How can I tell if my son or daughter has ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood , affecting approximately 5% of school-aged children. Although it is often considered a disorder exclusive to childhood and adolescence, the reality is that it can persist throughout life.
ADHD is characterized by three core symptoms: inattention , hyperactivity , and impulsivity . Depending on the predominant symptoms, we refer to it as inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, or combined presentation.
Inattention
People with ADHD exhibit some of the most common characteristics of inattention:
- They have difficulty maintaining attention and concentration on a sustained basis.
- They have difficulty remembering and following instructions.
- They are easily distracted by external stimuli.
- They have difficulty organizing tasks and activities.
- They frequently forget everyday activities.
- They lose items.
- They avoid tasks that require sustained mental effort.
These symptoms sometimes lead to difficulties in personal relationships.
Hyperactivity
People with ADHD exhibit some of the most common characteristics of hyperactivity:
- They have excessive motor activity, with continuous and nervous movements.
- They have difficulty sitting still.
- They have difficulty regulating their behavior, even in inappropriate situations or contexts.
Impulsivity
This refers to the inability to inhibit both behavioral and cognitive impulses, taking into account the person's developmental level or age. People with ADHD may exhibit some of the characteristics of impulsivity:
- They make mistakes in tasks due to haste or omission.
- They talk excessively.
- They are impatient.
- They have difficulty waiting their turn.
- They interrupt frequently.
- They make socially inappropriate statements.
Impulsivity is also undoubtedly linked to risk-taking. It's important to keep in mind that the intent to harm is not a characteristic of the disorder.
Mindfulness to improve the symptoms of children and adolescents with ADHD
Warning signs according to age
ADHD is usually diagnosed when children start school, around age 6 or 7, especially when they begin to experience difficulties adjusting to school. This is when it's easier to identify some of the signs that might lead us to suspect our child has ADHD.
Once the diagnosis has been made, it is necessary to establish treatment, the objective of which is to improve attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity, and avoid complications associated with the disorder.
How to know if my child has a learning disorder
Warning signs vary depending on age:
Preschool age
- They're like tornadoes when they start walking.
- They are always on the move and constantly throwing things around.
- They have an insatiable curiosity.
- They have a fearless attitude and see no danger.
- They have difficulty accepting the rules.
- Their games tend to be more aggressive, and their demands are frequent and noisy.
- They constantly interrupt.
- They exhibit frequent and intense tantrums.
School age
- Notes in the diary are frequent.
- They often don't finish their homework, and it's poorly organized and full of mistakes.
- In class they speak impulsively, answering before the question is finished.
- They show aggression and have difficulty accepting rules.
- At home, he has difficulty performing tasks, although his performance improves with supervision.
- In their relationship with the group, they tend to be bossy and dominant people.
- They don't respect the game's turns.
- They are active people and prone to accidents.
- The school report contains phrases such as "is easily distracted", "often interrupts the class", etc.
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