ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is among the most common mental disorders affecting children in the United States. Although diagnosed in childhood, ADHD can often last well into adulthood. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can be defined as a neurological disorder that impacts parts of the brain that help us focus, plan, and execute tasks. These are very crucial elements in the formative years of a child, and can seriously affect their development if ADHD is not acknowledged, diagnosed, or treated early on.
In addition to inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are also among the many symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Children can exhibit either a hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an inattentive type, or both at the same time. Kids with ADHD can also be forgetful, daydream a lot, have difficulty maintaining relationships, talk too much, and even engage in reckless behavior.
Does ADHD affect the education of a child?
ADHD can severely impact a child’s education, as well. The symptoms that come with this disorder can increase stress, as well as make children feel uncomfortable and lost when overwhelmed at school, that’s why ADHD tutoring is so important. At Da Vinci Collaborative, we work with numerous children with ADHD and strive to offer them the best education possible with highly personalized lessons. Many challenges can be easily overcome if a child feels safe, heard, and seen.
The distinct signs and symptoms of ADHD
ADHD comes with a multitude of symptoms, and as parents, it can be difficult to diagnose your own child. However, it’s important to at least have the ability to recognize a few signs and symptoms before committing to taking your child for a professional evaluation by a mental health physician. Only a professional is equipped to properly diagnose a child with ADHD, so our team at Da Vinci Collaborative wants to help you recognize the telling signs and symptoms, so you can spot them more easily.
1. Problems with focus
One of the main telling signs your child might have ADHD is their inability to focus. Sometimes children can get distracted, and naturally lose focus if they get bored, however, if you see that your child has trouble paying attention almost all the time, there could be more to it. They could even have difficulty remembering what you say to them, even if they say they hear and understand you.
2. Forgetfulness
Children are by default forgetful, especially at an early age. But as they grow older, they should naturally get rid of this habit, or at least minimize it. If you keep noticing that they seem to forget both trivial and important things repeatedly as they advance with age, it might be a sign of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
3. Constant daydreaming
Every one of us should take at least a couple of minutes a day and just sit and daydream. It’s a healthy habit, however, constantly daydreaming and living in a fantasy world can be damaging long-term. If you get the feeling that your child is living in his own reality and disregarding real-life elements, you should probably look into it.
4. Self-centeredness
Young children, especially those without siblings, tend to exhibit self-focused behavior, but as they grow, they slowly become attuned to other people’s feelings and needs. A common sign of ADHD is an inability to recognize other people’s desires or care for them. Interrupting conversations and not waiting their turn to talk can also be potential signs of ADHD.
5. Problems regulating their emotions
Children with ADHD have a difficult time dealing with their emotions, and can throw tantrums on a regular basis. They may have outbursts, get emotional and angry easily, and even feel anxious. This can lead to fidgeting and an inability to stand still. Children might also squirm and refuse to listen to adults, engaging in reckless behavior.
6. Frequent mistakes and unfinished tasks
If your child has trouble following clear instructions, which always leads to careless mistakes, it might be a sign of ADHD. Additionally, they might show interest in many things and engage in many activities, but fail to stick to them long-term. Children with ADHD also have trouble finishing tasks, including chores, schoolwork, and more.
7. Trouble organizing
Even as adults, organizing our schedule and our day-to-day plans can be a dire and dreaded task. Children also suffer from the inability to organize, however, to some degree, they should be able to predict a time frame for certain activities as they age. Children with ADHD usually have problems prioritizing their homework and school projects, making them fall behind. This can also cause frustration and anxiety as more and more tasks and unfinished projects pile up, and you might notice your child becoming more and more stressed out.
Conclusion – pay attention to the details
As you can see, there are several subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that might indicate your child has ADHD. Keep in mind that exhibiting one, or two, of the above-mentioned signs does not necessarily confirm that your child might suffer from this condition. Every child goes through phases and emotional crises, but if it happens constantly, it might become disruptive. If you’re having doubts and your child is showing more than two or three signs constantly, you should probably schedule a consultation with a mental health professional.
If your child needs specialized tutoring or help keeping up with their academic tasks, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are a team of highly passionate tutors who help children overcome academic difficulties with personalized lessons, catered exactly to their needs. Our tutors here at Da Vinci Collaborative work with children every day to help them study, communicate, organize, and more.
