Children's Health

Children's Health · article

Is it normal kid behavior or ADHD?

Kids fidget in class, forget their backpacks and have trouble paying attention—it happens all the time. So, when is a child’s inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity diagnosed as ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?

“Most children have trouble sitting still, paying attention or controlling their impulses now and again,” says Joseph Stricker, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Atlantic Health.

“What distinguishes ADHD is when these behaviors occur frequently, intensely and interfere with a child’s ability to function at school, at home or with friends.”

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting a child's ability to regulate their attention, activity level and impulses.

“Children with ADHD usually know what they're supposed to do, but they struggle to organize their thoughts and actions to achieve a goal,” Dr. Stricker says. “It's important for parents to understand that these difficulties aren't simply the result of laziness or poor parenting.”

What are the three types of ADHD?

1. Predominantly inattentive

Children struggle with attention, organization and completing tasks. They may be easily distracted, frequently lose things, overlook details or have difficulty following through on instructions.

2. Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive

Children struggle with excessive activity levels and impulsive behaviors. They may have difficulty sitting still, frequently fidget, talk excessively, interrupt others or act without thinking through consequences.

3. Combined presentation

Children experience significant symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactivity-impulsive presentations.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

There is no single test to diagnose ADHD. If your child’s behavior resembles ADHD, start by talking with your pediatrician, child psychiatrist or a child development specialist. A comprehensive evaluation looks at how long symptoms have been present, whether they're occurring in different environments and how they're affecting a child's daily function.

“We also consider if the child is experiencing anxiety, sleep difficulties or learning disorders, which can sometimes resemble or coexist with ADHD,” says Dr. Stricker.

How is ADHD treated?

ADHD is a highly treatable condition, with several well-established and effective treatments available for kids and teens.

“The best treatment approach depends on the child's age and individual needs,” says Dr. Stricker. “Stimulant medications have the strongest evidence for reducing core ADHD symptoms, although nonstimulant medications can also be effective.”

A comprehensive treatment plan may include:

Medication: Stimulant and nonstimulant medications can help improve attention, reduce impulsivity and manage hyperactivity. Finding the right medication and dosage may take time, as children respond differently to treatment.
Behavioral and educational support: Parent training, behavioral interventions and school-based accommodations can help children manage symptoms and improve daily functioning. Strategies to strengthen organization, time management and problem-solving skills can also be beneficial.
Healthy lifestyle habits: Regular physical activity, balanced nutrition and consistent sleep routines support children's overall health and well-being and may help with symptom management.

“ADHD symptoms may change over time as children grow and develop, but an ADHD diagnosis doesn't define a child's potential,” says Dr. Stricker. “With early recognition, appropriate treatment and support from families and schools, children with ADHD can thrive.”

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Published: October 21, 2024

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