Most kids exhibit inattention and hyperactivity, but it usually doesn't affect their everyday activities. However, when it begins affecting their schooling or behaviors, they may be dealing with ADHD.
Symptoms of ADHD may differ between boys and girls, making it harder to spot. If you believe that your child may be living with ADHD, visit our team at Dr. Sindu Pillai where we offer behavioral evaluations, well-child visits, and school physicals, providing you peace of mind about your child's health.
The CDC reports that ADHD is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders in children, often appearing in childhood and continuing into adulthood.
The symptoms of ADHD vary in kids but often involve inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Each of these categories has its sub-symptoms, and they include:
Kids with ADHD often have trouble concentrating and staying on task, especially at school. They have trouble staying focused, may lose track of belongings, and forget to complete assignments.
Children who live with ADHD are also easily distracted by external stimuli or even their own thoughts.
A main symptom of ADHD is hyperactivity, especially among kids. They often have trouble sitting still, meaning they often fidget and seem quite restless. They may be in constant motion, even when it isn't appropriate.
Kids with ADHD also usually talk excessively and struggle with quiet time and activities by themselves.
ADHD also involves impulsivity in children. They may quickly react, often without thinking, and constantly interrupt others. Kids sometimes blurt out what they're thinking or answering and struggle with waiting their turn.
The tricky aspect of ADHD is that it does differ between boys and girls. Although they can both exhibit similar symptoms, ADHD manifests differently in boys than it does in girls.
For example, boys often exhibit more external symptoms related to ADHD, such as behavioral issues and fighting. They also typically exhibit extreme hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors.
Girls with ADHD may have more subtle symptoms that teachers and parents may overlook immediately. They exhibit inattentiveness that manifests as difficulty concentrating or staying organized.
ADHD in girls also manifests other symptoms like low self-esteem, anxiety or depression, and school problems – symptoms that are often less noticeable than those appearing in boys.
When you notice your child is struggling, it's essential to seek an evaluation as soon as possible. Dr. Pillai provides behavioral analysis appointments to determine if your child is living with ADHD.
Even though there isn't a specific test to diagnose ADHD, Dr. Pillai assesses your child's symptoms and asks specific questions to determine if they correlate with ADHD.
If your child does have ADHD, there's no need to worry – we offer various treatments, including medications and behavioral therapy, to appease symptoms.
Call our Murrieta, California, office today to schedule a behavioral evaluation with Dr. Pillai or click here to request your consultation on our site.
