Signs Your Child Could Be Suffering from ADHD

Children can act erratically and be unpredictable under normal conditions. But when your child’s impulsivity or hyperactivity seems to be problematic, they may have a mental health condition known as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 

The first signs of this condition may become obvious during their early school years. Some adults may present with similar symptoms if they were not diagnosed during childhood. 

At Abdow Friendship Pediatrics in Rockville, Maryland, our ADHD specialists can diagnose and treat ADHD in your child. If you believe your child could have ADHD, the only way to know for sure is for them to undergo a professional evaluation. 

In the meantime, you can look for some common signs your child could be suffering from ADHD. 

Common signs your child could have ADHD

Many parents may already suspect something is amiss before problems emerge at school because ADHD affects every aspect of a child’s life. ADHD often causes a child to experience: 

• Difficulty focusing
• Trouble following instructions
• Difficulty completing tasks
• Being easily distracted 
• Being frequently forgetful

Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD is a subtype that is more common in boys than in girls. This subtype is characterized by symptoms that include: 

• Squirming and fidgeting
• Hyperactivity or boundless energy
• Inability to wait their turn 
• Frequent interruption of others during conversation
• Excessive talking 
• Impulsiveness 

The most common type of ADHD involves both hyperactivity and inattentiveness, but some subtypes may primarily involve one or the other. 

The CDC reports that ADHD is one of the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders in the U.S., affecting approximately 10% of children aged 5 through 17. 

Treating and supporting your child with ADHD

The expert medical providers at Abdow Friendship Pediatrics have the knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat the differing forms of ADHD. This often includes a combination of leading prescription medications and behavioral therapy. We also provide parents or guardians and teachers with suggestions for how they can support children for a better chance at success. 

Establish structure

Children with ADHD respond better to predictable patterns and feel secure in predictable places. A consistent routine at home and in school helps them to focus on chores, classwork, homework, and other social activities. 

Set clear expectations and boundaries

The established structure above works well when clear expectations and boundaries for behavior and activities are set. Follow a system of rewards and consequences, with emphasis on both, so they become linked with your child’s actions in their mind. 

Provide a healthy diet

Food is an important factor in any person’s health and mental state, including children with ADHD. This directly impacts behavior. A healthy diet and meal/snack schedule can help them get the right foods on the right schedule, minimizing or eliminating impulse eating and other unhealthy habits. 

Get them plenty of exercise and rest

Movement is important to boost health and concentration, as well as to promote brain development. And rest is important to recharge and rejuvenate a healthy body. A good combination of both can reduce ADHD symptoms and make you and your child’s life much better. 

Teach social skills and rules

Children with ADHD struggle with the rules of proper social behavior. Emphasize simple lessons in these skills through role-playing to help the lessons be more easily retained. 

Have you noticed any of the signs of ADHD listed above in your child? Call us at 301-468-6171 or request an appointment online to schedule an evaluation. Our experts at Abdow Friendship Pediatrics can answer your questions and help design a plan of treatment to help your child succeed.