Adhd Symptoms in Children

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent childhood neurobehavioral developmental disorder that starts from the childhood which can last up until the adolescent stage and adulthood. To date, about 3-5% of the children’s global population is affected by this disorder with male population as a more susceptible and vulnerable victims compared to female.

Until now, scientists cannot determine the underlying factors that trigger the onset of this medical condition but they believe that genes play an important role in the development of ADHD.

A number of studies conclude that ADHD runs in the family. Furthermore, children suffering from ADHD tend to have thin brain tissues in the areas of the brain that are directly linked to attention. However, as the children get age, the brain tissues thicken and the symptoms of ADHD also improve.

ADHD Statistics – Courtesy of Beat ADHD

ADHD - Image provided by Beat ADHD

ADHD is relatively difficult to diagnose because the ADHD symptoms in children vary from one person to another. The signs and symptoms of ADHD usually begin to occur between the ages 3 and 6.

Social withdrawal and lose of interest from activities which once made the child happy are the initial and most common ADHD symptoms in children.

Seventy five percent of ADHD cases show that symptoms tend to manifest until adulthood however the severity of hyperactivity tends to reduce as the victim gets older.

Does my child suffer from ADHD?

Impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattentiveness are normal for children however when these behaviors become severe, it can no longer be normal.

Also, the symptoms must be experienced by children for more than 6 months for them to be diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

And more importantly, it is important that these behaviors significantly affect the normal functioning of an individual in a negative way.

Until now, there is no test that can help in diagnosing ADHD however, according to the DSM-IV criteria for ADHD, at least six symptoms of inattentiveness or at least 6 symptoms of hyperactivity must be experienced by the victim for at least 6 months before he can be diagnosed with ADHD.

What are the symptoms?

Children who suffer from ADHD tend to be more forgetful, easily distracted and they frequently and easily switch from one activity to another.

This makes them incapable of completing a task. Some easily get bored with what they are doing and through time, they suffer from a difficulty in concentrating especially when starting a new activity.

Furthermore, children become confused easily. In fact, parents often found them in a daydreaming state. Children tend to move very slowly and when someone talks to them, they don’t seem to listen.

Patients suffering from ADHD are struggling with following instructions and they process information and instruction a lot slower than other kids of their age. Children also show problems with organization and when confronted with activities that require mental ability, they refuse to join. They also make careless errors which lead them to lose their stuff such as notebooks, pencils and toys.

With regards hyperactivity, children who have been diagnosed with ADHD tend to talk uncontrollably and in constant motion. They often dash around the area and they cannot just stay still in one place.  Furthermore, they cannot complete a task and they play with everything in their sight. Children with ADHD play a lot in a noisy manner because they are having a difficulty in playing quietly. A 2009 study on ADHD revealed that children tend to move a lot because it helps them to stay active and alert to comprehend and perform their tasks. Some children even have short tempers.

Children who have ADHD also become very impatient and they are having a difficulty with waiting for other’s activities especially when playing. They even interrupt in other’s conversations and they show their emotions and burst out their comments without taking into consideration the consequences of their actions.

More often than not, children with ADHD are having a difficulty in controlling their emotions. They sometimes tend to be disobedient but they do not do it in purpose. They have poor concentration which enables them to have a difficulty in remembering details. Because of these behaviors, their learning and relationships with other people are significantly affected. In fact, many ADHD victims have problems with sustaining healthy and harmonious relationships with other people at home, in school or even at work.

Other common ADHD Symptoms in children

Furthermore, victims of ADHD tend to fidget and talk a lot even at the most inappropriate times. They seem to be restless that they continually engage in activities such as running, climbing and jumping. Patients also tend to grab things which they like most even to the point of causing an injury or accident to others. They can show adequate concentration with activities they love but they tend to be less focused in activities which they found boring and repetitive.

Different types of ADHD …

There are actually three types of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The first type is referred to as the ‘predominantly hyperactive-impulsive’ which is characterized by less inattentiveness symptoms but more than 6 hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. Children with this condition often appear spacey but less motivated.

The second type of ADHD is ‘predominantly inattentive’. As the name implies, this subtype is dominated by inattentive symptoms. Parents may be deceived by the children’s behaviors in this ADHD subtype because the victims tend to stay in a corner quietly.

They do not develop any degree of animosity with other children such that they can sustain a healthy relationship with kids of their age. However, these children have poor focus or concentration with what they are doing.

The third ADHD subtype is the most common type of ADHD. Known as the combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive ADHD, victims of this ADHD subtype suffer from a combination of at least symptoms of inattention and six or more symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.

What should you do if your child has ADHD?

When these symptoms occur, parents should immediately seek for medical treatment because it can lead to a number of complications such as depression and anxiety. When these psychological conditions accompany ADHD, the disorder is relatively hard to treat. More often than not, treatment for ADHD is administered prior to the treatment for anxiety and depression because it is easier to treat ADHD compared to them. ADHD medication usually involves medication, lifestyle changes, behavior modification and counseling.

ADHD is an abbreviation for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a long-term condition which begins at childhood. This condition is characterized by hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention, and is more common in boys than girls. Although the exact cause of ADHD is yet to be known, doctors have attributed it to chemical imbalances in the brain and genetic factors. Presently, this disorder has no cure, and treatment is usually aimed at controlling its symptoms. It is usually managed through a combination of medication and therapy, as well as practical support. A child with ADHD can be a challenge to you as a parent, thus you need to devise ways of coping so that you are not overwhelmed. This article will give you tips on how to deal with ADHD children, which will enhance your well-being and that of your child.

Recognizing ADHD in children is usually easier in boys than in girls, since girls tend to be more compliant and less defiant than boys. Further, the condition can either be mild, moderate or severe, thus its symptoms tend to differ from one child to another. One of the symptoms which are common in children with ADHD is failure to pay attention to details and the tendency to make careless mistakes. Such children also have difficulty in sustaining their attention to tasks, while they appear not to listen if addressed directly. A child with ADHD is also unable to follow instructions, while he or she may keep forgetting or losing important items. The child may also be restless and fidgety, while also talking excessively. If your child exhibits ADHD symptoms, you will have a hard time controlling him or her, which can take a toll on your nerves. However, you need not take drastic measures as long as you know how to deal with ADHD children.

One of the ways of dealing with ADHD in children is by making life predictable for them, since such children react negatively to changes. Have a predictable daily routine for your child, as it provides the child with security. Further, the example you set for your child will be very important. No matter how difficult the child might be, remain calm and control your temper. If you adopt a calm attitude, your child is likely to follow suit. You also need to engage your child in physical activities, since children with ADHD have a lot of energy to burn. Choose activities that enable your child to attain certain skills, which will help to improve his or her condition. You also need to feed your child with healthy diet. Although your child’s condition is not a direct result of his or her diet, the diet has a serious impact on his or her mental condition. Avoid feeding your child with junk foods or those with high sugar content.

As indicated in the article, taking care of a child with ADHD can be a daunting task for any parent. However, this need not be the case anymore, if you can utilize the information in this article. As you learn how to deal with ADHD children, you and your child will no doubt experience positive outcomes in future.

Any veteran teacher will tell you that they can usually spot a child who may potentially have ADHD by reading into the symptoms. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can not be diagnosed with a laundry list. Learning how to diagnose ADHD in children takes training and a great deal of experience observing children without ADHD and with ADHD. There are however, some telltale signs that a child may have this disorder. It is important to note that not all kids with Attention Deficit are hyperactive. This can also make it more challenging to determine if a child has this disorder and to what degree they are affected.

A child with ADHD has a great deal of difficulty focusing on both tasks they are interested in and tasks that bore them. They cannot maintain their attention or focus for a long period of time before they drift away from the task at hand. This makes following directions very challenging for kids with ADHD. Kids who have ADHD may or may not be able to sit still during a class. They also have a tendency to call out of turn, causing disruption to the class. These children may appear to be discipline issues when in fact they are unable to control all of their behavior.

The best way to determine if a child does have ADHD is through a child study team that evaluates the child through many observations. Trained professionals in the field of education can help to paint a larger picture of the child’s behavior and abilities in the learning environment. A child study team also has a psychologist as a member of the team. These individuals are experts in the field of psychology and education. They can ascertain if your child is simply “spacing out” in class or truly has an issue. They will also spend time with the child and through discussions get a feel for why the child behaves a certain way in class.

The child study team will take into account the opinions and feedback from the child, parents, teachers and psychologist before making a recommendation to the parents. The parents can then make a decision about treatment options with a medical professional. This may or may not include medicines that can treat some of the symptoms of ADHD. The child study team can also offer support services and training for the child as they learn to manage their ADHD. It is important to trust the individuals on the child study team as much as possible as they are the experts in how to diagnose ADHD in children.

In conclusion, it is very important to have an idea of how to diagnose ADHD in children so that you can recognize the signs early in your child’s academic career. It is a popular myth that children will “outgrow” ADHD and learn to work around it. Many adults with ADHD struggle well into their college years (and beyond) because they never learned to manage their ADHD. There are medications, training and strategies to manage ADHD in a school setting.

Before we understand what causes ADHD in children, it will prudent to first understand what it is. There are behaviors that are normal to children and are not cause of alarm. These behaviors include forgetting homework, daydreaming in class and acting without thinking. However, danger arises when you child becomes excessively restless, inattentive, distractive and impulsive. These are core symptoms that your child is suffering from a condition called ADHD, it is associated with slight brain abnormalities. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is not a disorder of attention as it was earlier perceived but a neurobehavioral condition that results to problem with inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. This condition is a genetic neurobiological condition, but some environmental and social factors can worsen the condition.

ADHD in children – Couple of interesting statistics

According to some statistics on ADHD, we find out that it is a very common condition among children. 7 % of children aged between 3 and 17 years suffer from ADHD. It has being found out that ADHD is more common in boys than girls, with 11% of boys in the above age group suffering from this disorder and only 4% of girls in the same age group suffering it. Additionally, children who have excellent health are less likely to suffer from this disorder. This means that a child who is poor health is three times more likely to suffer from ADHD than their counterparts. White children are more likely to suffer from ADHD than both black or African American and Hispanics or Latinos.

If you’re not sure if you child has ADHD or not, please read Adhd Symptoms in Children.

What causes ADHD in children?

Currently, researchers have not identified the exact cause of this disorder, but there are theories that have being supported by scientific researches which explain the cause of ADHD. As earlier stated, ADHD is a genetic neurobiological condition, and, therefore, the main cause of this disorder is genes inherited from our parents. It has being seen that ADHD runs in the family, and 25% of close relatives of children who are suffering from ADHD also have the same condition.

Another cause of ADHD in children is exposure to toxic substances such as the use of cigarettes and alcohol during pregnancy. The other toxic substance is lead. All this toxic substances where exposed to children in his first three years have negative effect on the developing brain tissues. Brain injury such as brain tumor, trauma, stroke or diseases may result to a child showing signs similar to those of ADHD. However, this is very rare. Other possible causes of ADHD which have not being fully supported are sugar and food additives.

Furthermore, there are some factors that many perceive as cause of ADHD but they are not. These factors include diet, hormones, poor parenting or problems in family life, the vestibular system and television.

If your child shows any signs of ADHD, then you should be worried. This is because your child academic performance will be greatly affected plus his/her social life. A child with this disorder is not able to control his/her behaviors resulting to social isolation from his/her peers. As a result the child’s self-esteem will suffer.

There is no single cause of ADHD. The important thing to remember is that it is highly treatable and manageable. By using a combination of medication and behavior therapy any child suffering from ADHD can be cured.

ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as hyperkinetic disorder is a neuro-behavioural disorder characterized by symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. The symptoms are first recognized during the pre-school age. It is a common developmental disorder that affects approximately 8-10% of school going kids and 6% of adults. It affects one in twenty children in United States. According to NIMH, the estimated number of children having ADHD in United States is 2 million. Boys are three times more likely to be affected with this disorder though the reason behind it is still not known. Children with ADHD also suffer from other comorbidities such as anxiety, depression, conduct disorder, bipolar disorder and oppositional defiant disorder.

 How can you tell your child has ADHD?

If your school-aged child is overactive, keeps on running from one place to another, gets easily distracted, has low attention span, has behavior and learning problems, then most likely he/she is suffering from symptoms of ADHD.
Adhd Symptoms in Children : The symptoms of ADHD span three major areas of problem- hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.

1. Hyperactivity: Children with ADHD have high levels of activity. which is shown by constant running from one place to another and are always ‘on the go’. Child fidgets and squirms, talks excessively and does not sit at one place.

2. Inattention: Children with ADHD have difficulty staying focused and doing mundane tasks. They get easily distracted by irrelevant sights and sounds and leave the task in the middle. ADHD children find difficulty in finishing the school work or finishing any task. They have poor organizational skills and are forgetful and careless.

3. Impulsivity: Children having ADHD show signs of impulsive behavior. They can’t wait for their turn and may interrupt others. They react and speak before thinking. They try to complete tasks quickly but carelessly.

What to do if your child has ADHD?

Currently there is no cure for ADHD, but different treatment methods focus on alleviating the symptoms of ADHD. The multi-modal treatment helps in developing self-esteem in your child, improves his school performance and relationship with others. The approach to treatment includes:

1. Behavioral Therapy: Behavioral therapy helps the child to change his behavior. It involves practical assistance such as completing homework and organizing tasks, giving feedback on certain behavior, rewards for controlling anger and acting in a desired way. Organizational strategies and behavioral modifications help in reducing the symptoms of ADHD. Try to engage your child in constructive activities and praise him or reward him after he finishes the task. This helps in building confidence.

2. Medications: Medications are given to calm down the acute symptoms in ADHD children. Stimulants such as Ritalin and Focalin are prescribed to increase concentration, reduce hyperactivity and physical coordination.

3. Social skills training: This improves the basic social ways in which your child interacts with other people. Appropriate behavior is taught to the child so that he interacts in a better way with others.

The multi-dimensional treatment plan that includes parent-teacher intervention, oral medications and social skills training not only helps in decreasing the symptoms of ADHD in children, but also help them lead a better life.