Signs & Symptoms of Add in Kids

Attention Deficit Disorder, or ADD, is a condition that makes children restless and unable to be in one place for a long period of time. No two children experience their symptoms the exact same way, and therefore no two children are treated the same way. ADD is diagnosed by a medical professional after a long period of observation of the child, and treatment can include a medication regiment and a possible change in diet or lifestyle.

Hyperactivity

• The most common symptom of ADD in children is hyperactivity. However, the idea that hyperactivity is a symptom is not as black and white as you would think. When it comes to the symptoms of ADD, hyperactivity manifests itself in a few different ways. The child may seem to daydream a great deal during the day but they do not act hyperactive at all. On the other hand, a child that is hyperactive and acts on impulse may also still be able to pay attention to what is going on around them and what people are trying to tell them. However, the most common symptoms of ADD are hyperactivity with impulsivity and inattentiveness.

Impulsive Behavior

• It is important to understand the difference between impulsive behavior associated with ADD in children, and normal impulsive behavior that parents should expect from their kids. A child that will interrupts conversation by blurting out information or the answer to a question is not necessarily displaying the impulsive behavior of ADD. However, a child that suddenly leaps up and runs across a room to be part of another conversation or to see something that interests them without finishing their current conversation and without thinking of the safety of others as they run across the room could be engaging in ADD impulsive behavior. The distinction is made by a medical professional after sufficient observation of the child.

Overstimulation

• A child that is experiencing an over-abundance of visual or emotional stimulation will react to that stimulus in an initially appropriate manner. They may be very excited, or very sad, depending on the stimulus. Children not suffering from ADD are able to control themselves at some point, and an increase in the stimulus does not normally cause them to be uncontrollable. Children with ADD experience a dramatic rise in impulsive and uncontrollable behavior as their external stimulus increases. They tend to continue to get more excitable until the parents are completely unable to control the child's reaction.

No Down Time

• Children with ADD appear to always need to be moving in some manner. They are unable to sit in a seat and pay attention, they are unable to remain in one place for a long period of time, and they do not have the attention span necessary to pay attention in school. They are constantly restless and on the move, and they appear to have a limitless amount of energy. They are unable to engage in quiet time at any point in the day, and they are normally disruptive when part of a group.

Aggressive Behavior

• Children with ADD may also display aggressive behavior towards other people, and in response to a general situation. If they are told to sit for an extended period of time, they may become aggressive in their need to get up and move around.