Signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder from Childhood to Adolescence

Do you think your child might have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? Do you think the symptoms differ? And no two people are alike, but there are clues at every age stage:

There are three types of ADHD:

• Hyperactivity
• Inattention
• Hyperactivity and inattention (a combination of both together).

Each has different symptoms, and they can change with age.

Hyperactivity and inattention in childhood and preschool stage:

Young children often show high motor activity. So how can you tell if someone has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?

Stephen Cuffe, MD, of the University of Florida Health, Jacksonville, says these children "run, jump, and climb on everything, cannot sit still, and talk all the time," and he says: there is always a feeling driving them toward movement.

Russell A. Barkley, PhD, of the Medical University of South Carolina, describes that people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder "simply cannot focus for long on anything,"

However, some children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can focus on things they are interested in, such as certain toys or video games.

Although you may see early warning signs, a diagnosis usually comes a bit later. A doctor can help you.

Hyperactivity and inattention in elementary school children:

Not all children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are hyperactive. But if a child has this disorder, it will show during the school-age years. You may notice other symptoms as well. They may be unable to concentrate, and may find it difficult to make good decisions or plan things. Barkley says: "What you see is a blossoming of a disorder that is more and more complex."

They may also have more trouble than other children their age with:

• Sharing
• Waiting their turn
• Letting others speak without interrupting them
• Finishing homework or chores
• Keeping track of things like homework and books

Barkley says a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can be sensitive. If something frustrates them, "you'll see that frustration show right away." If you say you might take them to a movie, they might ask about it non-stop. "If you say no, they will explode."

Because they may act without thinking things through, your child may be accident-prone.

There is no test for ADHD. Many children have some signs, but for a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, several signs must be present for at least 6 months, and they must have an impact on the child's social life and schoolwork, Cuffe says.

Once you know your child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, you and your doctor will talk about treatments. These often include medication and behavioral therapy. You may need to try different things before settling on the right treatments.

Hyperactivity and inattention in adolescence:

The hyperactivity that comes with ADHD improves with age. But other symptoms continue to create problems in many areas of life.

They may appear as:

- Disorganization and poor organization.

- Difficulty paying attention to things.

- Difficulty finishing tasks.

- Frequently losing personal belongings such as keys, wallet, sunglasses, or their cell phone.

- Difficulty holding down jobs due to motivation.

- Eating unhealthy foods.

- All teenagers can be sensitive, but a person with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may have more difficulty controlling their emotions.

- Because of the tendency toward impulsivity, a teenager with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may do risky things,

Source:

.https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/adhd-symptoms-age#1

Related links:

Similarities and Differences Between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Originally published in Arabic. This English version was produced with AI-assisted translation; the Arabic original remains the reference.