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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) not only puts a strain on a child’s development but also your entire family environment. How do parents know if their child has ADHD or if they’re just a bit more fidgety than others?
Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness are the main characteristics. ADHD is often talked about today when children are inattentive and fidgety. However, only a specialized doctor or psychologist can make a reliable diagnosis.
Our team of exceptional physicians at Angel Kids Pediatrics offers mental health evaluations, including screening for ADHD. If your kiddo has behavioral issues or problems regulating emotions, a mental health evaluation helps identify the underlying cause so we can begin treatment.
Signs of ADHD in children
The symptoms of ADHD are complex. They present differently and to different degrees in each child. For example, children with ADHD might have difficulty concentrating, become easily distracted, appear restless, have a strong urge to move, and act without thinking. But that’s not all. Here are five signs your child could be suffering from ADHD.
1. Inattention
ADHD can cause your child to make careless mistakes often. They have trouble staying alert for extended periods and may seem not to be listening. Inattentive children can’t follow explanations, have trouble organizing tasks, and often avoid tasks that require mental stamina. If your child frequently loses items, is distracted, and is usually forgetful, this may be a sign of ADHD.
2. Hyperactivity
Is your kiddo fidgety? Do they have trouble sitting still? Hyperactivity might cause your child to get up and leave their desk in the middle of class. Perhaps they’re often unnecessarily loud. If your child shows a persistent pattern of excessive motor activity even when they’re told to sit still, this could indicate an ongoing pattern of hyperactivity.
3. Impulsiveness
Along with hyperactivity, your kiddo might frequently blurt out the answer even though the question isn’t completed or interrupt mid-conversation. Children with impulse problems have trouble waiting their turn and find it difficult not to interrupt others while playing games or having conversations.
4. Pronounced defiant phase
Adolescents with ADHD remain inattentive and often develop a "don't care" mentality. They may adopt an aggressive attitude. To a certain extent, these behaviors aren’t uncommon in puberty anyway, but they’re much more pronounced in ADHD.
Adolescents with ADHD are prone to risky behavior and often feel attracted to marginalized groups. Alcohol and drugs often play a role. Many suffer from low self-esteem, and some experience severe anxiety and depression. But there are also adolescents whose symptoms improve, and restlessness and impulsivity decrease.
5. Social problems
ADHD often burdens children and parents equally. The children find it challenging to make friends because of their disruptive behavior. Many children today are under tremendous pressure to perform, are flooded with daily information through various media, and might not get enough exercise.
A stressful parent-child relationship can develop over the years due to the children's unusual behavior, which can also negatively impact ADHD, further aggravating the condition.
Does my child have ADHD?
The suspicion of ADHD is evident when the symptoms are severe, appear in different areas of life (family, school, and leisure time), have existed for more than six months, and include behaviors that are not age-appropriate.
But how can you determine whether a child has ADHD or whether the symptoms have completely different causes? Parents should consult an experienced doctor or psychologist for the answer.
With multiple locations in Jacksonville, Amelia Island, and St. Johns, Florida, Angel Kids Pediatrics offers several kinds of mental health evaluations, including screening for ADHD. Call 904-224-KIDS (5437) to request an assessment for your child today or request an appointment online.