Gone are the days of late nights, summer camps, and days spent by the pool. Our kids are readjusting to the structured schedule of school days, homework, and afterschool activities. The adjustment can be a tough one, but many parents are curious whether a child is simply struggling to readjust or if a child is displaying symptoms Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
The biggest distinction between ADD and ADHD is that children with ADHD experience hyperactivity, while kids with ADD don’t. ADD is a type of ADHD, and both affect children’s ability to stay focused – on schoolwork, in social situations, and with normal, everyday activities, such as brushing teeth and getting ready for school.
Symptoms of inattention (ADD) include:
Symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity (ADHD) include:
It’s important to remember that ADD and ADHD can only be diagnosed by a physician through a detailed history and physical, and evaluation for co-existing behavioral and emotional disorders. It may seem like there have been higher amounts of children diagnosed with ADHD in recent years compared to previous years because we are also more aware of the diagnosis and are screening more effectively. However, there are conditions that mimic ADHD, so many children are often misdiagnosed.
If a child is diagnosed with ADHD, regular communication between parents and teachers is important, especially during the transition back into the school routine. As a parent, you will provide crucial information about your child's behavior and how it affects his/her life at home, in school, and other social settings. Your pediatrician will want to know what symptoms your child is showing, how long the symptoms have occurred, and how the behavior affects your child and your family. You may need to fill out checklists or rating scales regarding your child's behavior.
If your child shows any symptoms of ADHD, it is very important that you pay close attention to safety. A child with ADHD may not always be aware of dangers and can get hurt easily. Be especially careful around:
If a child is experiencing symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity, parents should schedule an appointment with their pediatrician.
What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?
The biggest distinction between ADD and ADHD is that children with ADHD experience hyperactivity, while kids with ADD don’t. ADD is a type of ADHD, and both affect children’s ability to stay focused – on schoolwork, in social situations, and with normal, everyday activities, such as brushing teeth and getting ready for school.
Symptoms of inattention (ADD) include:
- Failure to provide close attention to detail, careless mistakes
- Difficulty maintaining attention in play, school, or home activities
- Seems to not listen, even when directly addressed
- Fails to follow through (homework, chores, etc.)
- Difficulty organizing tasks, activities, and belongings
- Avoids tasks that require consistent mental effort
- Loses objects required for tasks or activities (school books, sports equipment, etc.)
- Easily distracted by irrelevant stimuli
- Forgetfulness in routine activities (homework, chores, etc.)
Symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity (ADHD) include:
- Excessive fidgetiness (tapping the hands or feet, squirming in seat)
- Difficulty remaining seated when sitting is required (at school, work, etc.)
- Feelings of restlessness (in adolescents) or inappropriate running around or climbing in younger children
- Difficulty playing quietly
- Difficult to keep up with, seems to always be "on the go"
- Excessive talking
- Difficulty waiting turns
- Blurting out answers too quickly
- Interruption or intrusion of others
It’s important to remember that ADD and ADHD can only be diagnosed by a physician through a detailed history and physical, and evaluation for co-existing behavioral and emotional disorders. It may seem like there have been higher amounts of children diagnosed with ADHD in recent years compared to previous years because we are also more aware of the diagnosis and are screening more effectively. However, there are conditions that mimic ADHD, so many children are often misdiagnosed.
If a child is diagnosed with ADHD, regular communication between parents and teachers is important, especially during the transition back into the school routine. As a parent, you will provide crucial information about your child's behavior and how it affects his/her life at home, in school, and other social settings. Your pediatrician will want to know what symptoms your child is showing, how long the symptoms have occurred, and how the behavior affects your child and your family. You may need to fill out checklists or rating scales regarding your child's behavior.
If your child shows any symptoms of ADHD, it is very important that you pay close attention to safety. A child with ADHD may not always be aware of dangers and can get hurt easily. Be especially careful around:
- Traffic
- Firearms
- Swimming pools
- Tools – such as lawnmowers
- Poisonous chemicals, cleaning supplies, or medicines
If a child is experiencing symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity, parents should schedule an appointment with their pediatrician.
