How to Recognizie ADHD in Young Children

It is important for parents to know how to recognize ADHD in young children. Children with this condition often face struggles at home and at school because they have a hard time controlling their behavior. As a result, others may mistakenly believe that these children are troublemakers who intentionally cause problems. Parents who know how to identify ADHD symptoms are in a better position to help their children cope with their symptoms and modify their behavior.

Instructions

• 1

  Observe the child's ability to pay attention. Children with ADHD typically have a hard time staying focused. This makes it hard for them to complete tasks. A child with this condition may appear to not be paying attention in school. He may be forgetful and lose homework assignments, and make mistakes out of carelessness.

• 2

  See if the child is showing signs of restlessness. One of the most noticeable symptoms of ADHD is hyperactivity. A hyperactive child often constantly gets into and out of his seat during school and wanders around the classroom. When he does stay in his chair, he is often fidgety. He may constantly tap his fingers on the desktop or tap his feet on the floor.

• 3

  Check to see if the child is having a hard time maintaining self-control. ADHD often causes children to be very impulsive. As a result, they may interrupt people during conversations, blurt out answers without waiting for the teacher to call on them, and have a hard time staying on topic while speaking. They may also make inappropriate comments to their peers, barge in on other people's activities and not wait for their turn when playing with their classmates.

• 4

  Rule out other causes for the child's symptoms. Children can be hyperactive, impulsive and inattentive for many other reasons. The death of a loved one, problems with peers or divorce can cause can children to exhibit behavior that is very similar to ADHD. Their behavior could be due to other conditions such as depression or bipolar disorder. Certain medications can also cause behavioral problems in children.

• 5

  Pay attention to the duration of the child's symptoms. In order to get a firm ADHD diagnosis, a child must exhibit symptoms consistently for at least six months. The symptoms should appear by the time the child turns 7.