5 Signs Your Child Could Be Suffering from ADHD

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic behavioral condition that affects about 7.1 million American children and teens. There’s no cure, but early diagnosis can help your child better manage their symptoms and reduce their risk of academic, behavioral, and emotional challenges.

At Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics, our team of experienced pediatricians specializes in ADHD treatment. We explain ADHD and highlight several common symptoms that may indicate your child is at risk.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that causes difficulty focusing, excessive movement, and impulsivity. Without treatment, it can have a significant effect on various aspects of your child’s life, including their academic performance, mental health, and ability to make friends. 

Treatment can’t cure ADHD, but it can help your child better manage their symptoms, ensuring they live a healthy and happy life.

5 signs that may indicate your child has ADHD

The severity of ADHD varies from child to child, but certain symptoms can provide helpful clues. While nothing can replace a professional evaluation, signs that warrant an appointment with your child’s physician include:

1. Inattention

All children have difficulty focusing occasionally, but if the problem is severe, ADHD may be to blame. For example, if your child regularly forgets things, avoids tasks that require sustained attention, or becomes easily distracted when they need to stay on task, identifying the underlying cause is essential. 

2. Impulsivity

Kids and adolescents have boundless energy, so it’s normal for them to speak their minds and have difficulty being patient. However, when this behavior occurs frequently, it can impact how your child’s peers view them. Impulsive behaviors like interrupting others and making quick decisions without considering the risks, merit a pediatric evaluation.

3. Hyperactivity

It takes a lot for kids to get tired, but most children and teens know their behavior must change depending on the setting. For instance, running and jumping are encouraged on the playground, but when school is in session, they need to focus and stay seated. 

Kids with ADHD may struggle to control their behavior, even if they want to, leading them to constantly fidget, talk excessively, or get out of their seats to run, jump, and climb around the classroom. 

4. Emotional outbursts 

A lesser-known symptom of ADHD is emotional outbursts. Since the condition impacts children’s ability to regulate their feelings, they may have exaggerated reactions to seemingly minor issues. For example, difficulty solving a math problem could result in an angry outburst. Or, our child might view any sort of criticism –– like instruction from their coach or teacher–– as a personal attack. 

5. Sensitivity to loud noises

Many people are averse to loud noises, such as thunder and fireworks, but ADHD can make the issue worse. For example, you may notice your child becoming overwhelmed in loud settings, like concerts or amusement parks. Similarly, they might become anxious or frustrated when they hear repetitive or annoying sounds, like chewing or clicking a pen.

We can screen your child for ADHD!

Our caring pediatricians regularly screen children and teens for developmental conditions like ADHD. If your child’s screening results indicate a possible concern, we may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.  If you’re concerned about your child’s risk, don’t wait to address your concerns. Contact Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics in Atlanta, Georgia, today. Call the office or use the online booking feature to make an appointment.