| Does my child have ADHD? Every parent has asked | | | | Sometimes people think a boy has ADHD, simply |
| herself that question at one time or another! | | | | because he's normally more active than a girl the |
| Everyone, whether child or adult, has moments when | | | | same age. Boys need more physical activity. It's harder |
| they feel restless and wound up. We all act impulsively | | | | for them to sit still for long periods of time. They tend |
| at times and say stuff we shouldn't, and everyone | | | | to mature a little later than girls do, especially in the |
| zones out from time to time. But when do these | | | | areas of speech and fine motor skills. |
| behaviors become a problem? | | | | Not all kids are ready to learn to read at five or six. A |
| There are three behavior patterns that point to | | | | child who can't keep up with the other kids in school is |
| Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD: | | | | going to feel like he's stupid and will be frustrated. This |
| inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. | | | | problem will probably resolve itself within a year or two |
| Symptoms usually start before your child is seven, and | | | | as he matures. |
| appear on a regular basis for at least six months. | | | | Have your child's hearing tested. Sometimes a child |
| A child with ADHD behaves in ways that are not | | | | has a middle ear infection that can cause hearing |
| appropriate for his age. He may be easily distracted by | | | | problems. At least you'll know whether your child has a |
| what's going on around him. He has a hard time | | | | hearing problem, or if his problem is selective hearing! |
| staying focused on a task, and he may be sitting there | | | | Mild seizures can cause your child to appear |
| daydreaming instead. He may be restless and unable | | | | inattentive or distracted, too. |
| to sit quietly, getting up out of his chair, even when he's | | | | Problems at home can cause problems at school. |
| not supposed to. | | | | Having someone in the home who is abusive or |
| He may interrupt others, or blurt out answers to | | | | addicted to drugs or alcohol will cause a child to be |
| questions before the speaker has finished talking. Not | | | | anxious and distracted when he's in school. |
| only does he forget things like homework on a regular | | | | There are many reasons for a child to misbehave. |
| basis, but he loses things all the time, too. He doesn't | | | | Every kid makes his parents crazy sometimes. The |
| listen well, and has a hard time following directions. | | | | questions you need to ask are: |
| He has a hard time fitting in with other kids his own | | | | *Are these behaviors long-term? Is it a continuous |
| age. He gets frustrated easily, which leads to emotional | | | | problem and not just a response to a passing |
| outbursts. | | | | situation? |
| You are probably having regular meetings with your | | | | *Are these behaviors excessive? Do other kids the |
| child's teacher because of his disruptive behavior in the | | | | same age act like this? |
| classroom. | | | | *Are these behaviors pervasive? Does the child |
| It's important to remember that all children at certain | | | | always behave like this, or is it only in certain |
| stages of development show certain behaviors. A | | | | situations? |
| preschooler may be extremely energetic and run | | | | If you feel that your child may have ADHD, be sure to |
| everywhere, but that doesn't mean he's hyperactive. A | | | | insist on a thorough assessment. A correct diagnosis is |
| teenager may be messy and disorganized, but that | | | | very important. |
| doesn't mean she'll be that way all her life. | | | | |