ADHD: how can I tell if my child is affected?
A child who is distracted, restless or impulsive: is this normal behaviour for their age, or a sign of ADHD? The line is not always clear, especially in young children. Here are the practical markers for knowing when to be concerned and when to consult.
What is normal for each age
Restlessness, difficulty concentrating and impulsivity are normal characteristics of childhood, especially in young children. A 4-year-old who struggles to sit still for 30 minutes, moves around a lot and does not always follow instructions is behaving entirely in line with developmental expectations. What should raise concern is the intensity and persistence of these behaviours well beyond what is expected for their age, and their significant impact on the child’s school, family and social life.
The characteristic signs of ADHD by age
In pre-school children, the first signs include excessive and persistent physical restlessness, significant difficulty waiting their turn or following the rules of a game, marked impulsivity with quick actions taken without thought, and difficulty sustaining attention, even on activities the child has chosen themselves. At school age the signs become more visible: persistent difficulty following instructions and finishing tasks, frequent forgetting of belongings and homework, difficulty getting organised, and impulsive behaviour in class that can disrupt others.
The specific signs of ADD without hyperactivity
ADD without hyperactivity is harder to spot. The child does not disrupt the class: they are quiet, often lost in their own world. They appear to be listening but have not taken anything in. They systematically forget their belongings, their homework and instructions. They take an enormous amount of time to get started on a task. They may seem dreamy, unmotivated or uninterested, when in fact they are genuinely struggling with their attention difficulties.
The difference between normal behaviour and ADHD
The most important criterion is functional impact. A child can be restless and distractible without having ADHD if these behaviours do not significantly affect their schooling, their social relationships or their family life. ADHD is diagnosed when the difficulties are sufficiently significant and persistent to create a real disability in at least two different settings, usually school and home.
When should you consult?
If your child’s attention or behavioural difficulties have persisted for more than 6 months, are present in several settings and significantly affect their schooling or relationships, consult your GP. This will be the starting point of a diagnostic pathway that leads to a specialist. To find professionals who specialise in diagnosing ADHD, professionnelsdys.fr offers a comprehensive directory.
