Many toddlers are impulsive, moody, inattentive and hyperactive by nature, but when these behaviors interfere with daily life, parents may wonder whether their child suffers from ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactive disorder. The American Academy of Pediatrics says a child cannot be diagnosed with ADHD until age six, but some early signs turn into red flags if they are still present at that time. ADHD is a treatable condition that does not necessarily entail a lifetime of medication.
Hyperfocus
Pediatrician William Sears underlines the important distinction between inattention and hyperfocus. Children with ADHD are often labeled as inattentive when in fact they have the ability to pay very deep attention to what interests them. Supposed ADHD sufferers include Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, Leonardo da Vinci, Winston Churchill and Albert Einstein, among others. A child who flutters quickly between activities may simply be in search of something to absorb himself. A variety of therapies exist to help parents learn how to channel their child's focus. The AAP recommends applied kinesiology, behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and biofeedback therapies, among others.
Hyperactivity
Sleep problems come and go with developmental stages, but a toddler who may suffer from ADHD usually gets far less than the 12 to 14 hours of sleep per day recommended by the AAP. Parents of ADHD children are, as a result, usually exhausted, while the child seems unfazed by the sleep deficiency. A hyperactive child cannot sit for meals or much else. Dr. Sears warns parents about the distinction between hyperactivity and extreme energy. He suggests a game for either case: parents can break large tasks into several small steps and use a stopwatch for each, thereby making the child's energy a source of fun.
Impulsivity
Toddlers who may suffer from ADHD find it difficult to accept personal space. They often speak loudly and incessantly, as if run by a motor, and have a hard time letting others speak. They act without ever first considering the consequences of their actions. Dr. Sears recommends eye contact with these children. Always slow down and connect before directing an impulsive child.
Food Sensitivities
Pediatrician Jay Gordon notes that many children with ADHD suffer from food sensitivities. He advises parents to eliminate sugar, artificial sweeteners, food coloring and preservatives from the family diet. Mothering magazine goes further and advocates a diet free of wheat, egg, dairy, soy, chocolate and corn.
