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Most kids have moments of challenging behavior. They may have endless energy, zone out, act up, or not listen. And some children have personalities that are more energetic, risk-taking, spirited, or dreamy. Many of these behaviors and personality traits are part of typical childhood and not usually a reason to worry.
However, when a child’s behavior gets in the way of how they learn, play, relate to others, or take care of themselves, it might be a sign of ADHD. ADHD stands for attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. It’s a chronic (or long-term) condition that may include:
- Inattention: Trouble focusing or paying attention, easily distracted, disorganized
- Hyperactivity: Difficulty staying still or being quiet
- Impulsivity: Acts first without thinking
Some kids with ADHD only have symptoms in one category and others have symptoms in all three. For a diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms must be so severe that they make it hard for children to function in their normal lives. Talk to your doctor if you’re wondering whether behavior is typical for their age or might be caused by ADHD.
Kids with ADHD can have amazing empathy, perseverance, problem-solving, creativity, and energy. Many grow up to be successful and productive adults. Understanding your child’s ADHD can get them the help, support, and confidence they need to thrive.
Could this be something else?
ADHD isn’t the only thing that can cause inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. There are other reasons a child may have symptoms or behaviors similar to ADHD. Your doctor can help you figure out if this is really ADHD or if something else is going on.
Things that can look like ADHD:
- Being one of the youngest kids in their grade
- Sleep issues or being over-tired
- Overstimulation or sensory sensitivity
- Recent stress or change in routine
- Anxiety
- Learning problems
- Trouble hearing
- History of trauma
What causes ADHD?
About 1 in 10 kids (10%) are diagnosed with ADHD. Symptoms of ADHD are caused by differences in the brain’s anatomy and function. Many cases of ADHD run in families (or are hereditary), which means that children with ADHD are more likely to have parents or siblings with ADHD. Kids may have a higher risk of ADHD if they were born premature or if their mother used nicotine or alcohol during pregnancy. But for most kids, no environmental or outside cause is found. It’s just the way their brain works.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
Different kinds of professionals are qualified to diagnose ADHD. This includes pediatricians, other primary care providers, psychologists, and medical specialists like neurologists or psychiatrists. The first step is to talk to your child’s regular doctor. There isn’t one specific test used to diagnose ADHD, and it can’t be diagnosed with blood tests or imaging.
To diagnose ADHD, a full evaluation needs to be done. That may involve taking a health history, doing a physical exam, getting information from parents, teachers, and specialists, and ruling out other conditions. The doctor may also use questionnaires that you, your child, or their teacher need to complete and return. A diagnosis is made if children meet specific ADHD criteria after gathering all needed information.
How is ADHD treated?
There are several treatments that can help children who have ADHD and their families. Medication is one option and is usually broken down into two categories- stimulants and non-stimulants. Medications prescribed for ADHD come in pills, liquid, or patches. Each kid is different and it may take more than one try to find the medicine and dose that works best. Ask your doctor any questions you have about medications and possible side effects.
Specific parenting programs and parent training courses can also improve ADHD symptoms and behaviors in kids. Look online or talk to your doctor about what programs are available near you and are “evidence-based.” Evidence-based programs are studied and proven to work with kids who have ADHD.
Kids with ADHD may benefit from support in their classroom. If ADHD affects how your child learns and behaves in class, talk to the school about whether a 504 plan or Individualized Education Plan (IEP) may help them. There are many supports that schools can try such as special seating, movement breaks, verbal reminders, or social skills groups.
More resources:
ChildMind: ADHD Resources for Parents
HealthyChildren.org: Understanding ADHD: Information for Parents
