Recognizing Signs of ADHD in Your Child

As a parent, you know your child best. By the time a child reaches age seven parents are usually already aware of their impulsiveness, hyperactivity, or inattentiveness. Noticing these symptoms in your child may warrant a qualified diagnosis.

Children as young as age four can be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, and medications can help ease your child’s symptoms so they can focus and reach their potential. 

ADHD is one of the most common childhood disorders, impacting close to 10% of children. At Wellness Road Psychology psychologist Philip Glickman, PsyD, and Jaime Karia, LCSW offers individualized treatment for children and adults with ADHD.

Children who participate in treatment for ADHD often report improvements in academic achievements and a boost in self-esteem. Through a safe environment and a comprehensive treatment plan, we can help your child function better at school, home, and in social situations.

Signs of ADHD in children

ADHD is more than merely fidgeting. Symptoms can significantly impact your child’s daily life and development. Children with ADHD may have trouble listening, letting others talk, finishing chores, or focusing on schoolwork. They may act without thinking, have a hard time keeping track of belongings and might be accident-prone.

Issues such as blurting out answers in the classroom and veering off-topic can cause your child to struggle in school. But when are these typical behaviors or a sign of ADHD? 

Only a qualified medical professional can evaluate and diagnose symptoms of ADHD. If you notice your child displaying symptoms of ADHD, it’s wise to contact Dr. Glickman for an evaluation. Some general signs of ADHD in children include:

• Trouble starting tasks
• Issues sitting quietly
• Lack of focus
• Forgetfulness
• Accident-prone
• Trouble finishing tasks
• Problems waiting turn
• Inattentive symptoms

Some children may have symptoms that are hyperactive, inattentive or both. Children with inattentive ADHD may have the following signs:

• Forgetfulness
• Lack of attention to detail
• Trouble holding attention
• Weak ability to listen
• Easily distracted
• Prone to daydreaming
• Loses track of things
• Difficulty getting organized
• Problems following instructions

Inattentiveness in children is associated with poor academic performance. Dr. Glickman is trained to identify symptoms of inattentiveness in children.

Hyperactivity symptoms

Children with hyperactive ADHD symptoms experience a wide array of symptoms that can make it difficult for them to perform at their best. These symptoms include:

• Poor impulse control
• Weak planning ability
• Restlessness
• Poor time management skills
• Problems focusing on a task
• Low-stress tolerance

Children with hyperactive symptoms tend to stand out more than children whose symptoms are mostly inattentive. Some children meet the criteria for inattentive and hyperactive ADHD.

Diagnosing and treating ADHD

It’s natural to feel concerned if your child has symptoms of ADHD. With the right treatment plan, children with ADHD can function normally and reach their potential. 

Dr. Glickman uses your child’s medical history, in-person observation, a discussion of symptoms, and relevant information from teachers and yourself as the parent. This information may be used along with questionnaires and neuropsychological testing.

In-depth evaluation offers insight into your child’s strengths and weaknesses and helps identify the best ways to help your child manage his symptoms. 

Help for your child’s ADHD symptoms is just a phone call away. Visit our website to schedule a consultation with a Wellness Road Psychology provider. We have locations in Dobbs Ferry and New York City and offer in-person, online, and phone therapy sessions.