How to spot the signs of ADHD

How will I know if my child has ADHD?

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) affects 3-7% of school-age children. In general, children with ADHD have poor impulse control and act without thinking, have trouble focusing, and are constantly on the go. Sounds like a regular, excitable pre-schooler, you may say…

This is why your child’s doctors will be looking for the following symptoms to help them assess whether he has ADHD. Your child would need to exhibit at least six symptoms under both categories for at least six months before he turns 7 (many experts argue that the criteria should be broadened to include onset at any time during childhood); and to an extent that’s disruptive and inappropriate for his developmental level.

Innattention 

• Trouble with details
  

  A child with ADHD may find it hard to pay attention to detail, which can lead to mistakes in schoolwork. They will often try to avoid tasks that require sustained concentration. Even play isn’t immune: his attention may drift from games and activities he enjoys.

• Inability to listen

  He may not seem to listen when you speak to him. Although he will understand any instructions you give, he’ll find it difficult to follow them and complete schoolwork and chores.

• Easily distracted

  Kids with ADHD tend to be very easily distracted by what’s going on around them: an obvious problem when it comes to concentrating and focusing at school.

• Forgetful

  He’ll be very forgetful when it comes to day-to-day tasks. This is where a reward chart which details his daily routine, using visual representation and incentives, are so useful!

• Poor organization

  Older kids will find it difficult to organize any chores or activities they have and plan ahead so they can work in a methodical way.

• Carelessness

  Your child may have a tendency to lose things!

Hyperactivity-Impulsivity

• Difficulty sitting still
  

  A child with ADHD will constantly fidget, squirm and play with their hands or feet when seated. It can make the Naughty Chair or Mat difficult to enforce! In class, he may get up and wander around when he should be sitting down.

• Excess energy

  He’s likely to be on the go constantly, racing around, climbing and generally throwing himself about in situations where this behavior may not be appropriate.

• Noisy!

  He may have difficulty playing quietly and will probably talk up a storm, often interrupting you before you’ve finished speaking to him or asking a question.

• Just can’t wait…

  His poor impulse control will mean that he often finds it hard to wait his turn when playing or doing group activities/lessons with other kids.

 

Was this article helpful?