The latest statistics show that over 4 million kids in the United States have been diagnosed with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and of course there are millions more worldwide. While ADHD has often gotten a bad rap as a trendy diagnosis that is handed out a little too easily, there is no denying the fact that it’s a legitimate disorder that can have truly negative effects on people who are afflicted.
There are actually some potential benefits to mild cases of ADHD, but as any parent of a child who has a particularly bad case of the disorder knows, ADHD can also be highly disruptive. It can lead to behavioral problems, poor school performance, and even delayed emotional and social development. To make matters worse, this issue is still not widely understood, which means that kids with ADHD often fail to receive the help they need, and this can severely set them back in life.
Diagnosing ADHD can be a real challenge for parents and medical professionals. Every child is different, and every case of ADHD is particular to each child. In other words, no two cases are the same, and doctors often have trouble identifying cases in a definitive way. However, if your child has had trouble fitting in, has boundless energy, seems to have difficulty focusing at school, and can’t seem to sit still for long enough to focus on anything, there’s a good chance that he or she has a case of ADHD.
ADHD in the early years
Anecdotes abound about mothers of ADHD children who remember their unborn babies kicking unusually frequently in the womb, but these stories have yet to be backed by real research. In most cases, ADHD symptoms begin to form noticeably during the preschool years. Symptoms may be present earlier than that, but social and school settings really tend to bring them out.
At this early age, kids with ADHD may confound their preschool and early primary school teachers. They often have trouble following directions, don’t learn as quickly as the other kids, don’t share or play nicely, and don’t get along with the other kids. In some cases, ADHD behaviors can even take the form of aggression toward other kids. Unless a teacher or parent recognizes what is happening, a child of preschool age may already begin to face the negative consequences of ADHD in the form of punishment and ostracization.
ADHD in older children
The signs of ADHD usually become much more apparent during the early years of primary school, usually soon after the child begins to attend school full-time. While you can tell a lot about a child by how he or she behaves in the home, ADHD behaviors become much more troublesome at school, which is why the condition usually isn’t diagnosed until a child is between ages 7 and 12. When a child reaches these ages, the most common symptoms include:
• difficulty following directions and listening;
• trouble paying attention or sitting through the long hours of class;
• absentmindedness, forgetfulness, and frequently losing things;
• unwillingness to do homework;
• talking too much, even during quiet times;
• excessive fidgeting;
• constant restlessness;
• frequent complaining;
• difficulty sharing, taking turns with other kids, or waiting in lines.
When a child reaches adolescence, untreated ADHD can create even further problems, sometimes leading to low self-esteem, social isolation, depression, and other conditions such as eating disorders. At the same time, persistent poor school performance can set the child back academically, and if he or she does not receive treatment soon, it could have repercussions throughout life. Many ADHD kids end up joining the rebellious crowd at school, which can lead to drug use, teen sex, and other reckless behaviors.
How to handle ADHD
Every child gets hyper sometimes. And in general, a moderate amount of hyperactive behavior is just part of childhood. But when a child’s hyperactivity becomes detrimental to important aspects of life, it’s time to do something about it. Don’t worry if your child just seems to have a lot of energy. Do worry if these behaviors seem to have long-term negative effects.
If you think your child may have ADHD, then it’s time to consult with your doctor about evaluation and potential treatment options. There are many options for dealing with ADHD, and not all of them involve medication. In any case, it can’t hurt to know the choices that are available to you.
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