As many as one in ten children are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the U.S. each year. Behavioral problems associated with ADHD include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Children can begin exhibiting these signs as early as 2 or 3 years of age and the earlier you begin treatment, the better the outcome for your child.
As parents, we know our children best, but it can be difficult to differentiate between normal childhood behavior and ADHD, and many parents worry about having to medicate their kids. If it goes untreated ADHD can seriously impact your child’s ability to learn and interact with others. However, medication is only one treatment and isn’t always necessary. Education, behavior therapy, proper nutrition, and support at home can all help control symptoms.
The key to treating ADHD in children, is recognizing the symptoms and speaking with your pediatrician. Here is a list of 15 signs your child may have ADHD.
1. Extreme restlessness.
Children with ADHD are restless and have trouble sitting still. They tend to fidget, drum their fingers or tap their feet almost constantly. All kids are restless and fidgety at times but with ADHD in children it tends to be non-stop and disruptive.
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2. Trouble keeping track of possessions.
Kids with ADHD often have trouble keeping track of their belongings. They lose clothing and backpacks, forget to bring assignments home from school, or leave their lunch on the counter at home.
3. Difficulty with repetitive tasks.
Children may have trouble staying interested or focused on repetitive tasks such as working with flash cards or memorizing spelling. They will space out or simply wander away.
