Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Children
What is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood, affecting an estimated 5 to 7 percent of all school-age children. ADHD is a developmental disorder and present in early childhood but symptoms may not be noticeable until a child is older and encounters more challenging academic and social situations. ADHD is also sometimes referred to as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) when symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity are not present or prominent.
Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (for example may act without thinking about the consequences), or be overly active. Although ADHD can’t be cured, it can be successfully managed and some symptoms may improve as your child ages, particulary hyperactivity.
Signs and symptoms of ADHD
It is normal for children to have trouble focusing and behaving at one time or another.
However, children with ADHD do not just grow out of these behaviors. The symptoms continue, can be
severe, and can cause difficulty at school, at home, or with friends.
A child with ADHD might:
- Daydream a lot
- Forget or lose things a lot
- Squirm or fidget
- Talk too much
- Blurt out answers instead of waiting to be called on
- Be forgetful and have poor study skills for their age
- Make careless mistakes or take unnecessary risks
- Have a hard time resisting temptation
- Have trouble taking turns
- Have difficulty getting along with others.
- Learning disorders
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Oher behavior disorders, such as oppositional defiant disorder.
Children with ADHD are at particular risk for:
Getting help if you are concerned your child has ADHD
If you or your child’s doctor have concerns for ADHD, seeking early diagnosis and treatment is essential to helping your child achieve their full potential. At Inspire Pediatric Neurology we offer a comprehensive neurodevelopmental evaluation for assessing and diagnosing ADHD. We also provide expert medication management for children who already carry a diagnosis and are looking for help with management of their condition.