What's ADHD? Hyperactive Infants, Toddlers, Children, and Teens
Many restless children who cause difficulties for adults in kindergarten or school are now often called hyperactive. However, high activity and tirelessness alone are not enough to diagnose a child with ADHD. ADHD is an attention disorder accompanied by significant motor and emotional restlessness, as well as increased impulsivity.A child with ADHD struggles with willpower and can usually focus only on activities they find enjoyable. However, even finding such an activity and maintaining concentration on it for long periods is challenging. As a result, they might turn over all the cabinets and toy boxes searching for what they want to play with, never making a choice or finishing a single game.
Children with ADHD are not mentally retarded, though they frequently need understanding, support, and psychological help. Like any other child, a child with ADHD wants to be loved, happy, and successful.
Parents and teachers/educators should keep these characteristics in mind and provide specific support:
- Ensure the child has a quiet, peaceful workspace, away from the TV and unnecessary noise. It's best if family members do not frequently pass by and distract them.
- Keep educational talks short. The child will likely not be able to listen until the end. For a child with ADHD, it is better to establish simple and clear rules and routines, which they can learn more quickly than through lengthy explanations.
- Avoid giving tasks that are too complex. Typically, they can only complete what genuinely interests them. Use this to boost their self-esteem, and praise them for each completed task.
- Statements like "I will not do this again" or "I promise to behave" are not effective for a child with ADHD. Don't force them to make such promises—they won't be able to keep them and may feel inconsistent or guilty. Instead, use the Rule of One Habit: the child promises one specific action (e.g., putting shoes away when coming home). Don’t move on to a new habit until the first one is firmly established.
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Signs of Hyperactivity
According to statistics, ADHD is observed in 3%–5% of American children, being more common among boys than girls.
While early signs may be present even in infancy, a final diagnosis of ADHD can usually be made between the ages of 7 and 12.The main challenge in diagnosis is that the most reliable method is to interview several adults from different areas of the child's life: parents, close relatives, teachers, and caregivers. If all these respondents notice certain signs, then a child psychologist or psychotherapist can diagnose ADHD. Only a specialist can confirm whether your child has ADHD, so don't jump to conclusions based solely on isolated signs.
ADHD syndrome includes three core features: inattention, hyperactivity or excessive movement, and impulsivity.
Main Symptoms of ADHD in Children
Age 1.5 to 5 years
- Frequently switches activities and games; rarely spends more than 3 minutes on any one thing. Abandons activities before finishing and begins another; often doesn’t respond when called by name (inattention).
- Exceptionally ("hyper") energetic.
- Has difficulty understanding what is dangerous and what is not; when caught by a strong impulse, does not notice adults calling or warning about danger (impulsivity).
- Can focus on one task for up to 10 minutes; has trouble organizing self; often loses small items such as pencils and pens (inattention).
- Finds it extremely difficult or impossible to remain quiet during a "quiet hour," performances, or lessons (hyperactivity).
- Frequently interrupts adults and peers, cannot wait for the end of a question before answering, often comes across as intrusive (impulsivity).
For example, play "Robots": ask your child to answer questions (such as "What is this?", "What color is it?", or "What day is it today?") but only after you say the command "Speak." Then swap roles with your child.
Teenagers
- Restless—rarely sits still for more than 30 minutes; poorly organized, does things at the last minute, loses small belongings or clothing items (inattention).
- Generalized anxiety and fidgetiness are common (hyperactivity).
- Low self-control; says or does things they later regret, easily hurt by things others would ignore (impulsivity).
ADHD is not a sign of misbehavior or whimsy—it is a genuine condition that can cause significant challenges. Parents should accept their child as they are and help them adapt, teaching them how to learn, live, and develop tolerance for themselves and others.