5 common signs of ADHD in children

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological and behavioural disorder, with symptoms often expressed early during childhood development. Here are 5 common signs of ADHD in children.

A child suffering from ADHD has excessive energy exceeding that of a typical active, unruly toddler or pre-schooler. Children who never seem to tire, fidget constantly and engage in strange behaviour – like pulling items off shelves, talking incessantly and stopping only through utter exhaustion or need for sleep – are potentially displaying signs of ADHD.

Routine is necessary for children with ADHD, as without it they spin out of control. At the same time, small changes in established routines can also lead to strong reactions, as children with ADHD generally find adapting to change very difficult.

By the time ADHD children enter elementary school, their inattentiveness becomes more complex, impacting social and academic skills. They become disruptive in class, unable to manage time or finish tasks, and often wantonly violate rules. Many doctors believe that a key feature of ADHD in children is an impaired working memory that is linked to their inattentiveness.

ADHD children are often impatient, especially in classroom settings where waiting their turn in group activities becomes a near impossible exercise. Playing games with other children invariably becomes a solitary affair due to an inability to share. Signs of erratic behaviour may appear as early as the toddler stage, sometimes taking the form of significantly exaggerated temper tantrums.

Children with ADHD typically struggle to keep their emotions in check and can react severely when they don't get their way. If excessive emotional outbursts continue between ages 5 and 7 – during the "executive control" stages of development, when children are typically much calmer – it is often a red flag for the disorder.

Many children with ADHD are diagnosed after a combination of signs manifest for at least six months, typically with the child's academic and social activities severely affected. Fortunately, treatment options are available, often involving medication and behavioural therapy.