ADHD in Children: How to Know When to Test

Your child has boundless energy, which is actually pretty typical.

Your child has boundless energy, which is actually pretty typical. But what if that boundless energy prevents him or her from following simple directions or finishing easy tasks? You may have a nagging suspicion that it could be something other than typical childhood ants-in-the-pants, such as ADHD. There are a few key factors you should look at before you reach for the meds.

What Warning Signs Do You See?

Not all children who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are actually hyperactive. That said, two of the most notable symptoms of ADHD are hyperactivity and impulsivity. Other symptoms may include difficulty paying attention, completing tasks, following directions, taking turns, remembering things, or sitting still. Now, you may be thinking that all of those things are just regular symptoms of being a kid. The important thing to ask is: Are these things interfering with my child’s ability to function?

Are There Other Developmental Difficulties?

If your child is just generally immature, it is likely he or she will just grow out of it at their own pace. However, if you notice marked delays in motor, language, or other basic skills, it may be time to talk to your pediatrician. These could be signs of ADHD, or another learning disability. The sooner these conditions are identified, the better the outcomes are for the children. Also, ADHD tends to run in families, so if you or someone in your immediate family has it you should let your pediatrician know. The earlier ADHD and other learning delays are caught, the better.

What Type of School Are They In?

The type of school program your child is in can also affect when he or she should be tested. Different children react differently to situations. In any case, you should give your child a three to six month transition period to adjust to any big changes in their routine. If it has been a while and there are still issues, try making some small adjustments. Simply changing his or her seat to sit near the front of the classroom may be all that is needed.

Are They Falling Behind?

If you notice that your child is starting to fall behind, you should talk to your pediatrician right away. All kids have different things that they are good at, but if your child seems to be getting left behind often by their classmates, you should talk to someone. Some other indicators include:

Lagging socially or academically
Unsafe behavior
Constantly needing to be reprimanded

Waiting too long to diagnose ADHD can lead to other mental health problems. If you see something, say something. You are your child’s biggest advocate.

Suspect Your Child has ADHD? Talk to us.

Family Service Foundation, Inc. has been serving the greater Maryland area since 1936. This nonprofit organization helps Maryland residents across a span of different areas such as mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse, and provides interpretation for deaf and deaf-blind individuals. To learn more about ADHD treatment, visit here. Do you “Follow” and “Like?” Be sure to stay active on our official pages for Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest today!

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FSF is licensed by: Maryland’s Developmental Disabilities Administration, Maryland’s Developmental Disabilities Administration, Maryland’s Mental Health Administration, The Rehabilitation Services Administration, and Montgomery County. FSF is recognized by the Internal Revenue Services as a 501(c)(3), Not-For-Profit Agency. Financial Information and public records can easily be obtained on the Internet through www.guidestar.com or by contacting our main office at 301-459-2121.