For children, the signs of ADHD usually appear before the age of seven. Still, it is difficult to ascertain whether or not it’s ADHD or normal developmental, age appropriate behavior. This is true especially for boys.
The best way to assess may be to ask yourself if you see one or two things that are brought on is specific circumstances or if you see many of the symptoms in a more comprehensive way. There are three primary characteristics of ADD or ADHD. The first is inattention without hyperactivity or impulsive behaviors. This symptom can be easily missed since it’s not disruptive and doesn’t require immediate intervention. The daydreamer, for instance, rarely affects the people around him or her. This can also mean staying on track and completing tasks. If a task is boring or repetitive, it very likely won’t get finished. Often times these children will jump from task to task. You may notice that your child performs better without distractions when the room is quiet or they are alone.
Some other symptoms are not paying attention to details, making careless mistakes, easily distracted, not listening, difficulty remembering, trouble staying organized, getting bored and frequently losing or misplacing objects.
The second primary characteristic is hyperactivity. Look for constant fidgeting, leaving the seat when expected to stay still, moving around constantly, climbing inappropriately, talking excessively, difficulty relaxing, on the go with a short fuse. This is the most obvious of the characteristics.
The third one is impulsivity or a lack of restraint. Every seven year old has spotty self-control, still there are times when a seven year knows what is expected and can accommodate. A child with ADHD does not have normal self control. They act without thinking, blurts out answers, can’t wait, often says the wrong thing, and has an inability to control emotions, resulting in angry outbursts or temper tantrums.
Look for these signs first, then call your pediatrician. The behavior still may or may not be ADHD, but there is something going on that needs attention. Ask your caregiver, babysitter or teachers if they notice these things as well. Your pediatrician will be interested in all the information you have.
Source: Helpguide, WebMD
