Though most ADHD behaviors are present from childhood on, it can be a bit difficult to determine if a child has ADHD or if they’re just being a kid. Here are some guidelines, along with helpful information about ADHD during each stage of childhood.

ADHD in Toddlers

Toddlers are supposed to be full of energy. If a toddler wasn’t active to some degree, there would be eyebrows raised about other concerns. So how does a parent know when the activity level is normal and when it has reached a point of concern?

Normal activity for a toddler consists of periods of high activity mixed with quiet times. If your child seems to run on an energy level that never lessens, that may be a red flag; however, it is by no means the only predictor of a child who may be affected by ADHD. Read through the following information to get better insight on what to look for when observing your child.

Symptoms Present in Toddlers

We offer a complete list of symptoms on our site; however, here are a few that may be more noticeable at this young age:

  • Aggressive behavior
  • Difficulty cooperating with other children or adults
  • Intelligence levels are normal or higher
  • Unable to focus on an activity for any amount of time
  • More prone to accidents
  • Clumsy and/or disorganized with actions

Does My Toddler Have ADHD?

ADHD at this age is not only exhausting for parents, but stressful for the child. Often the child causes such chaos everywhere they go that they become unwelcomed at playgroups, nursery school, etc. If you feel that your child may be suffering from ADHD, talk to your pediatrician or family doctor to begin the evaluation process. They will be able to guide you in the right direction to get the help needed.

Sometimes there are other factors, such as disorganization at home or lack of sleep, that can create ADHD-like behaviors and need to be ruled out before an effective evaluation can take place. While there may not be immediate action taken, you will feel better knowing that you are working to find some answers. Never hesitate to ask for a second opinion if you are still unsure about your child’s condition; early treatment is often the most effective. By helping your child learn to cope with these behaviors and impulses now, they will be more likely to find success when they start school.

ADHD in Preschoolers

This age continues to bring a challenge in determining the difference between a child showing ADHD behaviors and normal behavior. Many four and five year olds are squirmy, boisterous, excitable, and change activities often, so what determines a level that is of concern? Here are some ways to determine if your child may have more difficulty than normal controlling themselves.

Areas to Consider

  • When your child is around other children their age, how does their behavior compare?
  • Is your child’s behavior the same as their peers or do they seem overly excited, overly disruptive, or act in a way that seems extreme for the situation?
  • Is the behavior stimulated by the child or is there external stimuli that may be causing this response?
  • Is their behavior making it difficult to complete daily tasks?
  • Does the behavior extend to other circumstances? Are these behaviors present at home, school, playgroups, or during other actvities?

Again, if you feel that your child’s behavior does not fall into the normal range, do not hesitate to consult your pediatrician or family doctor for advice. If your child is in preschool, the preschool teacher will also be able to offer feedback regarding whether your child’s behavior is normal or if it seems extreme.

ADHD in School Aged Children and Teens

When children start school and are faced with more structure and concentration becomes a key to their success, more red flags start popping up for children with ADHD. Children are often diagnosed during their school years as parents and teachers become more concerned about the child, who is struggling with school and has difficulty completing classroom tasks, homework, and following directions. Many of the symptoms that were discussed earlier are present in these children and are easier to notice and document. Your child may even be the one who comes to you asking for help because they can’t focus and/or keep getting into trouble at school. Don’t ignore this cry for help! Listen to the concerns and help find solutions, such as getting a diagnosis and developing coping strategies.

This need for help continues into the teen years where rebellion can be an issue of concern. The adolescent years are a time of major adjustments for teenagers. Add the pressures of coping with ADHD on top of that and you have a child who is going to need support. Continue to educate yourself on the effects of ADHD and keep communication open with your child. At these ages, children and teens are able to communicate what they are having difficulty with and understand the changes that occur with different treatments. In the way of treatment, it’s much easier to treat an older child who is able to understand what is going on and can actively participate in working on the necessary skills to be successful.

Diagnosed, Now What?

If your beliefs are found to be true, you are fortunate to have figured this out early on, allowing you to start getting help for your child before self-esteem and acceptance become issues of concern. Visit our treatment section to find out about the many different options that are available to your child as well as your family. Find a good support group and educate yourself on this disorder. Then take the steps necessary to start a treatment plan for your child and keep constant communication with your pediatrician or care provider to make any necessary changes along the way.