According to the Center for Disease Control, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) "is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders of childhood." The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) indicates that ADHD occurs in about 3 to 7 percent of school-age children. Symptoms of the disorder may first manifest in infancy. Children who develop ADHD by the age of seven may show symptoms as early four years old, or their behavior may be considered generally normal at that age.
ADHD is difficult to diagnose and the symptoms often mimic others problems. Not all symptoms need be present in order to diagnose ADHD. Symptoms must be present for a period of six months and be shown in all environments the child is in (e.g., day care, school, home, etc.) on a regular basis. Please consult a licensed health professional for a proper and thorough assessment if concerns exist regarding a child and ADHD.
Inattention
Children may have problems paying attention and make careless mistakes. These mistakes occur at home, day care and play. The child shows difficulty in maintaining attention during tasks and play. During these activities, he may not listen when spoken to; the parent or other adult may have to repeat instructions before the child will listen. Further, the child shows problems following instructions. Basic chores are frequently not completed. Instructions including more than a couple of steps are not followed. Compounding attention problems is the child's tendency to be easily distracted by what's going on around him.
A messy room may provide the best evidence that a young child has problems with organization. The child often does not want to do work that takes sustained attention. This may include longer games, chores, even watching television programs. Parts for games, toys or other items are lost on a regular basis. Important or trivial items often disappear and the child does not know where they went. Along with losing items, the child forgets things at home and day care.
Hyperactivity
The child has problems sitting still and fidgets frequently. Remaining seated is difficult for the child. He often gets up and walks around. For example, the child leaves his chair at meal times. The child may climb over furniture or breaks out into a run frequently. Hallways offer an irresistible opportunity to run. Coupled with the child's tendency to always be moving, he is loud in everything he does. Despite frequent reminders by parents to stay quiet, the child has problems complying, talking excessively.
Impulsivity
The child may cut in lines and/or have problems waiting his turn. When a parent is on the phone, the child may frequently interrupt. The child frequently intrudes on other children's activities. He often leaves his or her seat in the classroom or in other situations when remaining seated is expected, or blurts out the answers before questions have been completely asked.
References
- The Center for Disease Control: ADHD Fact Sheet
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision"; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
- The Mayo Clinic: Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children
