October is ADHD Awareness Month

October is ADHD Awareness Month. According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 7 million children have an ADHD diagnosis. 

Children and adults with ADHD can lead successful, fulfilling lives. However, without appropriate recognition and support, ADHD can contribute to challenges at school or work, family stress, relationship difficulties, depression, substance use, and a greater risk of accidental injury. Identifying ADHD early and developing an appropriate treatment plan can make a meaningful difference.

The transition to school may make challenges with attention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity more noticeable. Classroom activities often require greater focus, patience, and self-control than children typically need at home or in less structured settings, where these difficulties may have been easier to overlook.

Most children will occasionally struggle to sit still, pay attention, or control their impulses. However, for children with ADHD, these behaviors are frequent enough to interfere with daily life at school, at home, or in social settings. If you are curious about the differences between age-appropriate behavior and possible signs of ADHD in children, click here.

What are the signs of ADHD?

1. Inattentive: difficulty following directions, staying organized, completing tasks, remembering belongings.

2. Hyperactive-impulsive: excessive movement, frequent interruptions, difficulty waiting, acting without considering consequences.

3. Combined: symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/ impulsivity.

Inattentive ADHD may be less obvious because the child is not necessarily disruptive. These children lose things frequently, appear to daydream, or have difficulty following multistep instructions.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

There is no single test for ADHD. A pediatrician gathers information from the child, parents, teachers, and other caregivers to understand how the child behaves in different settings. Symptoms must be persistent, occur in more than one setting, and interfere with everyday functioning. Although ADHD begins in childhood, it may not be recognized or diagnosed until later. The pediatrician will also review the child’s medical history and consider other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, including anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, sleep disorders, and hearing or vision problems. To learn more about how ADHD is diagnosed, click here.

When should you talk to your Pediatrician?

Talk with your child’s pediatrician if challenges with attention, activity level, or impulsive behavior are persistent or begin affecting school, relationships, routines, or safety. Your pediatrician can help determine if an ADHD evaluation or another type of support may be appropriate. Contact Kids First Pediatrics to schedule an appointment.

*This article is informational and is not a substitute for medical attention or information from your provider.