All children may be inattentive or hyperactive occasionally, but when is it something more? Knowing the signs of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyper-Activity Disorder) can help you get your child the support and coping strategies they need right now.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is characterized by developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention and/or hyperactive-impulsive behavior. A child with ADHD typically finds it challenging to function at home and school.
About 6 million American children ages 3 to 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD.1 To raise your ADHD awareness, it helps to understand that this disorder has three subtypes: 1) predominantly inattentive, 2) predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and 3) combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive.
The signs of ADHD in kids will differ depending on the type of ADHD they have.
The Signs of ADHD in Children
Here are the symptoms to look for that could indicate your child needs help managing ADHD:
Inattentive:
- Failing to pay close attention to details or making careless mistakes when doing schoolwork or other activities
- Trouble keeping attention focused during age-appropriate play or tasks
- Appearing not to listen or hear when spoken to
- Failing to follow instructions or finish age-appropriate tasks
- Avoiding tasks that require a high amount of mental effort and organization, such as school projects
- Frequently losing items required to facilitate tasks or activities, such as school supplies
- Excessive distractibility or forgetfulness
Hyperactive-Impulsive:
- Excessive fidgeting with hands or feet or squirming in seat
- Leaving seat often, even when inappropriate
- Running or climbing at inappropriate times
- Difficulty in quiet play
- Frequently feeling restless
- Excessive speech
- Answering a question before the speaker has finished
- Failing to wait one’s turn
- Interrupting the activities of others at inappropriate times
Children who experience symptoms from both categories may have the combined type of ADHD.
However, it’s important to consider other causes of inattention that aren’t linked to ADHD. These include:
- Fatigue
- A learning disability such as dyslexia
- A mental health condition such as anxiety or depression
- Normal, developmentally appropriate behavior (as long as it doesn’t interfere with school or home life)
What You Can Do If You See the Signs of ADHD in Your Child
If your child’s long-term issues with inattention, hyper behavior, and impulsivity are preventing their success, there are strategies you can use to help them, with or without an ADHD diagnosis.
Exciting advances in research mean we’re learning more about ADHD and how to manage it. For years, the standard school of thought was that learning difficulties such as ADHD were associated with certain areas of the brain. However, recent research from the University of Cambridge indicates ADHD and similar issues may actually be linked to weak connectivity between different regions in the brain.
The Cambridge researchers stated that the brain is organized into hubs, similar to a transit system. The study found that children with strong connections between the hubs had no cognitive difficulties or only narrowly specific issues such as poor listening skills. Brain hubs with weaker or fewer connections led to more serious, wide-ranging cognitive issues, suggesting the hubs play a significant role in relaying information throughout the brain.
Our Brain Balance Program® offers hope for the future by providing help with attention, focus, and hyperactivity. This medication-free program takes a holistic approach toward ADHD in kids and adults as it’s customized to each individual. We help strengthen brain connections and build new pathways through sensory and physical exercises, cognitive training, and nutritional support.
Harvard University and McLean Hospital studied our Brain Balance Program, and their report showed that it reduced ADHD index scores significantly and produced noticeable, positive changes in hyperactivity and inattentiveness, among other findings. These changes were similar to the results produced using a low-dose stimulant to ease ADHD symptoms.
You can enroll your child in the Brain Balance Program whether they’ve already received a diagnosis or you’ve just started spotting some of the early signs of ADHD in your child. Coaching can take place at one of our participating centers or at home with exercises led by a parent.
We invite you to consider the Brain Balance Program. We’re here to help your child succeed. Contact us today to learn more.
More Great ADHD Articles
Tips For Managing ADHD
Establishing Rules For Your ADHD Child
Motivating A Child With ADHD
1 https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html
