Signs And Symptoms Of ADHD In Toddlers:
The number of children getting a diagnosis of ADHD is on the rise these days. In fact, 1 in 10 children in the USA today get a diagnosis of ADHD. Nobody is sure about the reason behind this surge in the number of ADHD cases. Some feel that the number have not increased, it is just that today we have better diagnosing tools and can catch the problem before it becomes too big.
ADHD (or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a mental disorder. People with ADHD are commonly impulsive and disorganized. They cannot stay focused and make realistic plans.
Children with ADHD also have low self-confidence and suffer from troubled relationships and poor academic performance.
Toddlers are notorious for their inability to concentrate. But sometimes what seems like typical toddler behavior may be a glimpse of things to come. According to studies, about 40% of children with ADHD show clear signs of problems related to attention by age four!
That is why it is important to keep a close eye on toddlers and preschoolers to make sure that something serious like ADHD is not hiding behind the mask of normal toddler behavior.
Are you worried about your toddler’s seemingly out-of-control behavior? Do you think he may have ADHD? Well, there are ways to find out!
Though most doctors do not diagnose ADHD in children at toddlerhood, it makes sense to try and catch the problem as soon as possible. The sooner you seek help, the easier it will be to deal with your child’s ADHD. Remember, ADHD today is the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder among preschoolers.
Here are some telltale signs of ADHD in toddlers and preschoolers:
While most toddlers and preschoolers have a short attention span, those with ADHD cannot concentrate on one task for more than a minute or two. So, if you see your toddler avoiding activities that require sitting still for more than a couple of minutes, treat it as a warning sign.
Is your little one famous as the chatterbox of the group? Does he make more noise than other kids his age? Well, these are also early signs of ADHD.
Toddlers are ridiculously difficult to discipline. But little ones with ADHD refuse to follow simple instructions, even after repeated warnings. So, if your preschooler goes on to climb on things after you tell him not to, and even after he experiences negative outcome, he may have ADHD.
It is a beautiful sight to watch little kids play. But next time your toddler is playing, watch if he can hop on one foot. Most kids with ADHD cannot hop on one foot by age 4.
One common complaint most parents with ADHD kids is their constant motion. Little ones with ADHD have a tough time staying still. Is your toddler constantly on the move? Is he kicking or jiggling his feet even while sitting? Does he twist around on his seat? These are all telltale signs of ADHD in toddlers and preschoolers.
Fearlessness is a wonderful virtue. But for kids with ADHD, it can be the road to injuries! Toddlers with this mental disorder often get into dangerous situations due to their lack of fear. No matter how many times a toddler falls from the couch and hurts himself, he will do it all over again. It is almost as if they have no concept of pain.
Most toddlers suffer from stranger anxiety. But those with ADHD take next to no time to warm up to strangers! So if you thought your toddler is super friendly, well, it actually may be a pointer towards ADHD!
Toddlers with ADHD often display aggressive behavior with their peers. Many even end up dismissed from playschool or daycare because of their aggression.
The fearless attitude we discussed above also leads to several injuries among toddlers with ADHD.
Toddlers with ADHD often experience sleep disorders. If your toddler wakes up at night frequently and has trouble falling back to sleep, it may indicate a deeper problem.
Toddlers and preschoolers with ADHD also display poor motor control and working memory compared to other kids of their age. They seem to have no problems with verbal learning memory or picture identification.
It is normal for toddlers to exhibit one or two of these signs. But if your toddler’s behavior encompasses a majority of the points mentioned here, there is a high chance that he may have ADHD.
So, seek an appointment with your doctor if you suspect that your toddler may have ADHD. Timely intervention and treatment can go a long way towards giving wary parents some relief while helping their kids lead a normal life.
Toddlers and preschoolers are too young to go on medication. It is always a better idea to explore other options before putting your kid on drugs in any case.
With regular parental training and school-based intervention, ADHD can be managed to a large extent among toddlers and preschoolers.
Apart from that, there are some steps you can take to manage this debilitating mental disorder and find some form of normalcy at home!
Finally, relax! Taking care of a child with special needs is hard work. You need to stay healthy and positive if you want your little one to live up to his potential.
So, no matter how tough it gets, and it will get tough with an ADHD child at home, don’t forget to take care of yourself.
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Article written by Chhandita Chakravarty
