Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often a challenging condition for children to live with. It can cause them to struggle in school, lead to problems making friends, and decrease your child’s confidence when interacting with others.
ADHD takes many forms, so it’s crucial to speak with a professional when you start to see worrying signs. Read on to understand why you should test your child for ADHD and how this diagnosis can help, not hinder your kiddo.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is a condition that affects how someone processes information. We often associate difficulties paying attention or controlling impulses with the condition, but there are many ways this ailment can present. Symptoms of ADHD usually start to show up in children when they’re around the age of three or four. That said, some children don’t start showing signs until they’re older, and many people with ADHD don’t receive a diagnosis until adulthood.
Signs To Watch For
As a parent, you can watch your child’s behavior and note anything that seems to impact your child’s ability to get through daily activities. Document what you see, what your child’s teachers tell you, and what concerns your child expresses to you. If your child exhibits any of the following behaviors, have them tested for ADHD:
- They have trouble paying attention or focusing.
- They constantly move around, even when told to sit still.
- They’re always talking or can’t stop fidgeting with their hands or objects.
- They seem to have problems following instructions.
- They struggle with organization and time management.
- They’re constantly getting into fights or arguments with other children.
- They react to seemingly small tasks as if they’re monumental challenges.
One of the more frustrating signs of ADHD is explosive behavior. If you notice your child having meltdowns, remember to consider potential causes and react as compassionately as possible. While every child has their freak-outs, children with ADHD are often as overwhelmed and scared as you are.
Why You Should Test Your Child for ADHD
Receiving a diagnosis is often a frightening prospect for parents and their children alike. However, getting confirmation from a medical professional benefits you both.
One reason why you should test your child for ADHD is that this condition, especially when undiagnosed, can cause issues with their education. Children with ADHD often struggle to keep up with their classmates or complete their schoolwork. A diagnosis allows you to work with your school’s staff and develop a more cohesive, targeted plan for making changes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can also cause problems with self-esteem. Children with ADHD may feel bad about themselves and their abilities compared to others. This gap in understanding leads many children with ADHD to struggle with making friends.
Testing your child for ADHD allows you to determine what’s impacting their life. If your child does receive an ADHD diagnosis, you can choose a treatment plan, give your child crucial communication tools, and build a stronger, more understanding connection between you both!
