The world is a child’s biggest playground. When a child makes his first step, it marks the beginning of a lifetime of exploration. Children, especially younger ones, would never waste their day just lounging around because they have so many skills to master and even more things to explore. But when your child just can’t seem to sit still for even a minute or two and if he just can’t focus solely on one task, do you find yourself asking this question, “Does my child have ADHD?”
If you suspect that your child may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD, here are the three hallmark signs that may indicate a problem:
1. Inattention
– Can your child follow through on instructions and successfully complete a task?
– Does he pay close attention to detail?
– Does your child have issues organizing activities?
– Is your child having difficulty focusing on tasks and even play activities?
– Does your child get easily distracted?
– Does he seem forgetful when he’s doing his usual routines?
– Does your child seem to misplace a lot of the things that he will need for various tasks and
activities?
– Is your child inattentive when spoken directly to?
– Does your child dislike or avoid activities that require prolonged mental focus?
2. Hyperactivity
– Does your child fidget or squirm when he’s asked to sit still?
– Does he often get up from his seat when he is expected to stay seated?
– Does he talk excessively?
– Does he have issues by just playing or doing activities quietly?
– Is your child always “on the go”?
– Does your child excessively run around or climb when he gets the chance?
3. Impulsiveness
– Does your child have problems when waiting for his turn?
– Does he always interrupt or intrude on others when talking or playing?
– Does he usually not wait for you to finish your sentences before he responds?
If your answer to many of the above questions is YES, and your child has already exhibited such behavior for more than six months, get your child evaluated by a specialist. Health care providers usually rely on the categories above to determine whether a child has ADHD. However, it’s also worth noting that not all kids that exhibit similar behavior may already have the condition. Doctors will usually examine other factors before any formal diagnosis is made because a child may only exhibit a particular symptom due to stress at home, his diet, or it may even just be due to his developmental stage. Hence, a thorough evaluation by a specialist is required.
Kids with ADHD can be challenging to manage, but with the help of a specialist and the support of teachers and everyone else involved in your child’s care, you can help bring out your child’s best potential. Have you also entertained nagging thoughts about the possibility that your child may have ADHD? What behavioral cues made you think that he may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD?
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