ADHD Warning Signs
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a medical term used to identify collective behaviors that contribute to major learning and behavior problems. Children with ADHD have difficulty paying attention in most of their daily activities.
Symptoms of ADHD tends to be more common in boys and 4% to 12% of school-age children exhibit them. It is diagnosed after six or more specific symptoms of inactivity and/or hyperactivity is exhibited by the child. It should be on a regular basis in a period of more than six months and it has to be in more than two settings.
Diagnosing ADHD is usually done by comparing a set of generally accepted guidelines to behavior in children. These sources should have first hand knowledge of the child and would often include school, caregivers and family.
An inattentive child may have ADHD if he/she has more than six of the following symptoms:
Difficulty in following directions no matter how simple or clear.
Unable to maintain attention on school, play, home and other usual activities.
Misplaces things often.
Listening ability is poor.
Doesn’t display an attention to detail.
Always seems unorganized.
Never finishes the project given to them.
Gets easily distracted.
Often forgets things.
A hyperactive/impulsive child may have ADHD if he/she has more than at least six of the following symptoms.
Fidgety and squirmy.
Runs and climbs with careless abandon.
Inability to play quietly.
Cries out answers.
Interrupts other constantly.
Talks constantly.
Always on the move.
No patience, has trouble waiting their turn.
The above-mentioned lists do not cover all cases and warning signs of ADHD. Teachers and parents should keep close attention to any changes in a child?s behavior. Any behavior that is out of the ordinary should be in check, too.
Expert diagnosis should be sought if the above signs are present. These guidelines were made for children 6 to 12 years of age. This is because many pre-school children tend to have more symptoms only to rapidly change during pre-school years. Doctors may do vision and hearing tests for additional reference.
If these warning signs exist in your childs behavior, you may want to contact your pediatrician to conduct an assessment on your child?s condition. After the assessment and there seems to be a cause for alarm, the pediatrician may refer you to a child psychologist.
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