Study the Symptoms: How to Know If Your Child Has ADHD
According to the American Psychiatric Association, 5% of children have ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Kids who have ADHD may find it difficult to focus, be hyperactive, or extremely impulsive. ADHD can have a major impact on a child’s ability to do well in school and in certain social situations.
Luckily, there are medications and various treatments for children who suffer from ADHD. In fact, there are even some advantages to ADHD. Kids who learn to live with the challenge tend to retain information longer and develop unique coping mechanisms that contribute to later success.
Ask Yourself These Questions
Could your child have ADHD? Ask yourself the following questions, and contact your child’s counselor for an individual consultation.
- Is your child inordinately disorganized? Dothey often leave homework or chores undone or move between tasks quickly? Does your child procrastinate more than normal?
- Does your child make careless mistakes and appear to have difficulty paying attention to or remembering details?
- Does your child have a difficult time staying on topic during conversations? Or struggle to listen to others?
- Is your child easily distracted by noises or other trivialities?
- Does they find it difficult to sit still and not squirm and fidget?
- Does your child struggle during quiet activities?
- Does your child talk excessively or too quickly?
- Is it difficult for them to wait their turn?
- Does your child frequently blurt out answers to questions, even if the questions weren’t addressed to them? Or frequently interrupt?
A Reminder
Remember, each of these questions can be answered in the affirmative about any child—after all, excessive energy, an unawareness of others, and other symptoms of ADHD are simply a part of childhood development.
However, if you answered yes to multiple of the questions above, consider this: do these symptoms make it difficult for your child to perform well at school, or while interacting with others? ADHD deters a child’s ability to function like others their own age.
Contact a Psychologist
If you have noticed symptoms of ADHD in your child and feels they act differently from other children, consider speaking with a psychologist or counseling therapy service like http://encompassmh.com/. Child counselors and psychologists are specialists in diagnosing children who may need medication or special treatment options.
Remember, it is better to have the issue diagnosed and treated than ignored. If you child is diagnosed with ADHD, do everything in your power to help them learn how to cope with their new challenge. Your child will benefit from your careful attention and love.