’s school to offer accommodations such as special seating in the classroom, close monitoring of homework assignments, or extra time for written exams.

Thinking Positive

Parenting a child with ADHD can be extremely difficult. The behavioral problems associated with the condition often require an adjustment in parenting strategies. However, there are many blessings associated with having a son or daughter with ADHD. For example:

• People with ADHD are often exceptionally creative. The daydreaming that is a hallmark of ADHD makes a person well suited to a career in music, art, or entertainment.
• People with ADHD are very sociable. Others are drawn to them because of their spontaneity, liveliness, enthusiasm, and flexibility.
• Although people with ADHD find it difficult to concentrate on mundane tasks, they are exceptionally driven when working on a project of personal interest. This tenacity can be a huge asset later in life.
• While ADHD is often associated with learning disabilities, many people with ADHD have above average intelligence. In fact, there are now several studies being conduced on the presence of ADHD in the gifted child.

Additional Information

If you would like to learn more about ADHD in children, check out the following helpful websites.

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children
• ADD and ADHD frequently asked questions
• Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders (CHADD)
• ADHD information from the National Alliance on Mental Illness
• The Center for Learning Differences
• SchwabLearning.org: A Parent's Guide to Helping Kids with Learning Difficulties

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