ADHD in children: Recognizing patterns and seeking help

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a common disorder that affects children and adults. It’s characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity patterns that can interfere with daily life and development.

“Nearly all preschool-aged children often show some core behaviors or symptoms of ADHD — inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity — as part of their typical development,” says Marybeth Jones, MD, a pediatrician at Mount Nittany Health. “For children with ADHD, these symptoms and related behaviors may worsen or do not improve as they get older, and they can be more severe, persistent and disruptive to their daily functioning.”

In more structured settings or social situations, some people may assume a child is intentionally disruptive, unruly or difficult to manage and attribute these behaviors to laziness, lack of discipline or poor parenting. In most cases, these behaviors stem from a combination of various individual and environmental factors, and may represent ADHD.

ADHD signs in children

ADHD symptoms can display differently depending on the individual child, as well as their age and stage of development. Some common signs to look for include:

• Inattention: Difficulty staying focused, easily distracted, forgetful and struggling to follow instructions or complete tasks.
• Hyperactivity: Restlessness, fidgeting, excessive talking and difficulty sitting still or engaging in quiet activities.
• Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, interrupting others, having difficulty waiting for their turn and making hasty decisions.

Diagnostic process and criteria

“Early recognition and intervention is key to ensuring the best possible outcomes for your child,” says Dr. Jones, “If you have concerns about your child’s behavior or suspect they may have ADHD, don’t hesitate to reach out to a pediatrician for guidance and support.”

The diagnostic process may include a combination of the following:

• A comprehensive evaluation of the child’s medical and developmental history.
• Interviews with parents, teachers and other caregivers to gather information about the child’s behavior in different settings.
• Standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to assess the presence and severity of symptoms.
• Psychological tests evaluate cognitive abilities and executive functioning and rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child must meet specific criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). These criteria include at least six inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms that have persisted for at least six months and are inappropriate for the child’s developmental level. In some cases, your pediatrician can help complete the necessary steps of the diagnostic process. In other cases, a child psychiatrist or psychologist may need to be consulted.

Treatment for ADHD in children

For many children with symptoms and behaviors of ADHD, there are several evidence-based treatment options and support strategies available:

• Lifestyle modifications: Encouraging regular exercise, healthy eating habits, sufficient sleep, structured routines and mindfulness practices can help manage ADHD symptoms and promote overall well-being.
• Educational accommodations: Working with the child’s school to individualize supportive accommodations, such as preferential seating, extended time on tests or reduced homework load, can optimize academic success.
• Behavioral therapy: Participating in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and parent management training can help children develop coping strategies, improve organizational skills and enhance social interactions.

For school-age children diagnosed with ADHD, there is strong evidence that the addition of medication provides significant improvement in key symptoms.

Stimulant medications, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines, are the most commonly prescribed treatments for ADHD. They work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which can improve focus, reduce impulsivity and manage hyperactivity.

Non-stimulant medications may be considered for children with ADHD who experience intolerable side effects to stimulant medications, or for whom stimulant medications are not the right fit.

“ADHD is a complex disorder that can significantly impact a child’s behavior, mental health and overall development. By recognizing the common symptoms, seeking timely evaluation and implementing appropriate and supportive treatment options, parents and caregivers can help children with ADHD thrive,” says Dr. Jones.

Additional resources:

healthychildren.org: The American Academy of Pediatrics parenting website which features more resources regarding ADHD and associated medical conditions and symptoms.

Understood: The leading nonprofit empowering the 70 million people with learning and thinking differences in the U.S. These challenges, in addition to the stigma surrounding them, can leave people feeling isolated or misunderstood. Expert-designed resources for individuals with ADHD and their parents/family members are free and easy to access, so everyone can get the support they deserve.

Centre County Early Intervention (EI): Provides services to children ages birth to 3 years old who exhibit developmental delays, a medical or mental health diagnosis or the need for informed clinical opinion. Children who qualify may be eligible to receive physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, hearing therapy, vision therapy and special instruction. Each child is also provided with a Service Coordinator who can be a resource and support for the child and family. All services are provided in families’ homes or the community, are voluntary and provided at no cost, regardless of family income.

Central Intermediate Unit 10: Provides innovative and engaging services which support equitable access to educational opportunities. CIU 10 serves the educational needs of public and non-public schools in Centre, Clearfield and Clinton counties in the fields of student services, special education, education planning and technology.