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ADHD: when to be concerned

All children are sometimes restless, distracted or impulsive. So how can you tell whether your child’s difficulties are normal or whether they warrant a consultation? Here are the signs that should prompt concern. These markers help you decide calmly whether to seek advice.

Normal behaviour

Young children move about a lot, get easily distracted and find it hard to wait. This behaviour is normal and lessens with age. It is normal for attention to improve as children grow older.

A child who is tired or overexcited may also be more restless than usual.

The article Common misconceptions about ADHD covers this question in detail.

Intensity

Concern is justified when the difficulties are clearly more pronounced than in children of the same age. Comparing with children of the same age is essential.

This point is explained step by step in The signs of ADHD in children.

Duration

Temporary difficulties linked to an event or a period of tiredness are not worrying. They become so when they have lasted for several months. A difficult period can also explain changes.

To go further, read our article My child forgets everything.

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Several settings

ADHD shows up in several contexts: at home, at school, during activities. Difficulties that only exist in one setting point rather towards a different explanation. Talking with the teacher helps to compare observations.

We look at this point in more detail in Talking to the teacher about ADHD.

Impact

The most important sign is the impact: school difficulties, repeated conflicts, isolation, the child’s distress, the family’s exhaustion. It is often this impact that prompts parents to seek advice.

This subject is covered in our page My child is exhausting.

Warning signs

Frequent remarks from school, repeated punishments, a child who says they are useless, intense tantrums, frequent accidents: these signals should prompt you to seek advice. These signals deserve to be taken seriously.

You will find more details in the article ADHD and self-esteem.

Seeking advice

The GP is the first point of contact. They can assess, look for other causes and refer you if necessary to a doctor trained in ADHD. A consultation often reassures or allows early action.

Our article Who to consult for ADHD complements this advice.

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Frequently asked questions

When to be concerned about ADHD ?

When the difficulties are intense, long-lasting, present everywhere and get in the way of the child. The difficulties must be intense.

Is an restless child necessarily ADHD ?

No, many children are simply energetic. They must persist.

Who to consult first ?

The GP. The impact is essential.

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