Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is a complex
neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect your child’s success at school, as
well as their relationships. The symptoms of ADHD vary and are sometimes
difficult to recognize. Many of the individual symptoms of ADHD can
be expected for any child to experience. So, to make a diagnosis of ADHD, your child’s doctor will need to
evaluate your child using several criteria.
ADHD is generally diagnosed in
children by the time they’re teenagers, with the average age of diagnosis being
7 years old trusted source. Older children exhibiting symptoms may have
ADHD, but they’ve often exhibited rather elaborate symptoms early in life.
Here are 14 common signs of ADHD in
children.
1-
Self-focused behavior
A common
sign of ADHD is what looks like an inability to recognize other people’s needs
and desires. This can lead to the next two signs: interrupting and trouble
waiting their turn.
2. Interrupting
Self-focused
behavior may cause a child with ADHD to interrupt others while they’re talking
or butt into conversations or games they’re not part of.
3. Trouble waiting their turn
Kids with
ADHD may have trouble waiting their turn during classroom activities or when
playing games with other children.
4. Emotional turmoil
A child
with ADHD may have trouble keeping their emotions in check. They may have
outbursts of anger at inappropriate times. Younger children may have temper
tantrums.
5. Fidgetiness
Children
with ADHD often can’t sit still. They may try to get up and run around, fidget,
or squirm in their chair when forced to sit.
6. Problems playing quietly
Fidgetiness
can make it difficult for kids with ADHD to play quietly or engage calmly in
leisure activities.
7. Unfinished tasks
A child
with ADHD may show interest in lots of different things, but they may have
problems finishing them. For example, they may start projects, chores, or
homework, but move on to the next thing that catches their interest before
finishing.
8. Lack of focus
A child
with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, even when someone is speaking
directly to them. They’ll say they heard you, but they won’t be able to repeat
back to you what you just said.
9. Avoidance of tasks needing extended
mental effort
This same
lack of focus can cause a child to avoid activities that require a sustained
mental effort, such as paying attention in class or doing homework.
10. Mistakes
Children
with ADHD can have trouble following instructions that require planning or
executing a plan. This can then lead to careless mistakes — but it doesn’t
indicate laziness or a lack of intelligence.
11. Daydreaming
Children
with ADHD aren’t always rambunctious and loud. Another sign of ADHD is being
quieter and less involved than other kids. A child with ADHD may stare into
space, daydream, and ignore what’s going on around them.
12-Trouble getting organized
A child
with ADHD may have trouble keeping track of tasks and activities. This may
cause problems at school, as they can find it hard to prioritize homework,
school projects, and other assignments.
13. Forgetfulness
Kids with
ADHD may be forgetful in daily activities. They may forget to do chores or
their homework. They may also lose things often, such as toys.
14. Symptoms in multiple settings
A child
with ADHD will show symptoms of the condition in more than one setting. For
instance, they may show lack of focus both in school and at home.
Looking forward
All
children are going to exhibit some of these behaviors at some point.
Daydreaming, fidgeting, and persistent interruptions are all common behaviors
in children. However, you should start thinking about the next steps if:
- your child regularly displays signs
of ADHD
- this behavior is affecting their
success in school and leading to negative interactions with their peers
ADHD is
treatable. If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, review all of the treatment
options. Then, set up a time to meet with a doctor or psychologist to determine
the best course of action.
Timothy J. Legg, P. C. ( 2018, August 13). https://www.healthline.com.
Retrieved from /health/adhd/signs#3: https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/signs#3
