ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has become popular in recent times because of an increase in awareness. ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that may affect how a child performs at school and also affect their relationships with people.

There are various symptoms of ADHD, and they can sometimes be challenging to recognize.

Any kids may experience many or a few of the different symptoms of ADHD. So, to make a diagnosis, your pediatrician will have to evaluate your child according to several criteria.

ADHD is mostly diagnosed in children during their teenage years, but the average age for moderate ADHD diagnosis is seven years of age.

Older children that exhibit symptoms may also be diagnosed with ADHD, but they must have often shown some rather elaborate signs in their early life.

Below are 14 common signs of ADHD in kids:

1. Self-focused behavior

One of the most common signs of ADHD in children is what seems like an inability for them to recognize the desires and needs of other people. This can trigger the next two signs:

  • Trouble waiting their turn
  • Interrupting

2. Interrupting

Children with ADHD may have Self-focused behavior, which may cause them to interrupt other people while they are talking or jump into games or conversations they are not part of.

3. Trouble waiting their turn

Children who have ADHD may have issues waiting for their turn when classroom activities are ongoing or when they have to play games with other children.

4. Emotional turmoil

A child dealing with ADHD may have challenges when it comes to keeping their emotions in check. Such children may have outbursts of anger at wrong and inappropriate times.

Younger children may exhibit temper tantrums.

5. Fidgeting

Children who have ADHD often have problems sitting still. They may fidget, attempt to get up and run around or squirm in their chair if they are forced to sit.

6. Problems playing quietly

Because of fidgetiness, kids with ADHD may find it difficult to play quietly or calmly engage in leisure activities.

7. Unfinished tasks

A child who has ADHD may be interested in lots of different things at a time, but they may have challenges finishing these things. For example, children like these may start chores, projects, or homework, but quickly move on to the next thing they are attracted to before they finish.

8. Lack of focus

A child who has ADHD may have challenges paying attention even when an adult or a peer is speaking directly to them.

They may say they heard all you said, but they will have a hard time remembering or repeating what you just said

9. Avoidance of tasks that require extended mental effort

This same absence of focus can make a child with ADHD avoid activities that need them to sustain the mental effort. Such events may include doing homework or paying attention in class.

10. Mistakes

Children who have ADHD may have difficulty following instructions that involve planning or the execution of a plan. This can then be the root of careless mistakes that parents or teachers may consider the outcome of lack of intelligence or laziness.

However, this is not an indication of negligence or a lack of intelligence.

11. Daydreaming

Kids with ADHD are not always loud or noisy. Another common sign of ADHD is being a quiet child who is still less involved than other children.

12. Trouble getting organized

A kid with ADHD may find it hard to keep track of simple tasks and activities. An issue like this can lead to problems at school; as such, kids can find it challenging to prioritize school projects, homework, and other assignments.

13. Forgetfulness

Children who have ADHD may be quite forgetful in their daily activities. It is not uncommon for them to forget to do their homework or basic chores. Children may also lose stuff often, such as toys, water bottles, and other small personal items.

14. Symptoms in multiple settings

A child who has ADHD will manifest symptoms of the condition in different settings. For example, they may exhibit a lack of focus both at home and in school.

Symptoms of ADHD as children get older

As kids with ADHD grow older, they’ll frequently not exhibit as much self-control as other kids of their own age. That explains why kids and adolescents dealing with ADHD may seem less composed or immature compared to other woods of their age.

Some daily tasks that an adolescent with ADHD may find challenging to handle include:

  • Focusing on projects, schoolwork, and assignments
  • Compromising with peers
  • Reading social cues
  • Helping out with chores at home
  • Maintaining personal hygiene
  • Looking forward to events
  • Time management
  • Driving safely

All kids will surely exhibit some of the above behaviors at one point or another. Fidgeting, Daydreaming, and persistent interruptions are some of the common practices that children exhibit.

You should begin to think about taking the next steps if:

  • Your kid displays signs of ADHD regularly
  • This behavior is hindering their success in school and causing some negative interactions with their peers

ADHD is a treatable problem. If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, you must review all the available treatment options. Then, you must also set up a time to discuss with your doctor or psychologist to determine the right course of action.

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