Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Children
Signs and symptoms of ADHD in children
ADHD is a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often continues through adulthood. A combination of symptoms such as:
- hyperactivity
- impulsive behavior
- poor performance in school
- difficulty staying on task
- difficulty focusing
- make careless mistakes
- having trouble organizing tasks
- lose items such as homework
- easily distracted
- forgets to do daily chores or activities
- fidgets
- run by a “motor”
- run or climb on things
- talk too much
- blurt out answers
- interrupts
- having problems waiting their turn
When to see a doctor
If you’re concerned that your child shows signs of ADHD, see your pediatrician. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist, such as a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, psychologist, psychiatrist or pediatric neurologist, but it’s important to have a medical evaluation first to check for other possible causes of your child’s difficulties.
Causes of ADHD
While the exact cause of ADHD is not clear, research efforts continue. Factors that may be involved in the development of ADHD include genetics, the environment or problems with the central nervous system at key moments in development.
Risk factors
- parent or sibling has ADHD or other mental health disorder
- Exposure to environmental toxins — such as lead, found mainly in paint and pipes in older buildings
- Maternal drug use, alcohol use or smoking during pregnancy
- Premature birth
- low birth weight
Treatments
In most cases, ADHD is best treated with a combination of behavior therapy and medication. For preschool-aged children (4-5 years of age) with ADHD, behavior therapy, particularly training for parents, is recommended as the first line of treatment before medication is tried. What works best can depend on the child and family. Good treatment plans will include close monitoring, follow-ups, and making changes, if needed, along the way.
Common myths: What doesn’t cause ADHD
- too much TV
- eating candy
- poor parenting
- poverty
- eating or drinking too much sugar
These symptoms can potentially make ADHD symptoms worse. None of these factors have been proven to directly cause ADHD.
Fidget Toys
Fidget toys can help with ADHD.
- Pop its
- slug toy
- fidget ball
- pop tubes
- squeeze balls
- pop its
- motion bubbler
- 50 piece fun pack
- rings
- infinity cube
Does your ADHD child have a lack of empathy?
Does counseling help for ADHD?
More popular fidget toys!
