Does my child have ADHD?
Does my child have ADHD? Or is this just normal behaviour for their age? Will they grow out of it? Should I get my child assessed for ADHD?
These are all questions you may have found yourself grappling with as a parent. It can be really tricky to figure out if the challenges that your child is facing are just normal developmental milestone, or whether it may be a sign that they need some further assessment and support.
Isn’t every kid easily distracted?
To some extent, all ADHD behaviours are normal/typical. All children (and adults) can be forgetful at times, can get distracted, have trouble concentrating etc.
The difference is in the details. An acronym that you might find helpful to use is FIDO- Frequency, Impact, Duration and Onset.
Yes all children can be easily distracted from time to time. However, consider the the following questions when you think about your child’s behaviours:
Are the behaviours occurring at a frequency that would be considered excessive? If so, you would probably respond that behaviours are occurring “often” or “very often”. Frequency also relates to the number of symptoms present. To meet the criteria for ADHD, children will be displaying six or more symptoms of ADHD (specific symptoms explored in later section)
Are the behaviours causing a significant impact on your child’s academic or social functioning? For example, are the behaviours causing them to have trouble with their learning at school? Are they frequently getting in trouble with teachers for being distracted? Are they having trouble forming social connections with peers? Is it causing difficulties getting along with family members at home?
Has the behaviour been a problem for a long period of time (duration)? For ADHD to be plausible, the behaviours would have been present for a period of 6 months or more.
Were these behaviour present from an early age (onset)? For ADHD to be plausible, the behaviours are expected to have been present before age 12.
Ok- so what actually is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. It is characterised by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. In this blog post, we will explore the diagnostic criteria for ADHD according to the DSM-5 and discuss the common symptoms that parents should be aware of.
DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for ADHD:
The DSM-5, which is the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides specific criteria for diagnosing ADHD. According to the DSM-5, there are three subtypes of ADHD:
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: This subtype is characterized by a pattern of inattention without significant hyperactivity-impulsivity.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: This subtype is characterized by a pattern of hyperactivity-impulsivity without significant inattention.
Combined Presentation: This subtype is characterized by a pattern of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, an child must exhibit a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that significantly interferes with functioning or development, as evidenced by at least six of the following symptoms for children up to age 16 (five for individuals 17 and older) for at least six months to a degree that is inconsistent with developmental level and that negatively impacts directly on social and academic/occupational activities:
Inattention symptoms may include:
Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities
Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace
Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities
Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
Is often forgetful in daily activities
Hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms may include:
Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet or squirms in seat
Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected
Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate
Often unable to play or engage in leisure activities quietly
Is often "on the go," acting as if "driven by a motor"
Often talks excessively
Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed
Often has difficulty waiting their turn
Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)
Other criteria for diagnosis include:
Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were present before age 12 years.
Several symptoms are present in two or more settings (e.g., at home, school, or work; with friends or relatives; in other activities).
There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, academic, or occupational functioning.
The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder and are not better explained by another mental disorder (e.g., mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, personality disorder, substance intoxication, or withdrawal).
It's important to note that the symptoms of ADHD can vary widely among individuals and may change over time. Additionally, many children may exhibit some of these behaviors at various times during their development, so it's essential to consider the frequency, intensity, and duration of these symptoms when evaluating whether a child may have ADHD.
Symptoms of ADHD in Children:
Recognizing the symptoms of ADHD in children is crucial for early intervention and support. While every child is unique and may display a combination of symptoms, some common signs of ADHD in children include:
Inattention:
Difficulty paying attention to details and making careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities.
Trouble staying focused on tasks or activities, especially those that are repetitive or require sustained mental effort.
Forgetfulness, such as losing items necessary for tasks or activities.
Hyperactivity:
Constantly fidgeting, tapping hands or feet, or squirming in their seat.
Difficulty staying seated, especially in situations where it's expected.
Running or climbing excessively, even in inappropriate situations.
Impulsivity:
Acting without thinking, leading to accidents or injuries.
Interrupting others during conversations or activities.
Difficulty waiting for their turn in games or group situations.
Emotional and Behavioral Challenges:
Impatience and difficulty waiting for things they want.
Emotional outbursts, temper tantrums, or mood swings.
Difficulty following rules and instructions.
Academic and Social Difficulties:
Poor academic performance despite the child's intelligence and ability.
Trouble making and keeping friends due to impulsive or disruptive behaviors.
Difficulty completing tasks and staying organized.
It's important to remember that not all children with ADHD will exhibit all of these symptoms, and the severity of symptoms can vary. Additionally, some symptoms may be more prominent in certain settings, such as at home versus at school.
Conclusion:
ADHD can significantly impact a child's academic performance, social relationships, and overall well-being. By understanding the diagnostic criteria and symptoms of ADHD, parents can better recognize the signs in their children and seek appropriate evaluation and support. Early intervention, including behavioral therapy, educational accommodations, and, in some cases, medication, can make a significant difference in managing ADHD symptoms and helping children thrive. If you suspect that your child may have ADHD, it's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan. With the right support and resources, children with ADHD can learn to manage their symptoms and succeed in school and life.
Want to talk it through?
Peppermint Psychology offers one off assessment intake sessions, where you can be supported to talk through your concerns and determine whether assessment would be beneficial. You will be advised at the end of the session about whether assessment is recommended, what kind of assessment is recommended, and a quote of the overall cost and sessions involved. Peppermint Psychology understands that assessments can be a costly endeavour for families, and therefore the option to split payments over sessions is available. There is never any pressure to go ahead with assessment after the intake session if you aren’t quite ready, or just want more time to think it through.