The symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder show up before a child's third birthday. Doctors typically diagnose the collective behaviors as ADHD if they last for six months or more, the Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder website states. The ADHD symptoms noticeable to caretakers fall into three subtype categories: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of the two types, CHADD states. Medications can start as early as 3 years of age under the authority of a specialist who works with this disorder in small pre-school age children.
Inability to Sit Still
The 3-year-old child tends to climb on objects and does not stop for periods at a time. He may try to climb on a tall piece of furniture having no fear of the height of the furniture piece. He sits and fidgets and then gets up and runs around. A child who does not suffer from ADHD can sit still for a time before playing or moving again, while the ADHD child usually cannot sit still. According to CHADD, he continually has energy to run and play, and it can seem endless to the caretaker. ADHD children may enjoy dancing to music because of the constant movement, but may get upset when the activity ceases.
Inability to Listen
The child will not listen to the caretaker and continues to run around, jump and yell. He may even yell back at the caretaker while laughing and throwing objects. He does not understand the word "no" and has a temper tantrum when placed in a "time out" for a short period. He will not take naps until he becomes physically exhausted and simply falls asleep. The child with ADHD typically only listens when an adult has the child's full attention because of something the child shows an interested in.
Poor Sleep habits
The child with ADHD cannot sleep a full eight hours at night, CHADD indicates. He sits up in his crib and talks, or he may try to climb out and run around the house. He may have continuous energy, even at night.
Loud Speech and Interruptions
The child with ADHD talks continually and may speak loudly in is verbalizations, CHADD states. He laughs loud and plays loudly. He has problems waiting his turn in a game and may become impatient, which can lead to yelling and throwing a temper tantrum.
