Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder
How can you tell if your active child is displaying signs of something serious? It can be tough to tell the difference between a typical hyper three year-old and a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. You should know that ADHD is surprisingly common. In fact, in a typical classroom you are likely to find at least one hyperactive child. These children are unable to focus their attention or control their behavior. Hyperactive kids display inattentiveness, impulsiveness, and of course, high levels of activity. They need to talk nonstop or be in constant motion. During mealtimes, at school, or any time when the child is expected to sit still, he will fidget and squirm around or play with objects that are available to him. They will act before they think, say inappropriate things, skip ahead in lines and have trouble sharing or taking turns. Hyperactive kids won’t be able to focus on an activity for a long time, perhaps not more than a few minutes, or they must have a strong interest in an activity in order to pay attention to it. They will overlook details and make careless errors. They do not have the stamina to finish a task and often fail to follow directions. They are also very forgetful.
Most children, especially young children, experience these things at some point in their lives, but kids with ADHD display the signs and symptoms consistently and to an extreme degree beginning at a young age. Only a doctor can properly diagnose ADHD, so if you suspect that your child has this disorder you should speak with your pediatrician. Though your doctor can prescribe medication for the disorder, you will have to seek out a psychiatrist or a psychologist to obtain counseling treatment. Your pediatrician or family doctor will probably be able to recommend someone to you. There are many other factors that can cause hyperactive behavior, so it’s important that you meet with a doctor.
ADHD is not caused by poor parenting or social experiences. There may be a link between tobacco and alcohol use during pregnancy and having a child with ADHD, and exposure to lead in early childhood may also be a contributing factor. It is most likely the result of genetic inheritance, since the disorder runs in families. Many times, a child with ADHD will also have another learning disorder. Dyslexia is common in kids with this disorder.
There are many medications available to treat hyperactivity disorders. Recently, the FDA approved a non-stimulant drug to treat ADHD. Studies have shown that this drug is very effective in treating the disorder, though more research is being conducted. It’s important to remember that medication only treats the symptoms of ADHD, and behavioral therapy can do wonders to help your child learn to excel in school and in his social life.
