Children with ADHD may be easily distracted, impulsive, or restless. They often have trouble sitting still, waiting their turn, or listening quietly. Symptoms can affect a child in many aspects of their life, from their schooling to relationships with peers. Parents and caregivers can rest assured knowing that there are effective treatment options available to help their child cope.
What Is ADHD in Children?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way a person behaves and learns, and symptoms generally begin to present in early childhood. It is common for childhood ADHD to be more recognizable than adult ADHD, as children are expected to behave attentively in educational environments. They are less able to control their symptoms in front of others.
The three presentations of ADHD symptoms include:
- Inattentive: Symptoms present as an inability to focus on tasks, responsibilities, and the like.
- Hyperactive/impulsive: Symptoms may present as jumpy, fidgety behaviors and actions.
- Combined: A combined presentation includes symptoms of both inattentiveness and hyperactivity.
Is It Typical Child Behavior or ADHD?
Children are expected to be hyper from time to time, so it’s important to recognize when typical childlike behavior is disruptive. A parent should look for any signs that indicate behaviors that are not typical for their child’s age in various settings. They can also reach out to their child’s teachers for information about their conduct at school.
ADHD Symptoms in Children
ADHD symptoms may present in any number of ways in a child. For example, they may lack focus, receive poor grades, leave tasks unfinished, fail to pay attention to instruction, or begin exhibiting increased signs of anger. These are often combined with difficulties listening to others or staying engaged. They may struggle to connect with other children their age, and engage in ADHD masking in order to hide their symptoms.
Common ADHD symptoms in children include:
Inattentive:
- Difficulty listening to others: A child may find it difficult to stay attentive if they are not interested in a subject being discussed.
- Easily distracted: A child may become easily distracted by thoughts of other tasks, things, or events; they can also be easily excited about new activities.
- Missing details: When a child is given a simple task but fails to complete it according to instruction, this can be a sign of inattention.
Impulsive/Hyperactive:
- Interruptive: Often, children with ADHD are unable to withhold their thoughts until appropriate because they fear forgetting them.
- Constant fidgeting: Constant fidgeting, playing with clothing, or excessive movement are common expressions of hyperactivity in children.
- Difficulty filtering thoughts: A child might speak without a “filter” because they feel the need to express these ideas before they forget them.
- Lack of patience: A child with ADHD may lack patience as they always need to be “on the go.”
- Trouble staying seated: When a child with ADHD has a surplus of energy, they find it difficult to stay still and seated.
5 Positive Effects of Childhood ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD does not mean a child will lead a life of negativity or hardship. In fact, children with ADHD can tap into numerous positive traits once they are given the tools and support to do so.
Below are five positive characteristics of children with ADHD:
1. Increased Creativity
Children with ADHD often have a heightened sense of creativity. This is likely due to their ability to see things from different perspectives, which they can then use to express their unique emotions and feelings. Parents and caregivers should allow their child to tap into this creativity frequently, as fostering this skill can lead to increased overall wellness.
2. Spontaneity
A child with ADHD is more likely to say yes and adjust if plans can change. While it’s important for a child to have some structure, the ability to be flexible as changes occur is a helpful skill to have.
3. Ambitious & Energetic
Children with ADHD often have endless amounts of energy. Because of this, they may search for opportunities to express and utilize this abundance in productive ways. Ambitious ideas and heightened energy levels may offer a child more opportunities to seek adventure, set goals, and achieve.
4. Compassionate Towards Others
Children with ADHD understand what it feels like to feel overwhelmed, tired, and frustrated. Because of this, these children may be more ready to accept and offer support to others. They may be more compassionate and open to meeting new people than other children their age.
5. Innovative Problem Solvers
The mind of a child with ADHD is often swimming with multiple ideas and thoughts simultaneously. This mental energy may increase their ability to problem solve, as they can more readily consider out-of-the-box solutions or concepts.
How Is ADHD in Kids Diagnosed?
In order for a child with ADHD to receive proper treatment, it’s crucial to first obtain a proper diagnosis. A psychiatrist may perform ADHD assessment tests, as well as rule out other conditions such as conduct disorders and childhood anxiety or depression.
The current criteria for diagnosing ADHD in children includes:
- Symptoms have been present for at least six months.
- Symptoms occur in two or more settings.
- At least six symptoms of inattention are present.
- At least six symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity are present.
- Symptoms impact a child’s social and academic areas of life.
Treatment for ADHD in children
Treatment for childhood ADHD may differ from that of adult ADHD treatment, but will likely include a multifaceted approach. The first part of treatment often includes behavior modification, as this helps parents and professionals understand symptom presentations in a child. Additionally, medications may be used in conjunction to ensure that other symptoms do not arise.2
Medications
Medication is an option for children who have ADHD, but it’s important that a child receive a proper prescription suitable for their individual needs. There are both stimulant and non-stimulant options. However, stimulants are most commonly prescribed, as their effects have been thoroughly researched. It is helpful for parents to understand the difference between stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications so they can work with their child’s pediatrician to determine which prescription will work best for their child.3
Common medications for symptoms of ADHD in children include:
- Adderall(amphetamine)*
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)*
- Ritalin (methylphenidate hcl)*
- Concerta (methylphenidate)*
*This medication has a black box warning, the most serious kind of warning from the FDA for a risk of medication misuse or abuse.
Therapy & Psychosocial Treatments
Therapy often aims to address the thought patterns in children with ADHD by linking them to their actions and behaviors. Social skills training can be beneficial as well, because it helps children learn how to better connect with peers and loved ones.
Therapy and psychosocial treatment options for ADHD symptoms in children include:
- Behavioral therapy: Behavioral therapy may include approaches such as CBT for ADHD, and focuses on identifying unwanted behaviors in children and replacing them with positive alternatives.
- Social skills training: This training helps a child better engage with their peers, as it teaches them how to understand and pick up on the emotions of others.
- Nutrition therapy: Certain foods can impact a child’s mood and behavior in negative ways–a nutritionist can provide guidance on creating a healthy eating plan for children with ADHD.
- Parent coaching: Through parenting coaching, parents are offered support in navigating their own emotions while learning how to address their child’s symptoms and behaviors.
How to Help a Child With ADHD
Providing a safe and warm environment for a child with ADHD is important, and parents and caregivers can do so in a number of ways. Children naturally have many needs, and those with ADHD require even more understanding and acceptance. Your child should feel that they have your utmost support so they can continue to grow and thrive.
You can support a child with ADHD by:
- Maintaining routines: A clear routine helps a child to know what to expect next in their life so that they can plan for it.
- Allowing them to fidget: A child needs to express their energy, so allow them to do so when appropriate.
- Practicing relaxation: Showing your child ways to unwind can help reduce certain symptoms.
- Break up tasks: Give your child the opportunity to take a break up in between tasks. This helps them stay more focused on each task.
Final Thoughts
ADHD is difficult to deal with as a child, but there are effective treatments available. Parents and caregivers understand their child best. If you believe that your child might have ADHD, reach out to and speak with their doctor about it. This will ensure that your child receives an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
For Further Reading
ADHD in Children Infographics
