At three years of age, a child is typically learning to make friends, potty train, identify shapes and colors, put puzzles together and dress himself, says BabyCenter, but attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can interfere with these milestones. According to the Mayo Clinic, this disorder has also been called ADD, but now goes by the more accurate ADHD because this designation incorporates the most common aspects of the disease. These are inattention, hyper behavior and impulsiveness. The symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent when a child is trying to focus, and the Mayo Clinic says that most of these symptoms appear before the age of seven. Since many three-year-olds display these types of behaviors because of their age, parents should talk with a doctor if they are concerned that their preschooler may have ADHD, says BabyCenter.
Distraction
A three-year-old with ADHD is easily distracted both when playing and when trying to perform a mental task, such as putting together a puzzle. BabyCenter says that ADHD in a three-year-old will also make it hard for him to pay attention and will result in avoiding things that require mental effort, such as learning his shapes. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) adds that ADHD can lead to boredom unless a child is doing something he enjoys.
Hyperactive Behavior
Hyperactivity is one of the hallmark symptoms of ADHD, and BabyCenter says that this behavior makes it hard for a three-year-old to play quietly and often manifests in inappropriate movement, such as running and climbing in the classroom. ADHD can also make it hard for a child at this age to sit still and concentrate on learning new things, says the NIMH. Three-year-olds will also fidget and talk excessively and at inappropriate times. These behaviors make it hard to learn new things and many times other children will not want to interact with him, making it diffcult for him to make new friends and learn to socialize in an acceptable way.
Impulsive Behavior
Having ADHD at three years of age makes it difficult to wait for things, such as a snack or drink. It also makes it hard to wait in line and take turns. This makes it hard for a child who is in preschool to learn new material and to make friends. The NIMH says that a three-year-old with ADHD will also interrupt and act and speak without thinking about the consequences, all of which can be disruptive as the child moves through school.
