How do you know what is typical child behavior, and what is cause for looking for ADHD evaluation or treatment?
Identifying and Addressing ADHD in Children
Identifying and Addressing ADHD in Children
Whole Child Neuro
How do you know if it’s time to consider an ADHD evaluation for your child?
A nice thing in today’s world is that the stigma around diagnoses like ADHD is lessening as we learn more about it and see how common it is. That makes it easier–just a little–for parents today to take that first step: recognizing that their child’s brain works a little differently than they expected and may need some additional support!
But how do you know what is typical child behavior, and what is cause for looking for support or treatment?
It’s important to recognize that ADHD symptoms vary from child to child. They generally fall into two categories: inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. This means that one child with ADHD may only show problems with attention, while another child may struggle with both, attention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. Observing your child and noting these behaviors can help determine if an evaluation is necessary.
Inattention
- Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play
- Frequent mistakes due to careless work
- Challenges in following instructions, leading to unfinished tasks
- Struggling with organizing activities
- Avoidance or dislike of tasks requiring sustained mental effort
- Losing items necessary for tasks and activities
- Being easily distracted by external stimuli
- Forgetfulness in daily activities
Hyperactivity-Impulsivity
- Fidgeting or tapping hands and feet
- Inability to stay seated in situations where remaining seated is expected
- Running about or climbing in inappropriate situations
- Difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
- Excessive talking
- Blurting out answers before questions have been completed
- Difficulty waiting for their turn
- Interrupting or intruding on others
In addition, kids with ADHD may also have trouble regulating emotions or calming down. This may include mood swings, anxiety, anger, excitability, etc. Another common sign of ADHD includes trouble with executive functioning. Executive functioning is a broad area that may include trouble with planning, organization, and working memory, such as memorizing math times tables, etc.
If you notice the above signs in your child, then an evaluation with a neuropsychologist can be helpful to confirm an ADHD diagnosis or rule out other possible conditions.
So your child has ADHD, what now?
Remember, every child is different. And every strategy to support them, including their ADHD, should cater to the individual child specifically!
First, talk to your child about the diagnosis:
There is nothing shameful about having ADHD–it’s just a different way some brains function, but once it’s identified, you can find tools and support to help your child find ways to adapt their circumstances to how their brain works.
Keeping them involved in the discussion can help make sure they understand what is happening, make it clear that supporting them is the main goal, and allow them to be honest about their own needs. It can also help prevent shame from developing if you’re open about the diagnosis, rather than treating it as something that must be hidden away.
Educate yourself:
How does ADHD impact your child’s functioning? How can it impact their educational or social development? What should you be on the lookout for, how can you help them at home, are there accessibility accommodations you need to help them advocate for? Taking time to learn more about how ADHD presents not just in children in general, but your child specifically will help you provide more supportive care, as well as help teach your child how to advocate for their needs.
Seek professional care:
Finding a therapist who specializes in ADHD can help provide your child and your family with support, education on their diagnosis, as well as tools and skills to help them manage whatever symptoms present for them.
Finding the right strategy for your child may take trial and error, and practice and persistence. Oftentimes, strategies include a variety of solutions, from relationship building to counseling to medication to alternative treatments, or any combination of these strategies.
Here at Whole Child Neuro, we strive to help children unlock their full potential.
We provide neuropsychological evaluations, counseling, parenting support, social skills groups, educational therapy, and school placement services. We have a diverse team of experts, who have experience helping children and young adults with ADHD as they navigate through their education. We work with people throughout the Greater Los Angeles area, including our neighbors in Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, and Beverly Hills. Please, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation, and feel free to read more about our neuropsychological evaluations, counseling, educational therapy, and school placement services.