While most experts will agree that the tendency to develop Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is present from the time of birth, ADHD behaviours are often left unchecked or go unnoticed till the child enters primary school between the first to the fourth standards. Of course, the reason for the symptoms going unnoticed is due to the fact that toddlers and pre-schoolers tend to display the defining behaviours of ADHD—inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity—something that’s considered normal among children in that age group.
According to Dr Mehezabin Dordi, clinical psychologist at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, “ADHD as a condition requires a medical diagnosis. However, there are a wide range of behaviours that are associated with the disorder, namely limited attention, hyperactivity, aggression, excitability, fidgeting, hyperactivity, impulsivity, irritability, lack of restraint, or persistent repetition of words or actions, absent-mindedness, difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, anger, anxiety, boredom, excitement, or mood swings. This symptoms can often result in depression or learning disabilities.”
Dordi emphasises that signs can change as a child grows older. “There’s no single test that can tell if you or your child has ADHD,” she says. “To make a diagnosis, a doctor will assess any symptoms existing from the past six months. A checklist or a rating scale could be used to review symptoms along with a physical examination. A formal battery of psychological assessments which include but not limited to intelligence test, mood test would be conducted for the formulation of the diagnosis.”
So what are the indisputable signs that you should be aware of that can indicate your child has ADHD? Let’s review:
• Your child displays self-focused behaviour: This means, he or she has an inability to recognise other people’s needs and desires which can lead to constantly interrupting another person because he or she has trouble waiting their turn. This can also be seen as an interruption when others are engaged in conversations or games he or she is not part of.
• Your child may experience emotional turmoil: This means, a child may have trouble keeping their emotions in check. This could manifest as outbursts of anger at inappropriate times and temper tantrums in younger children. It could also result in fidgeting as a child wherein he/she will find it hard to sit still.
• Your child may have trouble playing calmly or quietly: Whether playing in a group or solo, a child with ADHD will most likely find it difficult to play quietly or engage in a calm, leisurely activity. This also extends to leaving an activity unfinished. For example, younger children might not particularly want to complete a puzzle. In older children, this extends to various arts and crafts projects, chores, or homework. A child with ADHD will inevitably move on to the next thing that catches their interest before completing the task at hand.
• You child may display a lack of focus: A clear sign your child has ADHD is a distinct lack of attention, even when directly spoken to. No matter how much they insist they have heard or understood you, they will not be able to repeat what was said. This same lack of focus means they’ll need to put in extended mental effort when it comes to classes and homework. Naturally, this means they cannot follow instructions which will lead to mistakes and carelessness.
• Your child may spend a great deal of time daydreaming: Not all children with ADHD are loud and disruptive. Some may just be quiet and a tad bit antisocial. This manifests as daydreaming, staring blankly into space, or being oblivious to what’s happening around them. This also means they’ll face a few issues with keeping track of tasks, activities, or homework, and will have trouble organising or planning for their school work. They may experience a great deal of forgetfulness.
The way forward
All children will exhibit some or more of these behaviours at some point during their formative years. This doesn’t necessarily mean they have ADHD. “Psychological as well and environmental modifications are essential to help a child with ADHD cope better,” informs Dordi. “Good treatment plans will include close monitoring of how the child is progressing, as well as making the necessary changes/modifications along the way,” she signs off.