Does My Child Have ADHD? A Guide to Recognizing ADHD in Children

What is ADHD and Why is it Often Ignored?

Probably, you already have some vague idea about ADHD; it is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. While many behaviors are easily observable, their symptoms often are confused with misbehavior. If it’s not treated, it can become a problematic condition for your child’s development. Symptoms can change over time and might increase when the demands of daily life increase. Signs That Your Child May Have ADHD

Signs That Your Child May Have ADHD

Self-Focused Behavior

A common sign of ADHD in children is self-focused behavior; this is easily confused as “selfishness” but has much more to do with recognizing others. Interrupting may be a sign they are trying to learn boundaries, or it can be a symptom of ADHD. The same is true when children have trouble waiting or taking turns. Pay attention to how habitual this behavior is.

Fidgeting

Kids with ADHD struggle with hold still. It’s common for children to squirm occasionally, but if your kid does it repeatedly, it could be something more; it could be a way to self-regulate.

Daydreaming

ADHD is a complete spectrum; not all the kids will be moving from one side to the other, running while making noises. Into the spectrum, we can find some children quiet, withdrawn, or less involved with their surroundings. They may seem “somewhere else,” staring into space and unaware of the activity around them. If they’re constantly not in the moment, this, too, may be problematic.

Emotional Control

It is easy for kids to get overwhelmed by emotions; they can be impulsive. But suppose you see that they are experiencing their feelings more intensely. In that case, this might be a sign of ADHD since one of the most recognizable symptoms is the struggle to regulate emotions, leading to emotional episodes that can resemble tantrums.

Inability to Focus

The most common symptom of ADHD, you might observe this behavior when talking to a child directly, as their focus drifts during the conversation. They may also struggle to recall what was talked about. They could struggle to finish tasks or games before losing interest and shifting to other activities. If this behavior becomes frequent, it’s a warning sign.

Avoiding Complex Activities

Your child might quickly become disinterested, and activities or games that involve multiple steps may not hold their attention, leading them to steer clear of such tasks. They also struggle with organization, forget essential steps in a chore with several parts, or forget regular duties.