How to Know if Your Child Has ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of those complex mental disorders that can negatively affect a child’s success in education and the relationship with other children. ADHD symptoms usually vary and are sometimes hard to be recognized since most children will exhibit them at one point in their lives.

Many of the ADHD symptoms in children are normal. It is, therefore, important to evaluate your child under several criteria so that you can make the right diagnosis and administer the most effective medication. Generally, ADHD in children is diagnosed during the teenage period.

To be precise, doctors advise parents to ensure that an ADHD diagnosis is done when a child attains an average age of 7 years old. Along that line, the following are some of the common signs of ADHD in children:

Self-focused Behavior

The inability to recognize other peoples’ needs, wants, and desires is one of the most recognized signs of ADHD in children. For instance, if you notice that your child usually interrupts other people during a conversation, you need to start evaluating him/her carefully to establish if ADHD is the reason behind it. In fact, they are usually impatient and will not wait for their turn in school.

Emotional Turmoil

A child suffering from ADHD might experience difficulties in keeping his/her emotions in check. Usually, they will exude outbursts of anger when they are faced with inappropriate moments. In reality, they will usually have temper tantrums.

Fidgetiness

A child suffering from ADHD often cannot sit still. He/she will try to get up, walk, run around, fiddle, and wriggle when compelled to sit.

Unfinished Tasks

Children suffering from ADHD will usually show interest in different things. However, they will experience problems when it comes to finishing them. For instance, if your child starts a project, chore, or homework, and moves on to doing a different thing that catches his/her attention before finishing the initial project, consider an ADHD diagnosis.

Lack of Focus

If you notice that your child experiences challenges when it comes to paying attention even if directly spoken to, consider taking him/her to a doctor. They will claim that they heard you. However, they will not be able to repeat what you just said.

Mistakes

A child suffering from ADHD will have difficulty to follow instructions that demand a plan. This can result to making careless mistakes, but it does not mean that the child in question is lazy or lacks intelligence.

Daydreaming

Usually, a child with ADHD isn’t unruly or loud. If the child is quieter, dormant, and less involved with other kids, he/she may be suffering from ADHD. A child with ADHD may stare into space, daydream, and ignore what's going on around them.

What next?

It is important to note that all children will exhibit one or more of these behaviors at some point. Therefore, you are advised to keenly evaluate if the signs are normal or they are the signs of ADHD. Remember, ADHD can negatively affect your child’s performance in class and other important activities that require concentration.

ADHD can be treated. If a doctor diagnoses your child with ADHD, it is always wise to review different treatment options. You can also consult your doctor to determine the most appropriate course of action. This will ensure that your child grows healthier.