Recognizing ADHD in toddlers

July 31^st, 2018

Does your child have attention deficit hyperactive disorder also known as ADHD? It’s not always easy to tell, since toddlers tend to have difficulty paying attention in general.

But ADHD is more than just typical toddler behavior. The condition can extend beyond toddler age to affect teens and even adults. This is why it’s important to recognize signs of ADHD in early childhood.

Read on for a checklist of symptoms to watch out for.

Is it ADHD?

Toddler-aged children from 2 to 3 years old can display symptoms of ADHD.

The three main signs of the condition in kids over age 3:

Inattention
Hyperactivity
Impulsivity

These behaviors also occur in children without ADHD. Your child won’t be diagnosed with the condition unless symptoms continue for more than six months and affect their ability to participate in age-appropriate activities. Great care needs to be taken in diagnosing a child under 5 with ADHD, particularly if medication is being considered.

Activities that indicate ADHD

- Inability to focus on one activity
- Difficulty listening as a result of distraction
- Being overly fidgety and squirmy
- Having an inability to sit still for calm activities like eating and having books read to them
- Running from toy to toy, or constantly being in motion
- Having difficulty controlling their emotions
- Agressive behavior when playing
- Overly bold behavior
- Inability to hop on one foot by age 4

If you are feeling dubious about your child’s behavior, don’t guess — consult a specialist

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