Around 11% of American kids — an estimated 7 million children — have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.
For these kids, many of the normal activities of childhood, like going to school and interacting with friends and family members, can be challenging. The good news is, treatments can help.
Like other mental health issues, ADHD benefits from early treatment, and that means it’s really important to understand some of the most common signs of the disorder.
At Hubbard Pediatric Group, LLC in Loganville, Georgia, Holly Hubbard, MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating ADHD in kids of all ages. Here are five signs of ADHD you should know about.
Impulsivity is one of the most common characteristics of ADHD. Children who are impulsive tend to “act first, think later.” This can lead to dangerous, risk-taking behavior during the teen years, which can last into adulthood, too.
Children who are impulsive are more likely to blurt out comments or act rashly in other ways.
ADHD makes kids more impatient. Waiting in line or taking turns during games or other activities can be difficult. While this behavior may come across as rude, remember: ADHD makes children act in ways beyond their immediate control.
Problems taking turns make it especially difficult for kids to make friends and succeed in social activities. And the issue interferes with fun activities, like playground time and sports, too. Or, a child with ADHD may repeatedly interrupt others during conversations that don’t involve them.
ADHD takes an emotional toll, too. Many kids with ADHD have difficulty managing their emotions, exhibiting over-the-top responses when angry, scared, or frustrated.
Add to that the day-to-day frustrations of dealing with the other symptoms of ADHD, and it’s easy to see why children with ADHD can be plagued by emotional meltdowns.
The “H” in ADHD stands for hyperactivity, which explains why kids with the condition have a hard time staying still in school and other situations. Children with ADHD often seem to be continually moving, fidgeting, or shifting position when asked to stay still.
While these behaviors might seem rude on the surface, they have a biological reason. With ADHD, the brain doesn’t receive the level of stimulation needed to stay on track.
For kids with ADHD, moving around may be a way to get the brain to provide a sort of self-stimulation necessary to maintain normal function and control.
ADHD also makes it difficult to focus on tasks, especially tasks the child doesn’t find particularly interesting. Kids with ADHD can have trouble organizing their work or possessions, managing their time, or working within set schedules.
Some kids with ADHD tend to spend time daydreaming, and they may appear absent-minded or forgetful. Combined, these issues can interfere with school performance, even though the child might have the intellectual capacity to do well.
Dealing with ADHD can be frustrating for parents — but imagine the frustration your child feels when they try their hardest but still fail to meet expectations. ADHD is a real medical condition, and medical treatment is necessary to successfully manage the condition and its symptoms.
As a parent, you are your child’s strongest advocate. Working closely with Dr. Hubbard, you and your child can learn to navigate the challenges of ADHD and enjoy a stronger relationship and greater success in home, school, and social settings.
To learn more about ADHD and the treatment options we offer, call Hubbard Pediatric Group, LLC today or book an appointment online.
