ADHD: Warning Signs & Symptoms to Look For in Your Child’s Behavior

Does your child struggle with listening, sitting still, or acting appropriately in social settings? Sometimes these are no more than signs of an age appropriate energetic child, but when this behavior impedes normal life or hinders a child’s ability to learn, you might want to have your child evaluated for Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a behavioral disorder characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, or an inability to focus for long periods of time. Symptoms fall into three broad categories: inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Specific symptoms in each category include the following:

Inattention

• Short attention span for age
• Difficulty listening to others
• Easily distracted
• Forgetful
• Poor study and organizational skills for age

Impulsivity

• Interrupts others frequently
• Struggles waiting for his or her turn in school/during games
• Blurts out answers rather than waiting to be called upon
• Takes risk or acts before thinking

Hyperactivity

• Constantly moving, runs or climbs and often has no apparent goal except motion
• Has difficult remaining in seat when expected
• Talks excessively
• Shifts from one task to another without completing any tasks.

Does My Child Have ADHD?

Parents should recognize that it’s normal for all children to exhibit impulsive behaviors at a young age. This is part of normal development – and remember, they are children! However, when these behaviors start to become a barrier to healthy relationships or affect a child’s ability to adapt in daycare or a classroom environment, it may be time to talk with your pediatrician.

If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, don’t blame yourself or think that you could have prevented the condition. Research shows that ADHD is generally inherited and not caused by bad parenting or problems at home. Keep in mind though, poor parenting can worsen the condition while good parenting can make the symptoms less intense.

Treatment Recommendations

ADHD presents itself at an early age, and pediatricians or mental health providers will diagnose children no earlier than age four. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends seeking treatment through behavioral therapy first and medication second. This is to avoid using such invasive medication in young children and to avoid unintended side effects. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only half of preschool-age children who have ADHD do not receive behavioral treatment.

Additional Resources About ADHD in Children

• CHADD - The National Resource on ADHD
• Intermountain Healthcare
• Patient & Family Fact Sheet
• KUTV Interview with Tammer Attallah

You can also contact Primary Children’s Wasatch Canyon’s Behavioral Health services for more information or to arrange a screening at (801) 313-7711.