How ADHD in Children Can Make Life More Complicated

If your child is restless, impulsive, and has trouble concentrating, you may jump to the conclusion that he or she has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Read on to better understand ADHD in children.

ADHD in children

Many little children leap before they look. They run and jump, scream and shout, trip and get up again. They sometimes struggle to hear the directions given on how to complete a task, and even once started, there is no guarantee that they will finish the job.

ADHD is different from the very normal stages of emotional and cognitive development children grow through as they age. While symptoms can be noticed earlier, ADHD in children often becomes especially pronounced when the child is faced with change, such as starting school or moving home.

ADHD in children is often revealed when the child is unusually active, with the tendency to squirm in his or her seat or fidget with whatever is in front of him or her. Listening to, understanding, and following instructions seem to be abnormally difficult. The child with ADHD is characterized by careless mistakes, being absentminded and forgetful, unorganized, and hyperactive.

Most cases of ADHD are recognized when the child is younger than 12 years old, although it can be diagnosed later in life, even as an adult. While the symptoms of ADHD most times get better with age, most adults with ADHD were recognized to have it while children and continue to experience the limitations the condition forces upon them.

ADHD can also be seen in seemingly unrelated problems such as trouble sleeping or suffering from anxiety.

How to assist children with ADHD

It is natural for most children to at times feel restless or bored – and this does not predispose them to ADHD. If you are concerned about your child, then share your concerns with the class teacher at school or your family doctor. If you suspect that you have ADHD yourself, then start by speaking with your family doctor.

Causes of ADHD in children

ADHD may occur in people of any intellectual capacity; however, it is often accompanied by learning difficulties.

Studies have not revealed the exact reason ADHD arises in some children but not others. They do show that the more relatives who have ADHD, the higher the chances are that the child will also have ADHD. Other potential causes include being born before the 37th week of pregnancy, a low birth weight, or if the mother used drugs or alcohol while pregnant.

Treatment options

There is no single cure for the disorder, but there are several treatments that enable individuals and parents to manage its symptoms. These treatments include parental support and education, counseling support, and sometimes medication for children. Medication is often prescribed as a convenient treatment option for adults suffering from ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy is also seen as an effective treatment method.

Living with and caring for ADHD

Parents of ADHD children should remember that the child is often helpless before the condition. Despite the child’s best efforts, it is more difficult for him or her than for other children to accomplish tasks such as going to sleep at night, hearing instructions and carrying them out, getting ready for school, or maintaining an organized approach (from tidying a room to completing homework).

Adults see these symptoms in things like organizational and time management, coping with stress, writing down and sticking to a shopping list, and feeling restless and impulsive risk-taking.

Help for kids with ADHD

If you are looking for additional help with ADHD in children for understanding, diagnosing, or creating a treatment plan, please browse our online counselor directory or contact our office to schedule an appointment. We would be honored to walk with you on this journey.