Let’s get started with a definition of ADHD and some symptoms:
According to Mayo Clinic, ADHD is a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often persists into adulthood. ADHD includes a combination of problems, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.
Children with ADHD also may struggle with low self-esteem, troubled relationships and poor performance in school.
While treatment won’t cure ADHD, it can help a great deal with symptoms. Treatment typically involves medications and behavioral interventions. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in outcome.
Signs and symptoms of ADHD may include:
- Difficulty paying attention
- Frequently daydreaming
- Difficulty following through on instructions and apparently not listening
- Frequently has problems organizing tasks or activities
- Frequently forgetful and loses needed items, such as books, pencils or toys
- Frequently fails to finish schoolwork, chores or other tasks
- Easily distracted
- Frequently fidgets or squirms
- Difficulty remaining seated and seemingy in constant motion
- Excessively talkative
- Frequently interrupts or intrudes on others’ conversations or games
- Frequently has trouble waiting for his or her turn
Most of these symptoms are perfectly normal in young children, especially boys. So how is a mom to know what is normal boy behavior and what is more likely ADHD? The answer is time. When your 8, 9, or 10 year old boy is still acting without thinking, forgetting simple directions, constantly fidgeting or talking, then it’s much more likely that his behavior goes beyond typical boy behavior.
Sometimes, ADHD can include all of the above, plus some. A few more signs of ADHD that may affect your child:
- Difficulty keeping powerful emotions (good or bad) in check
- Difficulty shifting focus
- Hyperfocusing
- Making careless mistakes
- Lying
I only have five days for this series, so these are the major topics I’ll be discussing the rest of the week —
ADHD, Lying and Your Child’s Heart
Angry, Frustrated, and Hurt, oh my!
Focus versus Hyperfocus
To Treat or Not to Treat, That is the Question
BONUS: Top Ten Resources for ADHD Support
I hope you’ll come back and join us as we explore these issues.
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