Symptoms of ADHD in Children

From LoveToKnow Kids

The symptoms of ADHD in children can be confusing to recognize at times. In fact, diagnosing ADHD in Children relies heavily upon a variety of assessments, tests, observations, behavior ratings scales, medical histories, and physical exams. Recognizing the symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is the first step to helping these children cope and succeed in life.

Identifying ADHD symptoms is the first step to getting help for your child.

Diagnosing Symptoms of ADHD in Children

According to Dr. Vicki Panaccione, diagnosing ADHD involves much more than making a snap judgment. She explains that signs of ADHD may be present for many reasons, such as:

"I have seen many, many children misdiagnosed as ADHD who had hearing problems, learning problems or experienced trauma," she elaborates. "So, it is very, very important not to simply allow your child to be diagnosed based on behavioral observations, or a simple behavior rating scale."

Dr. Panaccione, who is the founder of the Better Parenting Institute, has worked with over 100 children diagnosed with ADHD, and she typically looks for the symptoms of ADHD in children in the following manner:

  • An in-depth psycho-social history
  • Behavioral observations
  • Behavioral rating scales
  • Developmental/medical history
  • Physical exam conducted by the child's pediatrician—This should include vision and hearing screenings, blood tests; and sleep patterns/habits.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides specific criteria for diagnosing ADHD. They stress, however, that these criteria "should be used only by trained health care providers to diagnose or treat ADHD." The criteria focus on the following:

  • Inattention
  • Hyperactivity
  • Impulsivity

Inattention

When looking for symptoms of ADHD in children, six or more of the following symptoms of inattention should have been noticed and documented for at least six months. These behavior problems should be severe enough to be considered inappropriate for a child's developmental age.

  • Often forgetful in day to day activities
  • Makes careless mistakes and disregards details in everyday activities and school work
  • Easily distracted
  • Has difficulty staying on task
  • Fails to follow directions and/or finish assignments and tasks
  • Loses items often, such as pencils, homework, toys, etc.
  • Dislikes doing tasks that take more time and/or mental performance
  • Has organizational difficulties
  • Poor listening skills

Hyperactivity

When looking for symptoms, six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity should have been noticed and documented for at least six months. These symptoms should be severe enough to be considered inappropriate for a child's developmental age.

  • Talks excessively
  • Fidgets with hands and feet
  • Continuously moving; can't seem to be still
  • Has difficulty remaining in a seated position
  • Has difficulty remaining quiet in leisure activities
  • Exhibits restless behavior; runs or climbs in inappropriate situations

Impulsivity
  • Has difficulty refraining from blurting out answers, especially before questions have been completely asked
  • Has trouble taking turns
  • Tends to interrupt others
  • Some symptoms may have been evident before age seven
  • Symptoms are evident in two or more settings, such as home and school
  • Shows clear evidence of significant problems in school, work, and social areas
  • The symptoms are not more aptly diagnosed by other mental disorders

More Information

If you think your child might be exhibiting symptoms of ADHD, you need to contact your pediatrician. If you aren't satisfied with the results from that conversation, however, seek a second and even third opinion. For more information and help regarding signs and symptoms of ADHD, check out the following Web sites:


 


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