According to CDC’s Vital Health And Statistics (2010), 2.1 million children between the ages of five and 11 have Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly referred to as ADHD. Boys with ADHD tend to have more disruptive behaviors and be more hyperactive. Girls, on the other hand, are more inattentive and internalize their distress. As a result, boys may be more likely to be diagnosed.
It’s important to start looking for signs in the early stages. The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that any child age four to 18 who exhibits behaviors of inattentiveness or hyperactivity should be screened by their pediatrician. Many of the behaviors seen in ADHD are common in younger children, but preschool is not too early to begin to assess the problem and make a diagnosis. Here are the top five ADHD symptoms in children to watch out for:
1) If your child is loud, aggressive or demanding there may be cause for concern. These behaviors may be the result of hyperactivity or impulsivity, but that is not the only type of ADHD.
2) Children who are inattentive may also appear shy and withdrawn or forgetful.
3) They may not stick to a project or homework very long because of distractibility or may be disorganized and anxious about school work.
4) They may not follow directions or forget what they set off to do.
5) If your child is a risk-taker, always getting into trouble or having accidents there may be a larger, underlying factor.
If you’re a parent concerned about your child’s behavior, it’s important to speak with your child’s teacher to see if these behaviors are observed in the classroom setting. If you remain concerned or if the teacher is concerned about classroom behavior and/or performance, be sure to speak about these concerns to the child’s pediatrician. Early intervention is one way to prevent secondary problems with self-esteem, anxiety and depression.