ADHD in children is more than just an occasional burst of hyperactivity or difficulty staying focused. It’s a complex neurodevelopmental condition that can impact every area of a child’s life—school, friendships, self-esteem, and even family relationships. In our daily lives, moments of hyperactivity, impulsivity, or inattention are common occurrences. We have all experienced these scenarios. We feel fidgety during a long meeting. It’s hard to focus while studying. We make impulsive buys. These situations ring a bell for most of us at some point.

You might be thinking that these ADHD symptoms do not seem like a big deal, right? We often overlook the fact that these symptoms can cause significant issues. A person suffering from ADHD experiences many challenges in their life. They can disrupt relationships and trigger divorces. Making friends becomes difficult. Accidents are more likely. Addiction risk escalates alongside a host of other concerns.

This reality struck me deeply when my son, Jaydon, talked about his feelings. He is diagnosed with ADHD. He summed it up in a single sentence: “I feel like I’m failing to be like other kids.” Hearing him express how he feels like an outsider in the world around him pierced my heart. Each day at school is a battlefield of focusing, managing impulses, and navigating social interactions. Despite his best efforts, he often feels misunderstood and overwhelmed by the demands of the classroom.

Parents, if you are going through the same journey, familiarize yourself with some basics of ADHD. This is always a good idea. Identifying ADHD symptoms with precision helps guarantee your child gets the right help and resources.

ADHD symptoms in kids and how to avoid misdiagnosis?

When we think of ADHD, we often picture a child bouncing off chairs, incapable of sitting still, and constantly fidgeting. Yet, not all children with ADHD show the same symptoms. The symptoms can vary depending on the type of ADHD diagnosed.

To better understand this, let us look at the three types of ADHD:

Primarily inattentive

Children with this type of ADHD will show at least 6 of the following symptoms:

1. Making careless mistakes and overlooking details in schoolwork or tasks.
2. Difficulty staying focused during tasks or conversations.
3. Often appearing distracted or inattentive when spoken to directly.
4. Struggling to follow through and finish tasks once started.
5. Difficulty organizing tasks, materials, and activities.
6. Disliking or avoiding tasks that need sustained mental effort.
7. Often losing or misplacing items.
8. Easily distracted by external stimuli or unrelated thoughts.
9. Forgetting daily activities, appointments, or responsibilities on a regular.

Primarily hyperactive/impulsive

Again, children with this type may show at least 6 of the following symptoms:

1. Fidgeting, tapping hands or feet, or squirming in the seat.
2. Leaving their seat when expected to remain seated.
3. Engaging in running or climbing in inappropriate situations.
4. Struggling to play or engage quietly.
5. Always on the move.
6. Talking too much and interrupting conversations.
7. Blurting out answers before questions are completed.
8. Having difficulty waiting their turn.
9. Frequently interrupting or intruding on others.

Combined

Combined type ADHD means having both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms. Children with combined type ADHD show symptoms in both areas, making it the most common and sometimes the most severe form of ADHD.

For a combined type of ADHD diagnosis in children under 16, they need six or more symptoms of each type. Older individuals need at least five symptoms.

Now that we have grasped the symptoms of ADHD in children let us explore strategies to avoid misdiagnosis.

How to avoid ADHD misdiagnosis in children?

Diagnosing ADHD needs careful evaluation, considering medical and family history, and behavioral observations. Rushing or overlooking these steps can result in misdiagnosis.

Below are factors that could contribute to ADHD misdiagnosis.

Comparing your child to classmates who are older or younger.

Younger children in the classroom are often misdiagnosed with ADHD because they may appear less mature compared to their peers. Let’s say some kids are born in September and others in August. The August-born kids might act like normal little kids, but because they’re younger, some people might think they have ADHD when they don’t.

Relying solely on one source

When assessing a child for ADHD, gathering input from multiple sources is essential to avoid an incomplete assessment. For instance, while a teacher may notice signs of inattentiveness and hyperactivity in the classroom, insights from the child’s parents about behavior at home provide a more comprehensive understanding.

Not Considering the Child’s Full History

Environmental changes can influence behavior, leading to misinterpretations if overlooked. For instance, a child might seem to have ADHD symptoms after their parents’ divorce. This could be misunderstood if we fail to consider the recent life event. 

Observation in Various Settings

Observing behavior solely in one setting may limit our understanding of a child’s behavior. For example, if they’re only disruptive at school but not at home or with friends, it might be because of the environment, not ADHD. That’s why it’s important to look at behavior in different settings for a complete evaluation.

Considering Other Conditions

ADHD symptoms can sometimes look like those of other conditions like anxiety or learning disorders. This can make it tricky for doctors to figure out exactly what is going on. For instance, a kid who cannot focus on class might actually be worried about their schoolwork rather than having ADHD. This is why doctors need to carefully consider all the possibilities before making a diagnosis.

Gender Differences

Boys and girls can show ADHD symptoms differently. This might mean girls don’t get diagnosed as often. For example, while a boy who can’t sit still might get noticed and diagnosed, a girl who daydreams and shows fewer obvious signs might not. This difference can mean girls with ADHD aren’t identified as much.

ADHD in Children – Diagnosis

Diagnosing ADHD in children relies on several criteria:

• Duration: Symptoms must persist for at least six months.
• Impact: Symptoms should affect the child in two or more settings, such as home and school.
• Onset: Symptoms should begin before the age of twelve.
• Symptom Quantity: The child must display at least six ADHD symptoms in each subtype.
• Functional Impact: Symptoms must hinder the child’s functioning and development.
• Teenagers: Older teens must exhibit at least five symptoms in more than one setting.

Now that we have identified the symptoms of ADHD, let us explore how the ADHD brain is different from a neurotypical brain.

How an ADHD brain differs from a non-ADHD brain.

Supporting your child with ADHD becomes easier when you have evidence and understanding on your side. Even though we are not entirely sure what causes ADHD, knowing that it is a neurodevelopmental disorder can make a big difference. These differences in the brain can help explain your child’s challenges and make it easier for you to support them. Here are some key differences between ADHD and non-ADHD brains.

Brain structure

Children with ADHD typically have smaller brains compared to those without the condition. Even though the size difference is not huge, it affects specific brain areas crucial for daily functioning. These areas include those responsible for attention, impulse control, and executive function.

For instance, think of the prefrontal cortex as the CEO of the brain. In children with ADHD, this part of the brain might be smaller or mature more slowly. This can cause issues with executive functioning skills, like staying organized, managing time, planning, and remembering things. So, it is like the brain’s CEO is not working at full capacity, which affects how well we manage daily tasks.

Similarly, the basal ganglia, which control motor skills and habits, might show differences in size or activity. These differences can lead to symptoms like trouble concentrating, acting impulsively, and being overly active.

Differences in how these brain areas are structured and work can contribute to ADHD symptoms.

However, having a smaller brain does not mean kids with ADHD are less intelligent. Brain size does not impact intelligence.

Neural Network

ADHD affects how our brains function. Think of our brains as a big network made up of nerve cells called neurons. These neurons send and receive messages all the time, creating a complex system that helps us think, feel, and act.

In children with ADHD, the development of neural connections occurs at a slower rate compared to their peers of the same age. Consequently, the connections within and between critical brain networks are less matured.

Imagine a student with ADHD doing homework. They sit down to work but keep getting distracted, doodling, daydreaming, or checking their phone. Despite knowing they should focus, their brain struggles to ignore distractions, making it hard to finish their work without getting sidetracked.

Due to the less matured brain connectivity, the signals to ignore distractions and maintain focus are lost. As a result, someone with ADHD may keep zoning out.

Neurotransmitters

As mentioned previously, our brains use neurons to send and receive signals all over our bodies. Think of neurotransmitters as messengers in the brain, helping neurons communicate. For example, imagine neurotransmitters as couriers delivering packages between brain cells. When these messengers are balanced, everything runs smoothly, like a well-oiled machine. But when there is an imbalance, it is like having too few or too many couriers, leading to delivery delays or mistakes.

In ADHD, there is often a shortage of a specific neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. This neurotransmitter works alongside dopamine, another important messenger. When dopamine levels are off, it can cause ADHD symptoms like difficulty focusing and acting impulsively. It is like having a shortage of key couriers, causing chaos in the delivery process, and impacting how the brain experiences pleasure and motivation.

Knowing how ADHD brains differ from non-ADHD brains helps us create better environments for children with ADHD. Equally important is exploring the repercussions of not addressing ADHD.

The Impact of Untreated ADHD

Not recognizing or dismissing ADHD symptoms as typical childhood behavior might stop your child from getting the necessary help. This oversight can lead to serious consequences in their life:

During Childhood:

When ADHD is ignored, it can really disrupt a child’s life at school and home:

1. Trouble paying attention in class can hurt grades and learning.
2. Difficulty forming friendships may lead to feelings of isolation.
3. Untreated ADHD can make kids feel sad and less confident.
4. Emotional regulation challenges may result in outbursts or meltdowns, affecting family dynamics and social interactions.
5. Being impulsive can lead to more accidents.

During Teenage Years:

If ADHD is not addressed, things can get even tougher:

1. Problems in school might continue, making high school harder.
2. Trouble with relationships can make feeling lonely worse.
3. Unaddressed ADHD increases the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors.
4. Unmanaged emotional dysregulation may lead to conflicts with peers and authority figures.
5. Feeling bad about yourself might stick around, especially for girls who may develop eating disorders.

During Adulthood:

Even as adults, untreated ADHD can still cause problems:

1. It can be hard to find or keep a job because of trouble focusing.
2. Conflicts with friends or partners might keep happening.
3. Relationships might suffer, leading to breakups or divorce.
4. Untreated ADHD may exacerbate co-existing mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
5. Adults with ADHD might still engage in risky behaviors like drinking too much or making impulsive decisions.

The ADHD brain is distinct, not defective.

Navigating life with a child diagnosed with ADHD can feel daunting. However, it is essential to remember that embracing their unique neurology is crucial. Rather than trying to fit them into a mold of “normalcy,” focus on understanding and supporting their individual needs.

Fortunately, getting diagnosed and taking the right steps early on can make a big difference for kids with ADHD. By providing understanding, patience, and appropriate interventions, parents can help their child thrive despite the challenges ADHD may present.

ADHD Helplines

• YoungMinds Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544 (UK) – Offers support and guidance to parents concerned about their child’s mental health, including ADHD.
• ADHD Foundation Helpline: 0151 541 9020 (UK) – Provides support, information, and resources for children, young people, and families affected by ADHD.
• CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) Helpline: 1-800-233-4050 (US) – Provides information, support, and resources for individuals and families affected by ADHD.
• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (US) – Provides free, confidential treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing substance abuse and mental health issues, including ADHD.
• ADHD Europe: Offers support, advocacy, and resources for individuals and families affected by ADHD across Europe. Contact information varies by country.

Jordan still has tough days, and so do I, but we face them together. One evening, after a rough day at school, he sat beside me, shoulders slumped. “I try so hard, but I’m still not like the other kids. I’m always the one forgetting things or missing instructions.” His words echoed the struggle so many children with ADHD feel. I looked at him and said, “Jordan, you see things differently, and that’s special. You’re creative, compassionate, and full of ideas that others don’t see. ADHD might make some things harder, but it’s part of what makes you… you.”

From that day on, our journey became about finding tools that worked for him, not against him. We used reminders, visual aids, and new ways to organize that fit his unique brain. Over time, I saw his confidence grow. It wasn’t because his struggles disappeared. Instead, he learned that he could overcome them in his own way.

Supporting a child with ADHD isn’t about striving for perfection—it’s about helping them embrace who they are. Together, step by step, we’re learning that ADHD doesn’t define Jordan; it’s simply one part of his incredible journey. We understand and adapt with each success. We celebrate each achievement to build a foundation of resilience and self-belief. This empowers him to shine just as he is.

Stay tuned for our next article. We’ll dive into practical tips for parenting children with ADHD. These strategies and insights make everyday challenges a little easier. They also strengthen the bond between you and your child.

Dive deeper into the nuances of raising different types of children through our comprehensive series. Each article explores practical strategies and insights tailored to specific child temperaments. Enhance your parenting toolkit by subscribing to our series. You will receive updates and notifications for new articles. This ensures you never miss out on valuable guidance tailored to your family’s needs.

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