If your child has difficulty focusing, feels hyperactive, or acts impulsively, they may have an undiagnosed medical condition.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that affects both children and adults and can have a significant impact on their everyday lives if left undiagnosed or untreated. 

With the right resources and a supportive environment, children with ADHD can thrive and reach their full potential.

Let’s explore ADHD in children by discussing signs, diagnosis, and support strategies, including guidance for parents who themselves have ADHD and are raising children with the condition.

Signs of ADHD in Children

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, known as ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. 

Recognizing the signs of ADHD is the first step towards helping a child who may be struggling with the condition. 

Here are some common signs of ADHD:

• Difficulty Focusing: A child with ADHD may find it challenging to concentrate on tasks such as homework, chores, or conversations due to difficulty paying attention. They may often make careless mistakes in schoolwork, struggle to complete assignments, and tend to avoid or dislike tasks that require sustained mental effort or focus. They might also frequently lose supplies that are necessary for school or daily activities.
• Excessive Movement: Restlessness and hyperactivity are common in kids with ADHD. Hyperactivity can appear as excessive fidgeting or foot-tapping or an inability to sit still, especially in situations where stillness is expected, such as in classroom settings. 
• Impulsive Behavior: Children with ADHD tend to act impulsively, making quick decisions without stopping to consider the consequences. Children with ADHD may have difficulty waiting their turn, blurt out answers in class, and interrupt other people’s conversations. They may also impulsively spend their money or make other hasty choices.
• Forgetfulness: Forgetfulness is a common issue for children with ADHD. Your child may forget to do their homework, lose personal items, or neglect tasks they were supposed to complete.
• Difficulty Following Instructions: Children with ADHD may have trouble following instructions in school or at home, especially if the instuctions have multiple steps. 

Keep in mind that it’s not uncommon for children without ADHD to occasionally exhibit some of these behaviors. However, for a child to be diagnosed with ADHD, their symptoms should be persistent and significantly impair their daily functioning. 

Diagnosing ADHD in Children

You might suspect that you and your child have ADHD. But instead of relying on an assumption, you should opt to see a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. 

Self-diagnosing ADHD can be unreliable and can lead to mismanagement. A professional diagnosis will offer an accurate understanding of you or your child’s condition and provide appropriate treatment tailored to them and their needs, including better support and a clearer path to effective management.

Your doctor will attempt to diagnose your child by using a comprehensive assessment, including:

• Clinical Interview: Your healthcare provider will gather information about your child’s behavior and any challenges they may be facing in school or at home. The specialist will likely want to interview both you and your child to gather as much information as possible.
• Observations: Your healthcare provider may ask to observe your child’s behavior in different settings—oftentimes at home and in the classroom—to help in the diagnostic process. Teachers and other caregivers may be asked to provide input during the observation stage.
• Rating Scales: Rating scales, completed by parents, teachers, and sometimes the child themselves, can provide valuable insights into their behavior and symptoms. The Conners Scale is a common questionnaire used for assessing ADHD.
• Psychological Testing: In some cases, psychological testing may be needed to rule out other potential conditions and to gain a more complete understanding of your child’s cognitive and emotional development.

Is ADHD in Children Genetic?

If you are a parent with ADHD, you may be wondering if ADHD is genetic. 

Research suggests that genetics play a significant role in the development of ADHD; if a parent has ADHD, there is a higher likelihood that their child may also have the condition. 

While genetics isn’t the only factor that determines whether a child will have ADHD, it does contribute to the chances that a child may have ADHD. 

In addition to genetics, your child’s environmental factors and brain development also play a role in whether they develop ADHD.

Navigating ADHD as a Parent

If you are a parent with ADHD and your child has been diagnosed with the condition, it can feel challenging to stay calm, consistent, and collected in your approach to navigating ADHD for both yourself and your child.  

Remember that neither of you is alone. You can navigate it together with the support of professionals, loved ones, and a community of people who are also navigating life with ADHD.

Here are some strategies to help you navigate ADHD together as a family:

• Education: Learn as much as you can about ADHD, including free, easy-to-access online videos that are created by and for people with ADHD. Understanding the condition is the first step in managing it effectively.
• Seek Professional Help: Consult with healthcare professionals, including pediatricians, child psychologists, and psychiatrists for extra guidance and support.
• Consistent Routine: Children with ADHD often benefit from a structured daily routine. Create a schedule that includes regular meal times, homework time, and bedtime.
• Clear Expectations: Set clear and realistic expectations for your child. Be consistent in your approach to praise, discipline, and rewards.
• Medication and Therapy: Depending on the level of your child’s ADHD, your healthcare provider may discuss medication and therapy as part of the treatment plan.
• Support Groups: Consider joining support groups for parents of children with ADHD. These groups can provide a valuable network of individuals who understand the challenges that you and your family may face.

For more topics related to health and wellness, follow along with our Hospitality Health ER blog! We’ve recently covered related topics in 5 Reasons Why We Get Sick in Colder Months and Reclaiming Balance: Timeless Health Trends to Combat Burnout. For giveaways, updates, and COVID-19 tips, like us on Facebook and Instagram.