Childhood ADHD

Childhood ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects millions of children across the globe. The complex mental disorder affects a child’s learning ability. Many children with ADHD experience problems in understanding why they feel out of control or lonely sometimes. Kids with childhood ADHD may show symptoms of hyperactivity, inattentiveness, impulsiveness, and overactivity, which may further cause problems at school and in relationships.

Diagnosis of ADHD

A form of mental disorder, ADHD should not be considered a disease or sign of low intelligence. A pediatrician or child psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD symptoms after making a complex assessment, which includes a history of the past behavior of the child. It may also consider problems with their attachment to a loved one, especially a caregiver or parent.
ADHD symptoms typically start to appear before seven years of age.

Inattention Symptoms for Diagnosing ADHD

If a child shows six or more of the following symptoms for at least six months, it could be classified as attention deficit hypersensitivity disorder. Such a child will

• Show signs of inattention all the time
• Make careless mistakes
• Fail to attention to details
• Find problem in organizing tasks
• Find difficulty sustaining attention
• Not be able to finish home work
• Not be able to follow through on instructions
• Be unwilling to do tasks
• Be easily distracted
• Forget things easily

Hyperactivity-Impulsivity

Your child shows more than six of the following symptoms for six months or more. A child with ADHD may show the following hyperactivity symptoms, including

• Talk too much
• Squirm and fidget with hands or feet
• Suddenly leave their bench in the classroom
• Finding problem in playing or participating in leisure activities
• Find trouble waiting for their turn
• Blurt out answers even before a question is asked
• Interrupt others

Types of Childhood ADHD

• Combined type – Children with combined type of ADHD experience impulsive, hyperactive, and inattentiveness symptoms. Combined type is the most common ADHD form affecting children.
• Inattentive type – Children categorized under this type of ADHD are not overly active, so their symptoms are often mistakenly ignored.
• Hyperactive/impulsive type – With this type of ADHD, children experience impulsive and hyperactive behavior. Unlike combined type, they are attentive and can pay attention.

Caring for Someone With Childhood ADHD

Undoubtedly, managing a child with ADHD symptoms can be immensely painful and stressful for parents. However, there are a range of techniques you can use to help your child learn and develop.
It will help if you:

• Get physically close to your child so that you have their full attention while you talk to them.
• Praise your kid when they make efforts to do something good.
• Do not flood them with instructions – just one or two will do at a time.
• Ignore minor irritating behavior.
• Keep simple and clear rules.
• Develop consistent routines.
• Give reminders calmly.
• Supervise closely.
• Do not be harsh when disciplining their behavior.

ADHD treatment program may include educational sessions, drug intervention, and psychological or behavioral therapy.