Hyperactive disorders seems to be more and more common, and there is much more talk about it in todays world. Are you concerned that your child may be too hyperactive and may have a condition that needs medical attention? Almost every child these days will have times when they seem hyperactive. The good news is that it is perfectly normal for children to be nervously wound up and excited. However, for about one out of twenty children under the age of twelve, there exists a condition which causes them to be so hyperactive and easily distracted that they will need medical attention. Physicians call this condition ADHD, which stands for “attention deficit hyperactivity disorder”. Here are some signs of ADHD.
Children that are experiencing ADHD have a tendency to always be moving around a great deal, will have trouble sleeping, and is not able to sit still for more than a few minutes at a time. These children are usually very easily distracted and often act on impulse. They also have a very hard time paying attention or listening to events that are going on around them.
If your child is a toddler then you may worry that she is showing signs of [tag-ice]hyperactivity[/tag-ice], but if you compare her to other children her age then you will see that she is normal. If your child were to have true hyperactivity, then she would be noticeably more excessive in her behavior. Children with ADHD have excitability levels that are higher, their distraction problems are more severe, and they never seem to calm down from one day to the next.
Children with [tag-cat]ADHD[/tag-cat] are as equally intelligent as the other kids but appear to be slow learners. The reason for this is because their condition causes them to loose concentration quickly while not being able to follow instructions to completion. They tend to be more emotional, more demanding, and extremely disobedient, more so than other kids their age.
All of this behavior typically remains immature well throughout their childhood years which causes problems at school and with friends. It is not uncommon for these children to get in trouble with the law at an early age. Without the care and treatment that these kids need, their lives can remain out of their control well into their adult years as well.
Finding the source of severe hyperactivity can be hard to do, especially since nobody knows exactly what causes this condition. Whatever the source of hyperactivity, the manner in which the child is raised and disciplined seems to have an effect on how severe the disorder becomes. Parents who have raised children with ADHD to grow up to be healthy young adults were noted as being emotionally healthy themselves, practiced [tag-tec]discipline[/tag-tec] with gentle firmness, and were unconditional with their love for the children.
What are the common signs of ADHD in children?
Children with ADHD tend to be in constant motion, have trouble sleeping, and cannot sit still for more than a few minutes at a time. They are easily distracted, often act on impulse, and have a very hard time paying attention to what is happening around them. Unlike normal childhood restlessness, children with ADHD show these patterns consistently from one day to the next at a level noticeably higher than other children their age.
How is ADHD different from normal childhood hyperactivity?
Most children have moments of high energy and excitement — that is completely normal. With ADHD, the hyperactivity and distraction are much more severe and persistent. A child with ADHD does not calm down in the way other children do, their excitability is noticeably greater, and the pattern continues regardless of the setting. About one in twenty children under twelve experiences this level of difficulty, which is when it becomes something worth discussing with a doctor.
Does ADHD affect a child’s intelligence or ability to learn?
Children with ADHD are just as intelligent as their peers. The challenge is that the condition causes them to lose concentration quickly and struggle to follow instructions through to completion. This can make them appear to be slower learners when the real issue is attention and focus, not ability. With the right support and structure, children with ADHD can absolutely thrive.
What role does parenting play when a child has ADHD?
While ADHD is not caused by parenting, how a child is raised can influence how manageable the disorder becomes. Parents who raised children with ADHD into healthy young adults tended to be emotionally steady themselves, used discipline with gentle firmness, and offered unconditional love. Consistent routines, clear expectations, and a calm home environment can make a meaningful difference in a child’s day-to-day experience.
