Acting without thinking, having trouble focusing on assigned tasks, and forgetting to do their homework can be normal“kid behavior” –particularly if your child exhibits these signs only in some situations.
However, if your child shows these signs along with inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity across all situations – at school, home, and play – the odds are very high that they may have ADHD. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that mostly appears in childhood and often continues to adulthood.
If you are concerned about whether your child has ADHD, the first step is to recognize the signs and symptoms of ADHD in your child – and then get help from the child’s pediatrician.
Let’s learn more about the symptoms of ADHD and where you can go for effective ADHD treatment in The Woodlands, TX.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
Most people picture an ADHD child as an out-of-control child in constant motion and disrupting the life of everyone around. But, in fact, not all ADHD children are hyperactive – some sit quietly for a prolonged period with their attention miles away. Some experience trouble focusing on a task, while others focus too much on one task.
This means that the signs and symptoms of ADHD in your child may be a lot more different than in another ADHD child of the same age. Plus, the symptoms in boys can be different than those in girls.
ADHD has three subtypes, each with different symptoms, as given below.
- Predominantly inattentive
- Predominantly impulsive or hyperactive
- Both inattentive and hyperactive or impulsive
Symptoms of Inattention
A predominantly inattentive child may often:
- Make careless mistakes
- Fail to pay close attention to details
- Appear not to listen even when you talk to them directly
- Fail to complete their chores or schoolwork
- Dislike tasks that require mental focus
- Can be distracted easily
- Forget to do their tasks
- Have trouble organizing things
- Lose necessary items for activities and tasks
Symptoms of Impulsivity and Hyperactivity
A predominantly impulsive or hyperactive child may often:
- Have difficulty staying seated in places where they are expected to stay seated
- Be on the go
- Run around or climb in inappropriate situations
- Talk too much
- Move their hand or feet in nervousness and taps their hands or feet
- Interrupt others
- Have trouble waiting for their turn
- Have trouble doing an activity quietly
Here Is What You Should Do If Your Child Has the Above-Mentioned Symptoms
Just because your child has inattention and hyperactivity or impulsivity symptoms doesn’t mean that they have ADHD, mainly because these symptoms can be due to some psychological disorder, medical condition, and stressful life events.
However, the signs mentioned above and symptoms are good indicators to tell you that you should take your child to a pediatrician for a thorough evaluation.
A pediatrician can find out if your child’s symptoms fit the diagnosis of ADHD. They may ask teachers, parents, and other adults to take care of the child in terms of their behavior in different settings.
Pediatricians are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and addressing it using different interventions, including medications, psychotherapy, and behavioral therapy.
ADHD in Kids in The Woodlands, TX
At Northwoods Pediatric Center, we have a team of skilled and kid-friendly pediatricians committed to providing comprehensive care to your child with ADHD. Our pediatricians address your child’s ADHD while ensuring that their treatment does not interfere with their development and functionality.
To schedule an appointment with one of our pediatricians, call our staff today at (281) 296-7770 or use our appointment request form.