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Have you noticed your child making careless mistakes or squirming when he should be sitting still? Does she seem to daydream or become engrossed in her own thoughts frequently? As adults, we all know what it is like to have an “off day.” You know those days where you just don’t have the energy or motivation to function at normal capacity, or you find yourself fidgeting with an ink pen during a boring meeting. That is normal. But, if you notice your child is routinely having difficulty learning or maintaining focus, there may be reason for concern. These signs are often symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, otherwise known as ADD or ADHD.
What is ADHD or ADD?
ADHD was once referred to as ADD (attention deficit disorder) and for many years children who suffered from it were considered undisciplined troublemakers. Kids with ADHD have difficulty controlling their responses and spontaneous reactions. ADHD is a brain development disorder that affects approximately ten percent of children between the ages of 3 and 17. The condition causes slower brain development in the area that controls attention.
However, children can display some of the signs associated with ADHD, yet not suffer from the disorder. Below are the typical symptoms and signs of ADHD, which most often become noticeable by the age of 7.
#1 Self-focused behavior. A child with ADHD has difficulty waiting their turn and may frequently interrupt others, which is often due to their inability to see and understand the desires of other people.
#2 Difficulty playing quietly. The urge to squirm and fidget makes it hard for children with ADHD to play calmly and participate in quiet activities.
#3 Leaving things unfinished. Children with ADHD often show interest in a variety of things but lack the ability to stick with it through completion, whether it’s chores, homework, hobbies, or watching a TV show.
#4 Emotional turmoil. ADHD can make it difficult for children to control their emotions, resulting in tantrums or outbursts.
#5 Trouble with organizational skills. A child with ADHD will routinely find it difficult to keep up with school assignments, prioritize tasks, or remember project due dates, which can result in problems at school.
Children who are suffering from an attention disorder will experience multiple symptoms that happen again and again, regardless of environment or situation. There are different treatment options for ADHD and if you have any concerns about your child, seek advice from a medical professional.
Thought Starters:
- Reflect on how the symptoms of ADHD, such as difficulty in playing quietly or leaving tasks unfinished, might impact a child's daily life and learning experience. "How do you think ADHD symptoms like emotional turmoil or trouble with organization can affect a child's performance in school and their interactions with peers?
- Consider the challenges parents might face in distinguishing between normal childhood behavior and signs of ADHD. What are some key indicators that could help differentiate between a child simply having 'off days' and a child who might be showing signs of ADHD?
- Ponder the importance of early detection and professional intervention for children with ADHD. If you suspect a child has ADHD, what are the most important steps to take, and why is it crucial to seek professional advice?
- Reflect on how misconceptions and stereotypes about ADHD, like the idea of these children being undisciplined troublemakers, can affect the understanding and treatment of the condition. How have perceptions of ADHD changed over time, and what impact do you think these changes have had on the way children with ADHD are treated in educational and social settings?
Suggested Questions To Ask Your Child:
- Do you find it hard to wait for your turn in games or conversations?
This question addresses the symptom of self-focused behavior, a key sign of ADHD. It can reveal if the child struggles with understanding and respecting the needs and desires of others, as mentioned in the article.
- When you're playing or doing activities, do you feel the need to move around a lot?
This question is aimed at identifying the difficulty in playing quietly, a common trait in children with ADHD. The article notes that children with ADHD often fidget and have trouble engaging in calm, quiet activities.
- Have you noticed any challenges in finishing tasks like homework or chores?
The article mentions that children with ADHD often start various tasks but lack the persistence to complete them. This question helps to understand the child's ability to stay focused and see tasks through to completion.
- How do you feel and react when you get upset or frustrated?
Emotional turmoil is a sign of ADHD, as per the article. This question seeks to explore how the child manages their emotions, especially during challenging situations, and whether they experience frequent tantrums or emotional outbursts.
- Do you find it difficult to organize your things or remember when assignments are due?
Trouble with organizational skills is a significant sign of ADHD mentioned in the article. This question can help gauge the child's ability to keep track of their belongings, prioritize tasks, and remember important dates and deadlines.
