Child ADHD: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that affects a child's ability to focus, control impulses, and manage energy levels. It often appears before age 12 and can impact performance at school, relationships with peers, and behavior at home.

Common symptoms include trouble paying attention or staying focused, frequent fidgeting or inability to sit still, talking excessively or interrupting, difficulty following instructions or completing tasks, forgetfulness and disorganization, and impulsive behavior or emotional outbursts. Symptoms often become more noticeable once school starts.

For a child's behavior to be considered ADHD, symptoms must be present for at least six months and affect multiple settings, such as both home and school.

Treatment often involves a combination of behavioral therapy to build self-control and social skills, parent training, school support such as IEPs or 504 plans, and sometimes medication like stimulants in moderate to severe cases. A tailored plan created with a pediatrician or child psychologist is essential for best results.

Children can be diagnosed with one of three types: Predominantly Inattentive Type, where the child appears distracted or forgetful; Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, with constant movement and impulsiveness; and Combined Type, which includes features of both.