Many people interchange the terms ADHD and ADD. The name ADHD references attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and is an impairment in the nervous system’s development, which impairs academic, social, personal, and occupational functioning. ADD was a term used previously when one exhibited symptoms of ADHD without the hyperactivity.
The diagnostic criteria have been changed by the American Psychiatric Association, which effectively has now made a diagnosis of ADD obsADolete. Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD means your child shows dysfunction in perception, problem-solving, language, memory, attention, or social interactions. If you are concerned, your child may have ADHD; these are five tips to help you identify the disorder.
Three Forms of ADHD
The onset of ADHD is typically around the age of 4, and it generally is not diagnosed until they are between the ages of 8 and 10. If your child has ADHD, they will have trouble paying attention, be overly active, and have difficulty controlling compulsive behaviors.
Children with ADHD will also be prone to losing or forgetting things; they will often fidget or talk too much. Making careless mistakes is another symptom as well as taking unnecessary risks. ADHD will also display as having trouble resisting temptations and difficulty getting along with other people. There are three forms of ADHD:
- Predominantly Inattentive: This form of ADHD is diagnosed if your child has trouble organizing things or cannot stay on task. They will have difficulty paying attention to details and have problems following conversations or instructions. Those with predominantly inattentive ADHD will be easily distracted.
- Predominantly Hyperactive: ADHD diagnosed as predominantly hyperactive displays as your child talking a lot. They will also have trouble sitting still for any length of time. They will constantly move about and struggle with impulsivity, such as speaking at inappropriate times or grabbing things from others. Those with predominantly hyperactive ADHD will have difficulty waiting for their turn.
- Combined Presentation: The combined presentation is when one share both predominantly inattentive and predominantly hyperactive symptoms.
How to Know if Your Child Has ADHD
It is twice as common for boys to receive an ADHD diagnosis. Boys typically present on the hyperactive end of the spectrum, so it is more obvious to see their behaviors. Girls generally display symptoms of inattention and tend to cover those behaviors up. As a parent, you should look for signs that your daughter is not completing assignments on time and is taking an unusual amount of time to complete what she does finish. If you notice your daughter is trying to avoid school, this is another sign she may have ADHD.
To know if your child has ADHD, you will need to contact your child’s doctor to receive a diagnosis. Symptoms have to be present for more than six months and must have been present before your child reached the age of 12. Your child’s developmental level will be weighed against the symptoms and will have to be more pronounced than what is considered ‘normal’ for their age. Your child’s behaviors must also be observed in two separate settings: at home and school. The steps involved to know if your child has ADHD requires:
- A medical exam
- Vision test
- Hearing test
- Checklist for rating symptoms of ADHD
- History about the child from parents, teachers, and in some cases from the child
What Causes ADHD in Children?
Research is showing genetics plays a significant role in what causes ADHD in children. Current studies are focusing on the role of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin neurotransmitters. Other causes that could relate to ADHD include:
- Exposure to environmental agents, such as lead
- Alcohol or tobacco exposure while in utero or during a young age
- Head trauma or brain injury
- Premature delivery
- Low birth weight
As with many disorders, rumors or myths rise up as to what people believe to be a cause. With ADHD, some people have thought these reasons contribute to the disease, but are not reality:
- Watching too much TV
- Social or environmental factors such as poverty
- Eating too much sugar
- Parenting
There are some healthy lifestyle habits you can encourage your child to use that will help him or her to manage their ADHD symptoms. These habits include:
- Limiting screen time
- Getting sufficient sleep
- Performing at least sixty minutes of physical activity each day
- Eating healthy
ADHD Treatment Near Me
ADHD has become quite common in kids as well as adults. You may not have had your child tested at this point, but are concerned with some of their behaviors that have made you consider ADHD may be present.
The main problem with this disorder is that it is often misunderstood. Many think a child is being lazy when it is, in fact, they are dealing with ADHD symptoms. ADHD is a condition caused by differences in some regions of the brain. If you suspect your child has ADHD, have them tested, and seek help so they can learn to manage their behaviors.