Although the Centers for Disease Control notes that 3 to 7 percent of school-age children have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, many younger children also suffer from this disorder. Since the symptoms of ADHD are common in many young children, the condition is often not diagnosed until children are older and the symptoms become more obvious. Parents who suspect that their young child has this disorder should consult a doctor for advice.
Signs and Symptoms
Small children with ADHD may display hyperactivity-impulsivity, inattention or a combination of both. Although most young children fidget and have difficulty staying still, small children with ADHD may seem to never stay still and be more hyperactive than other children their age. Sitting quietly to work on a craft or remaining seated while a parent reads a book to them may be impossible for children with ADHD, while their peers seem to enjoy these activities. They may frequently run around or climb on things, even though they know it is inappropriate to do so. Parents, teachers or caregivers often need to repeat directions several times, and the child can often have difficulty paying attention when other people are talking to them.
Gender Differences
Girls and boys with ADHD can display very different behavior, explains MayoClinic.com. Boys are more likely to be hyperactive than girls and tend to be less compliant with teachers and other adults. Girls, on the other hand, are more likely to be inattentive and are more likely to daydream quietly instead of "fooling around" or fidgeting. These tendencies often make ADHD symptoms more obvious in boys than in girls.
Misconceptions
Almost all young children display signs associated with ADHD. Young children often have high energy levels and are developmentally incapable of sitting for long periods. Parents and teachers commonly have to repeat directions several times before the youngster carries out the desired task. Things that a parent or educator thinks should entertain the child often hold no interest for them. Parents need to realize that their child may not have ADHD, even if he is displaying all the symptoms. Parents also need to refrain from comparing their child to a friend or sibling, as children naturally have different temperaments, personalities and capabilities. A responsible doctor only diagnoses this condition in young children when it is clear that the symptoms have been consistently present for more than six months and are significantly impairing the child's functioning in at least two different settings, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Considerations
Children who may have ADHD should always have a medical evaluation to rule out a physical cause for the behaviors. Hyperthyroidism, seizure disorders, vision or hearing problems, sleep disorders, autism, fetal alcohol syndrome, mood disorders and learning problems cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Doctors should do a thorough medical exam and ask many questions about the child's health, previous medical problems, symptoms and issues occurring at school, daycare or at home. They also should seek feedback from parents, family members, teachers, caregivers and daycare providers to get a complete picture of the way the symptoms are affecting the child's life. In addition, children who are preschool age or younger may need a special evaluation from a psychologist, psychiatrist, speech pathologist or developmental pediatrician to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Warning
Although many young children take prescription medication to control their ADHD symptoms, these carry risks. Some of these medications produce undesirable side effects, and research about long-term effects of medication on very young children is limited. It is often a good idea to try other methods of treatment before medications. If other treatments are ineffective and medication is necessary, parents should always do their own research and thoroughly discuss all their concerns with a doctor.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: ADHD Diagnosis
- MayoClinic.com: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children: Symptoms
- MayoClinic.com: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children: Tests and Diagnosis
- Psychiatry MMC: Pharmacotherapy of ADHD in Young Children
- American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 2000
