ADHD in Children

What is ADHD?

ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that typically appears in early childhood, usually before the age of seven. ADHD makes it difficult for children to inhibit their spontaneous responses—responses that can involve everything from movement to speech to attentiveness.

It’s normal for children to occasionally forget their homework, daydream during class, act without thinking, or get fidgety at the dinner table. But inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity can also be symptoms of ADHD (sometimes still referred to as attention deficit disorder or ADD).

We all know kids who can’t sit still, who never seem to listen, who don’t follow instructions no matter how clearly you present them, or who blurt out inappropriate comments at inappropriate times. Sometimes these children are labeled as troublemakers, or criticized for being lazy and undisciplined. However, they may have ADHD.

Normal kid behavior vs. ADHD symptoms

It can be difficult to distinguish between ADHD symptoms and normal “kid behavior.” If you spot just a few signs, or the symptoms appear only in some situations, it’s probably not ADHD. On the other hand, if your child shows a number of ADHD signs and symptoms that are present across all situations—at home, at school, and at play—it’s time to take a closer look.

Life with a child with ADHD can be frustrating and overwhelming, but as a parent of a child with ADHD there are many things you can do to help control symptoms, overcome daily challenges, and bring greater calm to your family.

Myths and Facts about ADHD in children

Myth:

All kids with ADHD are hyperactive.

Fact:

Some children with ADHD are hyperactive, but many others with attention problems are not. Children with ADHD who are inattentive, but not overly active, may appear to be spacey and unmotivated.

Myth:

Kids with ADHD can never pay attention.

Fact:

Children with ADHD are often able to concentrate on activities they enjoy. But no matter how hard they try, they have trouble maintaining focus when the task at hand is boring or repetitive.

Myth:

Kids with ADHD could behave better if they wanted to.

Fact:

Children with ADHD may do their best to be good, but still be unable to sit still, stay quiet, or pay attention. They may appear disobedient, but that doesn’t mean they’re acting out on purpose.

Myth:

Kids will eventually grow out of ADHD.  

Fact:

ADHD often continues into adulthood, so don’t wait for your child to outgrow the problem. Treatment can help your child learn to manage and minimize the symptoms.

Myth:

Medication is the best treatment option for ADHD.

Fact:

Medication is often prescribed for attention deficit disorder, but it might not be the best option for your child. Effective treatment for ADHD also includes education, behavior therapy, support at home and school, exercise, and proper nutrition.

ADHD symptoms in kids

When many people think of attention deficit disorder, they picture an out-of-control kid in constant motion, bouncing off the walls and disrupting everyone around. But the reality is much more complex. Some children with ADHD are hyperactive, while others sit quietly—with their attention miles away. Some put too much focus on a task and have trouble shifting it to something else. Others are only mildly inattentive, but overly impulsive.

The signs and symptoms a child with attention deficit disorder has depend on which characteristics predominate.

Children with ADHD may be:

• Inattentive, but not hyperactive or impulsive.
• Hyperactive and impulsive, but able to pay attention.
• Inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive (the most common form of ADHD).

Children who only have inattentive symptoms of ADHD are often overlooked, since they’re not disruptive. However, the symptoms of inattention have consequences: getting in hot water with parents and teachers for not following directions; underperforming in school; or clashing with other kids over not playing by the rules.