ADHD Childhood Symptoms

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that often emerges in childhood, affecting a child's ability to focus, control impulses, and regulate activity levels. There are different types of ADHD, and not all children present similarly. Symptoms typically interfere with daily functioning and affect learning, social interactions, and relationships. ADHD patterns vary and change throughout the day: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are commonly seen. Children can have more hyperactivity; some can be more in the inattentive spectrum, or the child can have both hyperactive and inattentive symptoms.

Common Symptoms in Children:

1. Inattention (more ADD type):
   • Child can have difficulty sustaining attention during tasks or play.
   • Child can make frequent careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities.
   • Child gets easily distracted by external stimuli; busy classrooms are very challenging learning environments.
   • Child often loses items necessary for tasks, such as books or toys, forgets to return homework or assignments.
   • Child often seems not to listen when spoken to directly, appearing “spaced out.”
   • Child fails to follow through on instructions and fails to finish tasks. Parents and teachers need to repeat their requirements.
   • Procrastination is common at all ages.
2. Hyperactivity (more ADHD type):
   • Child can be fidgeting, tapping hands and feet, or squirming in their seat.
   • Child can be unable to stay seated in situations where it's expected.
   • There can be excessive running or climbing in inappropriate settings, especially with younger children.
   • Dopamine-seeking behaviors in older kids look like scrolling through social media posts or excessive gaming.
3. Impulsivity:
   • Blurting out answers before questions are completed.
   • Difficulty waiting for their turn.
   • Interrupting or intruding on others' conversations or games.
   • Impulsive behavior when angry or agitated.

Recent research highlights that emotional dysregulation, such as frequent tantrums and difficulty managing intense emotions, can be early indicators of ADHD in preschool-aged children. This might look like sudden outbursts, foul language, irritability, hitting and kicking, or throwing things. Regulating emotions and self-soothing is challenging. Mood changes very quickly.

Treating ADD/ADHD and managing the symptoms is multifaceted. There is a genetic link that plays a role. Neuroinflammation and gut health is a main focus point in naturopathic medicine. The gut microbiome is an important player for neurotransmitters. There are several micronutrients that are needed for proper brain function. Food has an enormous role in our health in general but is particularly important with these kids. A child with ADD/ADHD needs a lot of support. Physical activity is essential. A structured environment helps and giving the child smaller tasks is important to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Parents benefit from getting support as well, understanding the challenges and the child’s needs helps parents to regulate their own emotions, especially if the child is struggling with emotional regulation.

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