Do you think your child has symptoms of ADHD? Trying to figure out the difference between ADHD symptoms and normal kid behavior is difficult; however, parents know their children best. They can determine what is normal behavior for their child and what is not. We have put together a list of the most common ADHD signs to look for in children. If your child exhibits a few of these ADHD signs do not automatically assume that they have ADHD. Take them to a doctor to be evaluated for an official diagnosis.
Here Are Some Signs To Look Out For:
Inattentiveness
This is one of the most common symptoms of ADHD. Children may tend to focus on other things around them, look off into space or ignore a person completely. A child with ADHD may experience difficulty in completing a task because of their inability to focus. Also, handling chores and assignments is extremely difficult for them.
Hyper active
Children are generally busy doing one activity or another, but kids with ADHD always fiddle and will always want to move on to the next activity without completing the one before. ‘Driven by a motor’ is best used to describe kids with ADHD; they just find it difficult to hold still or stop moving. You will notice them always moving in any setting they are in. The movements do not have to be big, they can be little movements like tapping their toes and fingers.
Disorder
Being organized requires a lot of attention, and this is a major problem for children with ADHD. They may find it difficult to keep a clean and organized desk or closet. This can go on for a long time, and though teachers and parents help, they just find it difficult to keep their things organized as other kids their age are able to do.
Self-focus
This behavior makes it almost impossible for children with ADHD to make friends. They get pushy and rude. They don’t want to a part of any activity that does not directly involve them. They may even go as far as interrupting a speaker to make sure that they are involved. Sharing their toys and taking turns in games are also some of the things they find difficult to do.
Impulsiveness
A child with ADHD sees something he/she wants and immediately reaches for it. They don’t think who the item belongs to or the danger(s) of reaching for it. If you notice that your child performs certain actions without thinking them through, this should concern you.
Inability to control Emotions
Almost all children find it difficult to express their emotions; this is more difficult for children with ADHD because they struggle to express their true feelings. Becoming angry and sad frequently compared to other kids their age, are also signs parents should look out for. Children may also find it difficult to express strong feelings like anger or frustration.
Distraction
Minimal distractions like turning the light off, little movements or bird sounds can distract a child with ADHD. This can also create problems for the child in school, especially when he/she needs to pay attention to lectures or when it is quiet time. Once attention is lost, it is challenging to get it back.
Talkative
Generally, kids are inquisitive, and as a result, they become very chatty, but children with ADHD can be best described as talkative. You may notice constant babbling by the child without having an actual conversation or saying something meaningful. This can become a problem if it continues during lectures or quiet time. T
Regular daydreaming
This sign of ADHD is common among girls. Children with ADHD can be very energetic and dramatic, but some are introverted. They day dream all the time, and this condition can hurt the child. This sign may not be easily observed. If a child sits in the same position, lost in thought for an hour or more, close attention should be given. Watch to see if this happens frequently and also ask the teacher for observations on the child’s ability to focus on an assignment without daydreaming.
Absence of persistence
Kids with ADHD might find it very tough to finish up particular tasks. The child might initiate a game or project but in no time abandons it for another. This can cause problems with other peers especially when a game begins, and the child walks away in the middle of the game.
Having a child who has ADHD is very tough on families. However, this can be resolved with the right diagnosis and treatments. Once the symptoms are observed in a child, it is advised that an expert be consulted to carry out the correct tests to determine if the child has ADHD. If the child does, the physician will determine the best course of treatment, which often includes medication.