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Parent and Expert Discuss Early Signs of ADHD in Children
Confirmed
In Short: A parent and expert discuss the early signs of ADHD in children, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing potential symptoms.
A parent and expert are discussing the early signs of ADHD in children, highlighting the importance of recognizing and addressing potential symptoms.
The parent, who has been concerned about their child's development, notes that as their daughter has grown, they have observed small signs that may indicate early ADHD.
The expert emphasizes that a diagnosis of ADHD requires a consistent pattern of behavior evident in more than one setting and lasting at least six months.
The parent also mentions that they have been particularly attentive to their daughter's behavior due to their husband's ADHD diagnosis from childhood.
The expert explains that ADHD can manifest differently in boys and girls, with boys often exhibiting more overtly energetic behaviors that may lead to earlier referrals for evaluation.
The parent acknowledges the anxiety that comes with parenting and the heightened concern about their child's development.
The expert advises against jumping to conclusions and recommends getting curious and learning more if parents suspect their child may have ADHD symptoms.
The expert also notes that while all children may exhibit some of these behaviors, the frequency and intensity can differentiate ADHD from normal childhood development.
The i Paper (United Kingdom) provides a step-by-step plan for parents who suspect their child may have ADHD, emphasizing the importance of consistent, available, responsive, reliable, and predictable parenting.
HealthDay News reports that children with ADHD have abnormal brain development, often making it a lifelong condition.
Research shows that early detection of ADHD can significantly impact a child's academic success, as children with early symptoms are at higher risk for academic failure and grade repetition.
The expert advises parents to consult with their pediatrician or a developmental expert if they observe these symptoms and have concerns about their child's development.
What this adds
The sources have not established specific diagnostic criteria or treatment options for ADHD in young children.
The sources have not provided detailed information on the biological basis of ADHD beyond the mention of abnormal brain development.
What's confirmed
- The name ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is misleading.
What's still developing
- Whereas once my days were spent worrying if I'd said something stupid or made a dumb mistake, now I stay up half the night worrying about things like my child's development, whether they're enjoying pre-K, or getting too much screen time.
- As for why professionals usually wait, it's because a diagnosis requires a consistent pattern of behavior that's evident in more than one setting and has persisted for a minimum of six months. "While a busy, impulsive toddler doesn't automatically mean ADHD, if those behaviors are interfering with your child's ability to play, learn, or connect with others, and it's not getting easier with time, it's worth checking in with someone who can help you sort it out."
- Another reason I think my husband and I have been so hyper-focused on understanding our daughter's behavior is that we had read a few reports that ADHD is often underdiagnosed in girls versus boys. And Gluck shared that the signs girls and boys exhibit for ADHD can definitely be differentiated. "Boys are more likely to show the loud, high-energy kind of ADHD," Gluck shares. "They're the ones climbing furniture, getting out of their seats, or being told they need to 'sit still and focus.' Because those behaviors are hard to ignore, boys tend to get referred for evaluation earlier."
- Here's the thing — even though we as parents are wondering whether our daughter has ADHD, it's not us looking for a way to label things.
- As someone who has had an anxiety disorder since I was a teenager, I've never been a stranger to overthinking things.
- Staying up late, my brain racing as I map out the day ahead or replay the previous one — it's been commonplace for me as long as I can remember.
- But, as any parent can attest, having a kid will raise your anxiety to a level you've never experienced.
- You see, ever since my kid was born, my husband and I have wondered if she may end up exhibiting signs of ADHD.
- The thought isn't out of nowhere: My husband was diagnosed with ADHD as a child, a diagnosis that he still works with daily.
- Of course, as she's a young child, we know that it's likely too early to officially diagnose her (plenty of her "signs," such as difficulty following instructions and impulsivity, can simply be attributed to her age).
- How young is too young to know if your kid has ADHD?
- Start with your own behaviours The foundation of a secure, connected life is being what I call CARRP: that means being consistent, available, responsive, reliable and predictable.