The Basics of ADHD
As school begins many parents are faced with a frequently asked question: Is my child just a distracted kid or might they have ADHD? School performance and behavior is a common concern within the first few months of the school year. To answer the question, it is first important to understand what Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a condition that can make it hard to sit still, pay attention, or make good decisions. The symptoms affect a child’s cognitive, academic, behavioral, emotional, and social functioning, and the condition often continues into adulthood. Approximately 8-10 percent of children aged 4-17 years have ADHD, making it one of the most common disorders of childhood. It is 2-4 times more common among boys.
There are 3 subtypes of ADHD: The predominantly inattentive type, the predominantly hyperactive type, and the combined type.
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
Children with ADHD will present symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and/or inattention. A child with ADHD may be excessively fidgety, overly talkative, have a hard time staying seated, blurts out answers before being called on, be easily distracted or forgetful, frequently misplacing things, and be disorganized.
When do symptoms of ADHD typically present?
Some children exhibit signs of hyperactivity at a young age, even as toddlers. The challenge of identifying ADHD at such a young age is that hyperactivity and short attention spans are developmentally appropriate for children ages 2-6. Although your child may eventually be diagnosed with ADHD, a formal diagnosis typically is not appropriate until they become a bit older.
Often times parents and teachers first notice symptoms of ADHD once the child enters school or progresses from one school year to the next.
Does ADHD solely affect school performance?
The answer is no! A child with ADHD will show deficits both in school and at home across several different teachers and guardians. A child with ADHD also often struggle with friendships, especially children with higher levels of impulsivity who might act before they think.
ADHD vs Behavioral Problems
Not all children who “act out” in school or at home have ADHD. It may be related to behavioral problems or other mental health disorders. Does your child only seem to have problems in one subject, but excels in others? Does your child only seem to have a problem with only one teacher or parent? Does your child seem overly nervous or scared compared to other children? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then ADHD may not fully explain their behavior. Other common problems that can affect school performance include problems with learning, anxiety, or trouble sleeping.
ADHD Diagnosis
To appropriately diagnose your child, it is important to schedule a consult with their pediatrician. At this visit, your pediatrician will discuss several aspects of your child’s life, in both school and at home. You will likely be given questionnaires for both parents and multiple teachers to complete. More than one visit is often necessary before a diagnosis is made. If you are debating whether to make an appointment with your child’s pediatrician, consider the following diagnostic criteria for ADHD:
- The symptoms are present in multiple settings (e.g. school and home)
- The symptoms persist for at least six months
- The symptoms are present before 12 years of age
- The symptoms impair function in academic, social, or occupational activities
- The symptoms are excessive for the age of the child
- Other mental disorders that could account for the symptoms are excluded
ADHD Treatment
Treatment is often a combination of: behavioral modification, changes in school and home, and medication. Most doctors recommend treatment. Children with untreated ADHD are more likely to have a hard time in school, become depressed, or have accidents than children under a treatment plan. Although medication may be appropriate treatment for some children, not all children with trouble in school require medication and it should not necessarily be the first line of treatment. A proper treatment plan can help you and your child manage their ADHD symptoms successfully.
We, at Gateway Pediatrics, are here to help you and your child navigate through the potential challenges of the school-aged period. We wish you all a happy and healthy school year!
About Christine Perdue, CPNP and Gateway Pediatrics, PA
Christine Perdue, CPNP is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who graduated Magna Cum Laude from Vanderbilt University in Child Development and continued there to receive her Masters of Science in Nursing. She is fluent in Spanish after working in a pediatric practice for Hispanic patients in Washington DC. She lives with her husband (Chris) and puppy (Rosie) in Salisbury.
Gateway Pediatrics is celebrating 10 years of serving newborns through 21 years of age in Salisbury, MD. Their mission is to provide quality, evidence-based pediatric care with an emphasis on individual needs. They are “The Gateway to your child’s healthy future!” Learn more at www.gatewaypediatrics.com.
