Recognising ADHD in children

Here, we explore the early signs of ADHD in children.

Spotting signs of ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) early on can empower parents to support their child’s unique needs as well as possible.

ADHD affects children in various ways, often showing up as persistent challenges with focus, impulse control and energy regulation. While all kids experience bursts of energy and occasional struggles with attention, ADHD symptoms are typically more intense, longer-lasting and present in several settings, like school, social situations and at home.

Understanding ADHD

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that influences how children process information, manage impulses and maintain attention. ADHD symptoms generally fall into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Each child with ADHD may exhibit a unique combination of these symptoms. Recognising these as early as you can is essential, as they tend to affect your child’s development, friendships, learning and even your family dynamics.

The different types of ADHD

There are three subtypes of ADHD, depending on the symptoms your child displays. The inattentive and hyperactive subtypes each have nine possible symptoms and to have a subtype, your little one must have at least six of its symptoms for at least six months.

Inattentive

Predominantly inattentive presentation is a subtype of ADHD where the primary challenges revolve around attention rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity. Children with this presentation often appear dreamy, have trouble staying on task or seem easily distracted. They may frequently forget instructions, lose items or struggle with completing assignments, despite their best efforts. These characteristics can make them appear uninterested or unmotivated, even though they are often working hard. Early recognition of this ADHD type can help children get the support they need for focus and organisation skills.

Hyperactive-Impulsive

The predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation of ADHD is characterised mainly by high energy and impulsive actions. Children with this type of ADHD often find it difficult to stay still, frequently fidgeting or moving around in situations where it’s not appropriate. They may act without thinking, like interrupting conversations, grabbing items without asking or rushing into activities without assessing the risks. This presentation can make structured settings challenging, but early identification and support can help children manage their energy and build impulse-control skills.

Combined

The combined presentation of ADHD includes symptoms of both inattentiveness and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Children with this type of ADHD may struggle to focus, frequently lose items or seem forgetful, while also displaying impulsive behaviours, such as interrupting others or fidgeting constantly. This combination of symptoms can make daily activities, like schoolwork or social interactions, especially challenging. Early intervention and support tailored to manage both sets of symptoms can greatly improve children’s ability to navigate many environments really well.

Early signs of  ADHD

Each child develops at their own pace and early ADHD symptoms can often blend into typical developmental phases. However, certain behaviours may stand out, especially when they impact daily life. Let’s dive in!

Focus and attention

Children with ADHD may struggle to focus in ways that go beyond the norm. Does your child have trouble completing activities or consistently forget simple instructions, like where they left their toys? Inattentive behaviours can also look like struggling to stay on task, where your child may lose interest quickly, even with things they enjoy. It can also show up as forgetfulness in everyday tasks. Children might frequently misplace items, forget steps in daily routines, or struggle with simple instructions. Being easily distracted is another key symptom. This is where children may be pulled away by minor sounds or sights, making tasks difficult to complete. These behaviours can sometimes be overlooked if your child isn’t physically hyperactive, but ‘daydreaming’ or often seeming ‘lost in thought’ can be just as telling.

Self-control issues

Impulsivity can look like quick reactions or decisions made without thinking, often showing up as interrupting conversations. If your child frequently talks over others, cuts in during conversations or struggles with turn-taking, it could be impulsivity at work. Additionally,  difficulty waiting their turn is a key indicator. Whether in line, during games, or in the classroom, kids with ADHD may express frustration or impatience when expected to wait. Impulsivity can also look like acting without thinking. Impulsive behaviours might include running into the street suddenly, grabbing toys, or reacting strongly to emotions.

Hyperactivity

While many children are naturally energetic, children with ADHD may have particular challenges managing that energy. They may always seem to be in motion, even when sitting. Fidgeting and restlessness may be particularly noticeable. Another sign is excessive talking or noise-making – in this case they might hum, make noises or talk continuously, regardless of the situation or activity. Lastly, difficulty with quiet activities can be an indicator, as engaging in calm or quiet play can be challenging for hyperactive children. They may avoid activities like reading or crafts, instead preferring play based around action.

ADHD and environment

ADHD symptoms may look different depending on where your child is and what they’re doing. Here’s how they might appear in various settings:

School and homework

Structured environments like school are often where ADHD symptoms stand out. You may notice your child has difficulty paying attention in class, struggles with instructions or has trouble sitting still during lessons. Homework time can also be challenging, with distractibility and fidgeting making it hard to complete their assignments.

Socialising

ADHD might impact your child’s ability to interact socially. They may appear impatient, interrupt their friends or struggle to take turns in games. These behaviours can affect their friendships if they aren’t managed, leading to frustration for both your child and their peers.

Daily routines

At home, ADHD behaviours can become apparent during daily routines like meals or bedtime. You may see that it’s tough for your little one to sit through dinner, follow their bedtime steps, or wait patiently for their turn during family games. These situations can sometimes lead to tensions, especially when routines are interrupted.

Is it ADHD?

Every child has periods of high energy, shorter attention spans or impulsive reactions. So how can you tell the difference between these typical stages and ADHD? The main way is to ask yourself whether these behaviours are persistent and occur in lots of different settings. Are they on a level that impacts daily life? If these behaviours frequently interfere with your child’s success at school, their ease in family life or their friendships, there might be a need for further evaluation. Age is also a factor. Younger children, especially those under age six, naturally develop these skills over time. ADHD usually becomes more noticeable as children get older and still struggle with the same issues.

ADHD in girls

ADHD often shows up differently in girls than in boys, which can sometimes delay or complicate a diagnosis. While boys tend to display more externalised behaviours, like hyperactivity and impulsivity, girls with ADHD may exhibit more subtle signs. These can include being easily distracted, daydreaming or seeming inattentive. Girls often channel their energy differently, using coping strategies to hide symptoms and trying very hard to ‘fit in’, which can make their struggles tougher to spot. They might be perceived as ‘shy’ or ‘scattered’ rather than recognised for experiencing symptoms of ADHD.

Girls with ADHD may also face unique emotional challenges. Many girls feel social pressure to be agreeable, which can lead them to mask or internalise ADHD-related stress, often resulting in frustration or low self-esteem. Social dynamics can compound this – girls with ADHD may struggle with friendships and experience anxiety over fitting in, as they can sometimes misread social cues or interrupt conversations. Again, teachers and parents might overlook these patterns, associating them with teenagehood rather than ADHD.

Because the symptoms in girls can be quieter, they’re often missed in school assessments and evaluations – girls are rarely diagnosed at a young age. Recognising these subtle signs is so important, as addressing ADHD symptoms early on is much better, helping your daughter grow in confidence, self-esteem and life skills from a younger age.

Support

If you’re noticing persistent ADHD symptoms or you have any concerns, it’s best to talk to your doctor or a child psychologist, who can advise you on how to move forward. Whether you pursue a formal diagnosis or not, there are various ways you can support your little one at home to help them flourish if they’re showing attention or behavioural difficulties.

Clear routines

Children with ADHD benefit greatly from structure. Having simple, clear routines creates a sense of order, helping children feel secure and know what to expect. Visual charts or checklists can be especially helpful for younger kids, providing a fun and accessible way to follow their daily routines.

Set short-term goals

Clear, achievable goals can make all the difference for a child with ADHD. Using a reward system like star charts can offer them encouragement and give them a tangible way to track and celebrate their achievements.

Breaks and physical activity

Frequent breaks can work wonders for focus! Incorporating physical activity into your child’s day will help them manage any excess energy and improve their concentration. It doesn’t need to be a big deal – a quick outdoor play session or some stretching can be just what they need to refocus!

Talk openly

Children with attention challenges benefit from feeling understood and valued. Listening to their experiences and saying a few words of encouragement can stave off any overwhelm they may be prone to. Remember, small words of praise, for effort rather than outcome, builds resilience and self-esteem – all vital for a child with ADHD!

A hidden gift

Children with ADHD often bring incredible creativity, enthusiasm and zest for life. By focusing on their strengths, you can help them develop confidence and use these gifts to their advantage. So try to cultivate a positive and nurturing home environment that lets kids explore their potential in ways that work best for them.

For parents, understanding ADHD is a key first step, empowering you with knowledge and resources that make a difference in your child’s life. Supporting a child with ADHD is a journey, but with patience, understanding and a little flexibility, you can guide them in building the skills they need to succeed, embrace themselves as they are and  navigate the world with confidence.

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