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Signs of a Hyper Toddler

There can be various reasons for a toddler being hyperactive. The most common reason is due to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Other reasons may include diet, drugs or medications, hyperthyroidism, food allergies, sexual abuse, lack of discipline, autism, bipolar disorder, lead poisoning, being a gifted child, hearing or vision problems, brain damage, harmful chemicals, and Type A personality. There are several signs to look for in a hyperactive toddler.

  1. Excessive Talking

    • Some toddlers may suffer from Excessive Talking Disorder in which they will be hyperactive and impulsive in behavior and will have trouble following orders. The child is noisier, runs and climbs more than other toddlers usually do. They will also be more chatty than other toddlers at home or in daycare and it may be a challenge to control their incessant chatter.

    Unable to Relax

    • Some children may suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD. The toddler will find it hard to take naps and may wake up several times during the night. The child may also be clingy toward one or more family member and may be easily startled. The child is usually irritated and cries uncontrollably, mainly due to the lack of sleep. A hyper toddler can also become fearful or suffer from deep separation anxiety.

    Temper Tantrums

    • Although temper tantrums are common in preschool children, there may be a psychiatric illness if tantrums are too frequent, long and violent. There are several types of tantrums connected to diagnosable disruptive disorders or depression, such as being excessively aggressive toward a caregiver or violently destructive toward a toy. The toddler may also scratch or bite himself, or engage in head-banging behavior. If a toddler has a tantrum of about 25 or more minutes, this is considered longer than the usual 10 minute tantrum that a healthy toddler would have. When a toddler is unable to calm himself after a tantrum, the child is at a much greater risk of having a psychiatric problem.

    Inattentiveness

    • Healthy toddlers usually listen when adults or other children communicate with them, even when having short attention spans. Healthy toddlers may be slow at responding, but that may be because they are still processing mentally what they have just heard. Problematic toddlers may take a very long time to respond when spoken to or will ignore totally what they've been asked to do. If a toddler repeatedly ignores or refuses to comply, it could be a sign of a hearing problem, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, ADHD or autism.

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