Does your child never sit still? Does he struggle without listening to what you say? Or does the teacher constantly complain that he is not paying attention in class? Although these may seem like normal behaviors for young children, sometimes there may be a condition called ADHD behind this. As a parent, it is very important to be aware of this. So, let's talk about this simply today.
What are the main symptoms of ADHD?
Symptoms of ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, usually become apparent when a child starts school. However, sometimes these symptoms can be seen even earlier, as young as two or three years old.
These symptoms can be divided into three main categories:
1. Inattention : Difficulty staying focused on a lesson or task.
2. Hyperactivity : Unable to sit still, constantly fidgeting, restless.
3. Impulsivity: Doing things on the spur of the moment without thinking.
Some children may have symptoms of only one of these types. Others may have symptoms of two or all three types together. This is called combined ADHD.
Let's now look at each of these characteristics separately. The table below will make this clearer to you.
| Type of symptom | What you will see |
|---|---|
| Disorganization | It's hard to stay organized and do things neatly. I miss things like homework and classwork. |
| Small mistakes | Even the smallest details are overlooked, and there are many careless mistakes made while working. The work is chaotic. |
| Not listening | Even though you seem to be listening while talking, your mind is somewhere else. You're daydreaming. |
| Forgetfulness | Forgetting daily tasks (e.g. going to class, carrying lunch). |
| Inability to stay in one place | Even when sitting in a chair, he doesn't just sit there, he twists and wriggles here and there. |
| Walking/running regularly | They get up and walk around even when they should be sitting. They run at inappropriate times and climb on things. |
| Inability to work quietly | It's very difficult to do things like play quietly or read a book. |
| Impatience | They can't wait for their turn. They try to answer a question before they're even finished. |
| Disturbing others | They suddenly jump in while others are talking or playing. This can make friends angry. |
| Working without thinking | Doing risky things without thinking about the consequences (e.g., climbing dangerously). There is a high chance of accidents. |
Is the brain of a child with ADHD different?
Yes, there is a difference to some extent. We call this the opposite of the word 'Neurotypical.' Neurotypical means normal brain function without any neurological abnormalities like ADHD.
The size and function of some parts of the brain that control attention, planning , and emotions in a child with ADHD may be slightly different from that of a typical child. There are also differences in the way chemicals ( neurotransmitters ) that carry messages between brain cells work.
Simply put, this is not the child's fault, nor is it misbehavior, nor is it a lack of parental upbringing. This is a biological change in brain function.
When should we see a doctor?
Some of these symptoms are common, especially in young children. Not every child who struggles and has difficulty paying attention has ADHD.
However, if you feel that these behaviors are seriously affecting your child's schoolwork, relationships with friends, or home life , and if you feel that they are out of the ordinary, definitely see your family doctor.
Your doctor may want to look for other causes of these symptoms (e.g., a learning disability, language delay). If necessary, he or she may refer you to a specialist, such as a child psychiatrist or psychologist.
How do doctors accurately diagnose ADHD?
There is no blood test or scan to diagnose ADHD. It is diagnosed by observing the child's behavior over a long period of time.
The doctor will consider these things:
- Is the child's behavior inappropriate for his or her age ?
- Have these behaviors been present for at least 6 months ?
- Are these behaviors displayed in at least two settings (e.g., at home and at school)?
- Does the child show at least 6 of the symptoms we discussed earlier?
To do this, the doctor will obtain information from you, your child's teachers, and perhaps even from others like your child's coaches. They will have them fill out special questionnaires to try to understand your child's behavior patterns.
Can you tell if a teacher has ADHD?
Often, the first to suspect a child has ADHD is the class teacher. This is because they spend most of the day with the child and work with many children of the same age, so they can quickly identify a child who is different from normal behavior.
But remember, even if a teacher may suspect that a child has ADHD, only a specialist can confirm the diagnosis. The teacher's observations are very important in this diagnostic process.
How can you work with the school to help your child?
Once your child is diagnosed with ADHD, it is essential for you as a parent to maintain a good relationship with the school. You should inform the teacher about the medications being given as part of the treatment plan and their effects.
Also, the child should maintain the same discipline and encouragement system at home and at school. For example:
- The teacher can put a smiley face or a star in the book when the child does a good job.
- You can give those stars or smiley faces a small gift at home (e.g. a favorite food, watching a movie together).
Things like this are a great help in controlling a child's behavior.
Take-Home Message
- ADHD is not a bad thing or a mischievous behavior in a child. It is a treatable, medical condition related to the brain.
- If you have any concerns or fears about your child's behavior, don't keep it to yourself and worry. Definitely talk to a doctor.
- A specialist's help is needed for an accurate diagnosis. Teacher observations are very important for this.
- With proper treatment (medication and behavioral therapy), support from parents and school, a child with ADHD can live a successful, happy life just like other children.
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