Preschool ADHD
ADHD symptoms can be noticed in preschoolers.
Although most children will not be diagnosed with ADHD until they are 7 years old, there are often signs of ADHD well before then. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is considered to be a chronic, lifelong disorder. Even so, there are steps that you can take to help your child manage it. In this article, I’ll walk through the signs of ADHD in preschoolers and what to do if you suspect your child has ADHD.
How early can ADHD be diagnosed?
ADHD can be diagnosed as early as 4 years old according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Most children are not diagnosed until later when they enter formal schooling, as that is when more of the signs become more apparent.
What are the signs of ADHD in preschoolers?
Hyperactivity is the most accurate sign of ADHD in younger kids. Research has found that signs of hyperactivity extend to as young as kids who are 3 years old. Signs of hyperactivity may include a high activity level, frequent fidgeting, excessive running and climbing that may result in accidents, interrupting adults, and frequently talking.
Inattention or distractibility is not a great predictor of children who have ADHD. These symptoms are often more difficult to detect in children and the assessment of them is not reliable until children enter school.
Children who show these early signs of hyperactivity/impulsivity that are greater than other children often continue to meet criteria for ADHD. This means that a diagnosis of ADHD that a child receives at 4 years old is often reliable and can be considered an accurate diagnosis if done by a trained professional.
It can be difficult to know if the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity you are seeing are signs of a potential disorder, or if they are typical child behavior. The only way to know is by getting an assessment by a trained mental health provider. They will be able to compare your child’s behavior to other children with and without ADHD.
What should I do if I’m concerned my child may have ADHD?
Bring up your concerns with your child’s pediatrician. They are often a good starting point for helping you to know if your child’s behaviors are typical or if they are outside of normal limits. If your pediatrician suspects ADHD, they may have you fill out some forms to determine if you child does have greater symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity than other kids. They may also refer your child to a psychologist for a psychological evaluation to determine ADHD.
How is ADHD treated in preschoolers?
The first line of treatment for ADHD in preschool children is parent behavior therapy. This type of treatment involves teaching parents specialized skills of managing their child’s behaviors. For more on what this type of treatment is, and how to find a provider who does this, check out this guide I previously wrote.
