Signs and symptoms of ADHD in preschool children
Children as young as three years of age can show symptoms of ADHD. Because the condition requires proactive management, it is important that you monitor any signs and symptoms of ADHD and get a diagnosis as early as possible. There are specific cues you should look for in preschool-aged children to determine whether or not the early signs and symptoms of ADHD are present.
However, it is important to note that a definitive diagnosis can be difficult to make in very young children. In most cases, early signs and symptoms will be monitored as the child moves into grade school, at which time it is likely that definitive patterns will emerge that will make a proper diagnosis easier to reach.
Early Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
The following behavioral patterns may indicate that your child could have ADHD:
- An inability to sit still when required to
- A tendency to run around or climb in situations where such behavior is not appropriate
- Delayed ability to walk
- Balance or vision problems during early childhood
- Difficulty following directions, even simple ones
- Difficulty controlling impulses
- A tendency to become angry easily
- A tendency to lash out at or hit other children
- Interrupting conversations or other children during game play
- Difficulty waiting to be called on, or waiting his or her turn during a game or activity
- A high level of energy accompanied with a low threshold for assessing danger
- Constant movement, and an inability to focus on a single activity for more than a few minutes
These symptoms will typically continue into the child’s school-aged years, at which time he or she will likely develop a tendency to blurt out answers in class, talk excessively, or be generally disruptive during lessons. Because impulse control is a definitive symptom of ADHD, disciplinary measures will generally fail to curb these types of behaviors. Many times, parents become aware of the possibility that their child has ADHD through reports from the child’s teacher.
Diagnostic Criteria for ADHD
The presence of the aforementioned symptoms does not necessarily mean that your child has ADHD or will develop ADHD. Keep in mind that in order for a child to be diagnosed with ADHD, the following criteria must be met:
- Symptoms must have started prior to the age of five
- Symptoms must be present on a continuous basis for a period of at least six months
- Multiple symptoms from either the “predominantly hyperactive” or the “predominantly inattentive” ADHD subtype must be observed
If your child continues to show signs and symptoms of ADHD, or if the symptoms become increasingly intense as the child gets older, speak to your family doctor. Being proactive about diagnosis and treatment is the best way to keep symptoms under control and help your child enjoy a normal, active and productive childhood.