How Can I Tell if My Child Has ADHD
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is very common, according to research, affecting 4% to 12% of school-age children. It’s more common in boys than in girls. This is a group of behavior disorder which was renamed from Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in 1994.
If your child feels difficulties in paying attention at school work or homework, you don’t need to worry. Here are the symptoms of ADHD. Just to check it out first by yourself and then consult your doctor or a professional psychologist if necessary.
A child with ADHD who is inattentive will have 6 or more of the following symptoms:
- Has difficulty following instructions
- Has difficulty keeping attention on work or play activities at school and at home
- Loses things needed for activities at school and at home
- Appears not to listen
- Doesn’t pay close attention to details
- Seems disorganized
- Has trouble with tasks that require planning ahead
- Forgets things
- Is easily distracted
The child with ADHD who is hyperactive/impulsive will have at least 6 of the following symptoms:
- Is fidgety
- Runs or climbs inappropriately
- Can’t play quietly
- Blurts out answers
- Interrupts people
- Can’t stay in seat
- Talks too much
- Is always on the go
- Has trouble waiting his or her turn
As for children with ADHD, the distinct behavior disorder is characterized as inattentiveness to external direction, underachievement, impulsive behavior, and restlessness. Hyperactivity is typically taken as an indication, however, children identified as inattentive are often sluggish and hypo-active. If you have any doubts, the better way is to have your child diagnosed by a professional.
As parents, we can also feel relaxed that bad parenting or unstructured family life/school life are not the cause of ADHD. These factors would only make symptoms worse. Usually structured family life and team effort with doctors and teachers will ease the symptoms.
ADHD: What Parents Should Know [familydoctor.or]
More information: