ADHD in Children
Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have difficulties concentrating on a single task or sitting still. Early diagnosis and treatment of ADHD can help a child manage symptoms and do better in school.
At Children’s Health, we work hard to understand a child’s ADHD – and how the family sees it. We look at different aspects of your child’s health to help them grow up and get on track toward a fulfilling life.
What is Pediatric ADHD?
ADHD is a neurological condition, which means that it has to do with how the brain works. The front part of our brain controls executive function skills, like planning and paying attention. A child with ADHD may face challenges with these skills.
ADHD symptoms usually start before age 12 and may be noticeable as early as age three. Symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe.
Both boys and girls can have ADHD, but it is diagnosed more in boys. Children who have trouble focusing (inattentive) may be less likely to get diagnosed than those who can’t sit still (hyperactive).
Children with ADHD often have a higher risk of learning disabilities, and they may have trouble making friends. If they can stay attentive while they are growing up and learn important academic and social skills, they can start adulthood well prepared.
What are the different types of Pediatric ADHD?
There are three main types of ADHD in children:
Predominantly inattentive presentation
A child with this type of ADHD has a hard time focusing and following through on things.
Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation
A child with this type of ADHD has a hard time being still and patient.
Combined presentation
A child with combined presentation ADHD has symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD.
What are the signs and symptoms of ADHD in Children?
The symptoms of pediatric ADHD vary, depending on a child’s age and the type of ADHD they have.
Predominantly inattentive
Children who have predominantly inattentive ADHD may:
Overlook details
Have their attention wander from activities or tasks
Have trouble following instructions or finishing schoolwork, chores or other tasks
Seem not to be listening, even when spoken to directly
Appear easily distracted and forgetful
Face challenges organizing tasks and activities
Make careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work or in other activities
Avoid or dislike tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time, including schoolwork
Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive
Children who have predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD may:
Be constantly moving and “on the go”
Have a hard time waiting their turn
Interrupt or intrude on others’ activities or conversations
Leave their seat or squirm in place, even when asked to stay still
Blurt out an answer before someone is done asking a question
Talk too much
Have trouble being quiet when playing or doing an activity
Tap or fidget with their hands and feet
Run around or climb in situations when it’s not appropriate
How is Pediatric ADHD diagnosed?
Parents or teachers often refer children to our team. To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child must have symptoms for at least six months, and the symptoms must occur in different settings, such as at home and school.
To diagnose ADHD, we work closely with children and their families to do a complete cognitive evaluation. During this evaluation, we will use age-appropriate games and activities to look at your child’s ability to pay attention. We will also assess whether they have any learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, that might not have been noticed before.
We also use psychometric tests, such as Conner’s rating scale, which asks questions about a child’s social, behavioral and academic experiences. Other tests can assess a child's degree of attention or impulse control. We take the time to do full evaluations and to get an in-depth understanding of the child – and of the family's perspective of what the issues are.
What are the causes of ADHD?
The exact causes of ADHD aren’t fully understood. The condition tends to run in families and may be inherited. A stressful environment may help trigger ADHD in a child, and research suggests that some toxic exposures, including lead, may play a role.
How is ADHD in Children treated?
Although treatment cannot cure ADHD, it can help manage symptoms. At Children’s Health℠, we work with families to support kids with this condition in several ways.
First, we work with families on making the home and school environments predictable and supportive. At home, a child with ADHD may need consistent routines and good sleep habits. At school, a child may need accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act to help create an environment that can support attention and foster self-esteem.
Second, we work with each family to provide the most useful treatment, such as helping a child develop social skills or referring them for counseling for behavioral concerns. We try to be sure that children limit screen time and get as much physical activity as they need.
Third, once the environment and therapeutics are in place, we may consider carefully adding needed medications, if the family feels that this approach would be useful.
Overall, our team will partner closely with your family and child to help you decide what steps to take so that your child can acquire the social and academic skills that they need while growing up.
ADHD in Children Doctors and Providers
Our team includes child psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, nurse managers and neurologists.
