ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common disorders experienced by children across the world. Depending on the age of the child, ADHD can lead to low self-esteem, learning delays, poor social skills, lack of motivation, and even substance abuse. Fortunately, all is not lost because different treatments are available for children who are suffering from ADHD.
Before deciding which treatment to use, it’s vital that you accurately diagnose your child first. Your observation, along with diagnoses from professionals such as Direct Focus Solutions, can help you determine whether or not your child has ADHD. Here are some of the most common ADHD signs to look out for:
- They Exhibit Self-Focused Behavior
Observe your children while they are playing with their peers. Are they sharing their toys with other kids? Or do they isolate themselves from the others and keep their toys to themselves? If your child displays the latter, be wary. Inability to recognize other people’s desires or needs is one of the most common symptoms of ADHD.
- They’re Fond Of Interrupting Other People
Over time, self-focused behavior might cause your child to interrupt other people while they are talking, or they butt into games which they’re not initially part of. Children with ADHD usually exhibit this behavior with their peers but can also happen when they are surrounded by adults.
- They Have Trouble Waiting For Their Turn
Children who are suffering from ADHD usually have trouble waiting for their turn. Regardless if it’s during playtime or classroom activities, children with ADHD don’t have the patience to wait. In worse cases, they would inflict pain upon themselves just so they can get the attention of the people around them.
- They Experience Emotional Turmoil
It’s common for children to be emotional. This is especially true for children who still can’t communicate well. However, when you’ve noticed your child having angry outbursts or tantrums during inappropriate times, that’s another story. Children with ADHD will usually have trouble managing and controlling their emotions. They would often display excessive emotions even when the situation doesn’t call for it.
- They Exhibit Fidgety Behavior
Children with ADHD will have uncontrollable behavior. Even if they are alone in a room, they would try to get up, run around, and fidget. Whenever they are instructed to stay in their seats, they would usually wriggle around.
- They Have Problems Playing Quietly
Because of fidgety behavior, children with ADHD will have a hard time playing quietly. Regardless if they’re playing on their own or with their peers, it’ll be tough for them to remain calm and silent.
- They Have A Lot Of Unfinished Tasks
Children with ADHD will show interest in different things and take the time to start different projects, but will lose the motivation to finish one. For example, they might be hyped up to start a specific chore or homework, but would immediately hop into another even before finishing the first one.
- They Have A Hard Time Focusing
It’ll be hard for children with ADHD to learn because they have difficulty in focusing. Even if someone is speaking in front of them, children with ADHD will not pay any attention to the speaker. They would tell you that they heard the instructions given to them, but may not be able to repeat any word you just said.
- They Would Avoid Tasks Which Will Require Mental Effort
Because children with ADHD lack focus, they would often avoid activities that will require mental effort. This includes doing their homework or paying attention in class.
- They Would Always Commit Mistakes Even With Simple Or Repeated Tasks
As mentioned, children with ADHD will lack the focus to accomplish projects and listen to instructions. Because of this, they will commit mistakes even with simple tasks or repeated instructions. This is especially true for tasks that require planning and execution of a specific plan.
- They Are Usually Daydreaming
Children with ADHD aren’t always loud. Another sign of ADHD among children is being less involved with their peers and being quiet. On the other side of the spectrum, children who are often daydreaming, staring into space, and ignoring what’s going on around them may also have ADHD.
Ask For Professional Help
Once you’ve ticked the signs presented in this article, immediately ask for professional help. Scout for rehabilitation centers in your area and get treatment as soon as possible. Your child will recover from ADHD faster once they are diagnosed and treated early.
