Preschool-aged children who suffer from ADHD have symptoms that seem normal for all preschool-aged children, but the children with this mental health disorder display certain behaviors more than other children their age. It can be difficult to diagnose a child this young with ADHD, because there may be other causes for the child's behavior such as separation anxiety or problems at home, according to ADDITUDE. Treatment for young children with ADHD includes parent training, play therapy and low doses of medication.
Inattention
The three main characteristics of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Preschool-aged children already struggle with paying attention. When their preschool teacher is giving instructions, they might start talking to the child sitting next to them, start the finger painting project without listening or get up out of their seats. This is normal. Young children have short attention spans, and parents and preschool teachers must understand this. A child may need you to repeat instructions a couple times and need help following through on things such as cleaning up toys. It's difficult to differentiate between normal and abnormal inattention in this age group. Preschool children with ADHD will display certain behaviors such as daydreaming, disorganization, forgetfulness and trouble listening more than other children their own age, according to Baby Center.
Hyperactivity
All preschool-aged children need an outlet for their energy. They need to run and play, so it's important that preschool children play with other children, engage in fun activities and have room to move around. If your child gets a lot of time to play but still squirms, fidgets and needs to be in constant motion, he might have ADHD. Children with this disorder incessantly talk, can't seem to play quietly and behave inappropriately. For instance, if you take your child to the park and he plays with his friends for a couple hours and then you take him to a friend's house to eat, he should be able to sit and eat for at least 15 minutes without getting up, climbing on the table or running around. Don't expect your child to be able to sit through a five-course meal. Keep expectations reasonable, and if your child can't meet those expectations, ADHD might be the reason. Take your child to see a licensed mental health professional that specializes in working with young children to get a clear diagnosis.
Impulsivity
When preschool children have the answer to a question, they tend to blurt it out or interrupt others. Children with ADHD do this on a regular basis. It seems as if they have no control over their impulses. When they get something in their heads, they do it or say it without giving it any thought. These children also have trouble waiting for their turn for things. Preschool teachers and parents can easily become overwhelmed and frustrated with children that struggle with impulsivity, but the cause may be due to a mental health disorder, not a stubborn child.
