Children with ADHD

Parents want their children to have as much as possible, so when behavioral problems seem to be holding them back, parents need answers as to why.

Then there’s the common question: What’s the difference between children with ADHD and normal, active kids?

Just because a 10-year-old would rather be outside on a nice day instead of studying Sanskrit and calculus doesn’t mean he or she has ADHD.  Not being able to sit still or acting out constantly in any situation might mean it could be.

Signs of ADHD Behavior

Only a healthcare professional can make the diagnosis. However, it’s important to know that children with ADHD will often exhibit certain behavior that is not normal for a healthy, active child.

• A child without ADHD might interrupt occasionally, but a hyperactive one will do it regularly.
• It’s normal for children to want to jump in some leaves instead of raking them, but children with ADHD won’t be able to concentrate long enough to finish a simple math quiz.
• Many children will have trouble sitting still after eating tons of sugar, but children with ADHD are in constant motion, even without the aid of sugar or caffeine.
• Kids might sometimes over-do it when talking with their friends, but children with ADHD often can’t stop talking.
• A child often needs be told several times to finish something, while children with ADHD have trouble finishing even the simplest of tasks.

If your child gets a little wild sometimes, it could be normal. If he or she always seems to have a motor running at full bore, it could be ADHD.

If your child can’t meet reasonable, age-appropriate expectations of behavior in certain circumstances, it might be time to have him or her tested for ADHD. It is important to know that only a trained healthcare professional can made an ADHD diagnosis.

Sometimes it’s ADHD. Sometimes, they’re just being kids.

Learn more about how ADHD is diagnosed.

Know which doctors can treat and diagnose ADHD.