ADHD Symptoms in Kids

Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms tend to display in children at an early age. Parents and teachers will begin to see symptoms as early as pre-k. Parents may be receiving phone calls home because their child is displaying behavior concerns or a teacher might find that they are redirecting a student more often than other classmates. Being aware of ADHD symptoms can help the individuals in the child’s life understand them better and create an environment that allows the child to manage their ADHD symptoms.

1. ADHD Symptoms at School

Students with ADHD are often developmentally delayed when compared to their same aged peers. They may demonstrate behaviors that are different from their peers that can cause them to fall behind academically and socially. When students are expected to sit and listen to their teachers instructions, a student with ADHD may be caught fidgeting with their pencil, moving around in their seat, getting up from their assigned spot and exhibiting wandering eyes. These are signs that the child might be struggling to pay attention and is missing out on learning. For these reasons, students with ADHD may fall below grade level when taking academic assessments. Teachers and parents can utilize lexile leveled readers to determine if their child is falling behind academically compared to their peers. Determining a child’s lexile will allow them to read books in their zone of development, meaning that they will be able to read books that are not too difficult or too simple for them. 

2. ADHD Symptoms in the Community 

ADHD symptoms in children will often spill over into community outings. They might seem impatient or always want to move onto the next activity. They will struggle to wait their turn and seem restless in restaurants or in the checkout line at the grocery. Younger children might be climbing on objects or touching objects in situations that would seem inappropriate. When symptoms in children are appearing throughout their environment, it may be beneficial to visit their healthcare provider to learn more about an ADHD diagnosis. 

3. ADHD Symptoms at Home 

Along with symptoms at school, children with ADHD demonstrate similar symptoms within their home. Children with ADHD often seem to be driven by a motor or always on the move. They struggle to sit down and relax because their mind and body are always spinning. When they are taking part in a leisure activity, they may not be able to do it quietly. They may be making unnecessary noise or talking throughout the activity. Due to their wandering mind, they will often forget to do chores or other daily activities. Utilizing Lightsailed gamification software at home can assist with keeping children with ADHD engaged in learning while having fun!

Posted on 8.Aug.21 in Struggling Readers

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