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Attention Deficit Symptoms in Children

Attention Deficit Disorder, known as ADD, can make it difficult for a child to stay focused and control his behavior. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, ADD is one of the most common chronic conditions of childhood. It affects 4 to 12 percent of school-aged children. If you are concerned about your child's behavior, inform yourself about attention deficit symptoms.

  1. Distracted

    • Children with ADD and ADHD are often unable to pay attention and focus. Your child may have difficulty concentrating at school, completing homework and finishing chores because he becomes easily distracted. He may not seem to listen to you and may have problems following directions or finishing a project. He may have trouble with simple organizational skills, lose homework assignments or other important things and avoid long and tedious projects or activities. When working on homework assignments he may rush, use messy handwriting and make imprudent mistakes.

    Hyperactive

    • Your child may have great difficulty in sitting still, making it difficult for her to concentrate. Symptoms of hyperactivity include feeling restless and having trouble sitting still, playing quietly and silent games and other similar activities. She may run or jump around in situations where others would be inclined to hold still. She may fidget with hands or her hair and talk or sing all the time. Often, children with ADHD seem to be driven by another force altogether and have no limit to their energy.

    Impulsive

    • Often children with ADD or ADHD are impetuous and abrupt. Your child may say things before he realizes that his words might hurt someone or act before he thinks about the consequences of his actions. He might interrupt when other people are talking, unable to wait for his turn. He may be disruptive, blurting out answers before the question is even asked or beginning tasks before he has heard all of the directions. Your child may also give up on seemingly difficult activities too easily.

    What to Do

    • All children exhibit some of these symptoms from time to time because they are, after all, just children. Make an appointment with your pediatrician if your child frequently has problems with these symptoms in more than one setting. Your pediatrician can give your child various tests and a diagnosis. Some children can be helped with routine and positive reinforcement, but more serious cases may require medication. Many natural remedies also exist, claiming to help calm and focus your child.

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