Just A Kid, Or More? Discerning The Difference Between Normal Childhood Behavior And ADHD
High energy levels and children go hand in hand. In fact, an active child can be the sign of a happy and healthy child. However, if your child's activity level appears excessively high, you may be concerned that your child could be experiencing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly referred to as ADHD.
If you are concerned that your child may be experiencing ADHD, there are some signs you should look for and discuss with a counselor. A professional child counselor, like those at Living Hope Clinic, can confirm the diagnosis and provide the necessary treatment for your child. Keeping a diary of your child's symptoms, for several weeks before your appointment, will be helpful in determining the correct diagnosis.
Forgetfulness
Repeatedly forgetting to complete school assignments is common in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. In children younger than school age, forgetfulness is less concerning and isn't unusual.
While forgetting a homework lesson occasionally is no cause for alarm, if it occurs several times a week, it could mean there is an underlying issue.
Disorganization
Children who constantly lose their belongings or who cannot find misplaced items may be more likely to have ADHD. Having a child whose room is messy or who neglects to pick up their toys or put items away is not as concerning.
It's important to remember that a child with ADHD isn't disorganized as a result of defiance or resisting authority. Their lack of focus makes it difficult to keep track of school books, lessons, and personal belongings.
Inability to sit still
If you have a very active child who seems to be on the go most of the day, it's not always a sign that something is amiss. If your child can sit still to watch a movie or play video games, you probably have nothing to worry about.
However, if your child is unable to remain seated for more than a few minutes, fidgets in their chair constantly while seated, or repeatedly gets up from their chair at the dinner table or in social settings, you should suspect ADHD.
Talking nonstop
Constantly interrupting conversations, rapid speech, inability to stop talking, and frequently blurting out questions or answers out of turn are indicative of ADHD. Parents of children with ADHD often say their child never stops talking.
However, a child who talks all the time at home but who is able to remain quiet in social settings, and when in the classroom at school, is not likely to be diagnosed with ADHD.
If you are concerned that your child may be experiencing symptoms of ADHD, a consultation with a children's counselor is important. A counselor can help your child learn effective ways to channel excessive energy into constructive paths.
A counselor can help you understand ADHD better and help you know what you can realistically expect in terms of self-control in your child. They will also provide your child with the necessary coping mechanisms to help your child succeed in school and at home. At times, medications are used in conjunction with behavior modification techniques to manage ADHD.
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