According to the American Psychiatric Association, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a neurobiological condition characterized by chronic symptoms lasting more than 6 months that can cause significant difficulties in academic or social settings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 4 percent of preschool children are diagnosed with ADHD.
Symptoms of Inattention
Preschool children with ADHD will typically exhibit six or more distinct symptoms of inattention at home and/or at school. Symptoms of inattention may manifest in carelessness or failure to pay close attention to details as well as visible distraction by superfluous stimuli. Children with ADHD may have great difficulty following instructions, they may not follow through with assignments or reasonable expectations for task completion. Preschool ADHD sufferers may not appear to listen or pay careful attention to oral instructions. Their school work may be messy or display an inability to organize focus around the task. Symptoms of inattention also may include forgetfulness or losing important items.
Symptoms of Hyperactivity
Like inattention, symptoms of hyperactivity in preschool children with ADHD require multiple instances of the behavior to successfully meet diagnostic criteria. The preschool child with ADHD may demonstrate hyperactivity by fidgeting, along with an inability to remain seated when required to sit still. The child may also engage in inappropriate running, climbing or talking. He may exhibit heightened levels of energy, appearing to be in constant motion. Also, the child could show a marked inability to play or work quietly.
Symptoms of Impulsivity
Lastly, preschool children must exhibit symptoms of impulsivity to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. The children will demonstrate impulsivity by their inability to allow others to complete a sentence, question or thought. They will often interrupt or intrude upon the conversations of others, exhibiting great difficulty waiting their turn to talk or participate in an activity. ADHD symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity can be extremely disruptive to the preschool learning environment if not carefully managed.
