ADHD in 4-5 Year Olds

ADHD is a widespread condition that affects many people as young as 4 years old. It is not specified if ADHD is a learning disability or a mental illness, but you can be diagnosed with a certain type of learning disability as well as ADHD at the same time. Approximately 194,000 preschoolers ages (2- 5 years old) have a current ADHD diagnosis and this diagnosis could stay with them their whole life or they could potentially grow out of it.

 

Symptoms of ADHD

Commons questions asked by parents are what the early warning signs of ADHD are.

Symptoms include:

  • Disruptive behavior
  • Difficulty with learning
  • Inability to focus
  • Trouble listening
  • Impulsiveness

Often times, if a child’s behavioral issues are involved with learning in a particular setting like preschool it tends to be an easier conversation because the likelihood of the diagnosis is ADHD. On the other hand, you may have certain situations where your child may act responsive in the classroom but struggle with their behavior at home, in this case it is likely not linked to ADHD.

If you believe that your child could be showing signs of  behavioral issues but you are unsure if they are ADHD symptoms, you could evaluate he or she based on what they are eating, what they are watching and if your child is experiencing any stressful situations like family stress, or family trauma. Also, in unfortunate cases ADHD can be caused by a mother smoking/drinking while pregnant, having a premature birth/ if the baby is low birth weight, or any brain damages.

Treatment

In order for your child to be diagnosed with ADHD they must have a specified number of symptoms in more than one area of their life for at least 6 months. You can speak to your child’s pediatrician, child psychiatrist, psychologist or a clinical social worker that will be able to take the next steps with you and your child when they provide you with a diagnosis. A highly effective route to help you and your child have a positive result is learning how to discipline him or her effectively. ADHD children are usually punished more frequently than children who don’t have this condition. The way you scold them could have a negative effect on their self-image and may increase their behavioral issues. Preschool teachers, caregivers and parents can become educated on how to handle their children by receiving parental training by professional therapists who give you and the tools and strategies to help you understand your child.

 

If your child is between the ages of 4-5 years old and struggling with ADHD, they may qualify for a research study we are currently enrolling in. To learn more, please fill out your information below and someone will be in contact with you shortly.

Resources: http://www.chadd.org/understanding-adhd/for-parents-caregivers/preschoolers-and-adhd.aspx