ADHD signs
Moms View Message Board: Parenting Discussion: Archive July-December 2003:
ADHD signs
Does anyone know any of the ADHD signs? My 3 y/o DD sometimes worries me. She's a sweetheart, but boy is she a handful! She constantly has to be jumping around or running or something. I know there are much more complex things to ADHD than just that. Just curious so I can keep my eye on her and her development. TIA 
A good resource about ADHD is
CHADD
My DD (newly 5) is a handful, but she's not ADHD. I've never had her tested but as a former teacher who has worked with ADHD students, I *know* she doesn't have it. I don't have time to post more at the moment, but a book that has been very helpful is...
Raising Your Spirited Child: Guide for Parents Whose Child Is More Intense, Sensitive, Perceptive, Persistent
by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka
I have seen a realy adhd kids at ds old school.
They would be in the waiting room and would just leave the waiting room. You could see they have 5 times the energy of anyone else in the room. They would literaly be in motion every second. You couldn't take your eye off them because they were constant motion and trouble.
After school they would have to go to the park or pool to burn up excess energy or their poor moms would pull their hair out.
Here are some links.
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&q=signs+of+adhd+in+three+year+old
occupational therapy is good for adhd
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/5309/peds2.html
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&q=occupational+therapy+adhd
How to get occupational therapy if you child needs it.
http://www.aota.org/featured/area6/links/link02t.asp
You may have some luck in limiting certain types of food.
I was speaking to a woman in the park with a four year old with adhd and she said her son went off when he had red dye as in Hawaian Punch.
Here is Feingold diet.
http://www.feingold.org/home.html
Thanks for all of the links. I'll go check them out and see what they say. My DD does really well when she's *supposed* to. Like, she can sit through an hour of church very quietly. She can go to a restaraunt and behave like a charm for an hour or so. She does really well when we aren't at home. Just at home, she is a nut! She's everywhere and sometimes I think she's out of control.
Thanks again for the links!
Robin
She sounds fine to me. I don't think an adhd child could sit for church.
My friends son is ADHD. Prior to medication that child could not sit still for a moment. At church he is laying on the pew, standing on the pew, under the pew. Constant motion. If he tried to whisper he was still loud. There was no off switch. TV time consist of him standing sitting rocking swaying jumping. Just constant. Nothing held his attention for long. He is now medicated and he will tell my friend when it is time for his medication. She took him off his meds last summer which is common for most school aged children. Well he asked her to get him back on them. He is very smart and he can see in himself that he needs the medicine to be able to focus.
My nephew is also ADHD. He is the same way. Bounce bounce bounce. He can not complete a task. Can't build a house out of blocks. Gets half way done sees a car gets up from the blocks plays with the car sees a ball drops the car and goes after the ball. He can't sit to eat dinner. He sits he stands. He makes noises hops up and down. Leaves the room comes back. Constant motion.
There was a kid in one of my DD's classes. Boy would get up and go to the play stations. Would talk out in class. Was in his seat out of his seat. Constantly distracted and always on the go... In time out he would sway, hop, pick at things on the wall, turn around, talk.. No focus always in motion....
Children with ADHD have a hard time focusing. They loose tract easily. The can not sit still. They are generally louder than most children (I said generally). And they often know there is something wrong with them. They can see the other children not acting like they do but they can not stop themselves. Another issue is trouble sleeping. And most also have a problem with controling their emotions. Anger and Sadness being the strongest two they often act out violently when frustraited or upset.
I am wondering if she is not just spirited like Trina suggested. Some behaviors are the same but an ADHD child would not sit through a meal and defenatly not through a "borring" church service. They need constant stimulation..... Read up on it. If she has it you will see her in what you read........
Just a clarification .. not all kids with ADHD are hyperactive in the true sense, as in non stop movement. My 10 year old daughter was diagnosed with ADHD. She is very quiet at school, and is very laid back. She is very unfocussed, she tends to obsess over some things, has some sensory issues, and can be quite compulsive.
I've just had her tested, by a naturopathic type of allergist, and she tested allergic to sugar. She's been off of it for just over a week, and the difference is quite noticeable. It's certainly worth a try, for anyone who's concerned about behaviour.
That is a good point Marcia. It really is a attention and focus issue more than a movement issue.
Marcia's clarification is correct. I had a student in 3rd Grade who had ADD. (They used to call it ADD or ADHD, with or without the hyperactive part.) He was a very quiet child, and was capable of sitting still, but definitely had trouble focusing on any given task. Ritalin was a God send for him.
Mommyathome, my DD is usually well behaved out in public. People don't believe me when I tell them how challenging she is. The book I mentioned above has been a BIG help. Their theory makes perfect sense in her case. In a nut shell, she's an extrovert and loves being out in public with people. If she doesn't get these social outlets she gets frustrated and into trouble. Since summer vacation started I've noticed she's into trouble more than usual. Then it dawned on me, school is no longer in session, which was a constant and routine social outlet for her. Although I wouldn't call her hyperactive, she needs to stay "busy" working on something all the time. She loves all sensory type things, which is a common characteristic for spirited kids - play doh, sand/water play, finger paint, etc.. Yesterday she painted with water colors all afternoon! If I don't provide or guide her toward acceptable activities she'll find things to do on her own. For example, in the short time it took me to switch loads in the laundry room, she was in the kitchen cooking. LOL! I walked in to find her stirring a mixture of eggs, flour and assorted spices. DD, excitedly: "Mom, I'm making a cake!" That's just a tip of the iceberg! LOL! Anyway, I highly recommend the book.
Trina, that's very much Nicole. We've had a creative shelf in the kitchen since she was tiny, and there's not a day that she isn't busy creating up a storm. It's wonderful, because she's such a hands on learner.
Im glad this topic was brought up. My soon to be 4 yr old daughter(will be 4 on July 17th)is very active too. I mean Im only comparing her to my son. She is just "busy" and I often wondered about the ADHD thing. But, she can sit and be very focused like at storytime, she will sit there and actually pay attention. Now dont get me wrong, I see her try to "chat" with the girl next to her every now and then. But the point being, she can sit for 30 minutes at storytime and not walk around and bother people. She goes to gymnastics for 1 hr a week, and she is very focused, and its great for her gets all that energy out. I can easily take her to a movie and she will sit the whole time only getting up maybe the last 15-20 minutes of it.
I find if I have "Something" for her to do, she isnt so wild.
Ive figured out, shes just dift then my son. She really doesnt like to be in a stroller, she rather walk, but my son was happy to not walk when he was younger. Shes the one who will ask for a drink, and if I say no. 2 minutes later she is moving the chair over to the cabinet to get her own drink, if I told my son no, he would just go sit in pout. You gotta love those kids.
LOL, Marcia! I've tried the creative corner approach. Marker, glue and tape, etc. all over the walls, floors and furniture.  Now all art supplies are locked up in a cabinet. She needs to ask to use them AND needs to be supervised. I hate having to lock up everything but it's necessary for damage control.
Jackie, your DD sounds very much like mine!
Below I've pasted info about diagnosing it. My son (age 6) was just diagnosed with it in April. He began medication then (Strattera) and it literally changed our life overnight. His primary diagnosis is Tourette's syndrome and ADHD is very common in kids with Tourette's (as is OCD). He also has sensory integration disorder. He began symptoms at age 3 1/2 for Tourette's, but I was pretty shocked about the ADHD thing as he is NOT active- actually quite a couch potato. As I look back, some of the early "signs" were a way to calm him down was to take him to the grocery store (think of all the visual feeback there) Also, he LOVES TV and computer games, as they move VERY fast and have lots of visual stimulation. THat's another way to calm him down. THere can be many causes for this type of behavior though and it is very important that the child exhibits it in ALL contexts and the evaluation is very comprehensive. Also, keep in mind it needs to be relative to your child's age. Many three year olds are extremely active. The bit about them functioning 2-4 years behind is quite telling. At 5, my son was functioning at a 2 year old level socially/emotionally. I also know the meds my son takes is only approved for kids 6 and above. It only comes in capsule format too.
The Symptoms
Typically, AD/HD symptoms arise in early childhood, unless associated with some type of brain injury later in life. Some symptoms persist into adulthood and may pose life-long challenges. Although the official diagnostic criteria state that the onset of symptoms must occur before age seven, leading researchers in the field of AD/HD argue that criterion should be broadened to include onset anytime during childhood.2 Criteria for the three primary subtypes are summarized as follows:
AD/HD predominately inattentive type: (AD/HD-I)5
Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes.
Has difficulty sustaining attention.
Does not appear to listen.
Struggles to follow through on instructions.
Has difficulty with organization.
Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort.
Loses things.
Is easily distracted.
Is forgetful in daily activities.
AD/HD predominately hyperactive-impulsive type: (AD/HD-HI)5
Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in chair.
Has difficulty remaining seated.
Runs about or climbs excessively.
Difficulty engaging in activities quietly.
Acts as if driven by a motor.
Talks excessively.
Blurts out answers before questions have been completed.
Difficulty waiting or taking turns.
Interrupts or intrudes upon others.
AD/HD combined type: (AD/HD-C)5
Individual meets both sets of inattention and hyperactive/impulsive criteria.
Youngsters with AD/HD often experience a two- to four-year developmental delay that makes them seem less mature and responsible than their peers. In addition, AD/HD frequently co-occurs with other conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or learning disabilities. For example, in 1999, NIMH research indicated that two thirds of children with AD/HD have a least one other coexisting condition.6 When coexisting conditions are present, academic and behavioral problems may be more complex.
Teens with AD/HD present a special challenge. During these years, academic and organizational demands increase. In addition, these impulsive youngsters are facing typical adolescent issues: discovering their identity, establishing independence, dealing with peer pressure, exposure to illegal drugs, emerging sexuality, and the challenges of teen driving.
Recently, deficits in executive function have emerged as key factors impacting academic and career success.2 Simply stated, executive function refers to the “variety of functions within the brain that activate, organize, integrate and manager other functions.”7 Critical concerns include deficits in working memory and the ability to plan for the future.
The Diagnosis
Because everyone shows signs of these behaviors at one time or another, the guidelines for determining whether a person has AD/HD are very specific. To be diagnosed with AD/HD, individuals must exhibit six of the nine characteristics in either or both DSM-IV categories listed above. In children and teenagers, the symptoms must be more frequent or severe than in other children the same age. In adults, the symptoms must affect the ability to function in daily life and persist from childhood. In addition, the behaviors must create significant difficulty in at least two areas of life, such as home, social settings, school, or work. Symptoms must be present for at least six months.
Many adults with AD/HD were never properly diagnosed as children. As a result, they grew up struggling with a disability they did not even know they had. Others were diagnosed as “hyperkinetic” or “hyperactive” and were told their symptoms would disappear in adolescence. Consequently, many developed other problems that masked the underlying AD/HD.
Adults with AD/HD may be easily distracted, have difficulty sustaining attention and concentrating, are often impulsive and impatient, may have mood swings and short tempers, may be disorganized and have difficulty planning ahead. They may also feel fidgety and restless internally.
In addition, adults may also experience career difficulties. They may lose jobs due to poor job performance, attention and organizational problems, or interpersonal relationships. As a result, some adults experience periods of sadness or depression. On the other hand, adults who are diagnosed and treated adequately can thrive professionally. This is especially true once individuals find jobs that rely on their strengths rather than their deficits.
The Evaluation
Determining if a child has AD/HD is a multifaceted process. Many biological and psychological problems can contribute to symptoms similar to those exhibited by children with AD/HD. For example, anxiety, depression and certain types of learning disabilities may cause similar symptoms.
There is no single test to diagnose AD/HD. Consequently, a comprehensive evaluation is necessary to establish a diagnosis, rule out other causes and determine the presence or absence of co-existing conditions. Such an evaluation should include a clinical assessment of the individual’s academic, social and emotional functioning and developmental level. A careful history should be taken from the parents, teachers and when appropriate, the child. Checklists for rating AD/HD symptoms and ruling out other disabilities are often used by clinicians.
There are several types of professionals who can diagnose AD/HD, including school psychologists, private psychologists, social workers, nurse practitioners, neurologists, psychiatrists and other medical doctors. Regardless of who does the evaluation, the use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV criteria is necessary. A medical exam by a physician is important and should include a thorough physical examination, including hearing and vision tests, to rule out other medical problems that may be causing symptoms similar to AD/HD. In rare cases, persons with AD/HD also may have a thyroid dysfunction. Only medical doctors can prescribe medication if it is needed. Diagnosing AD/HD in an adult requires an examination of childhood academic and behavioral history as well as reviewing current symptoms.
Ok, after reading all the posts (thanks for ALL of them! ) And also visiting the websites listed, I'm convinced that maybe my DD is just "spirited". She's just not fitting in with the classic symptoms of ADHD. I guess she just behaves different in each situation. She has no problems with dance class, storytime, preschool etc. It's just during her "free time" that she goes nuts.
I'm going to see if they have that spirited child book at my library. If not, I think I'll buy it. Thanks for all the suggestions I feel a bit better now.
There actually is a lot of controversy over the overdiagnosis of ADHD in young children, with some even questioning whether ADHD is an actual medical condition or just a behaviorial disorder being treated inapproriately with very strong and potentially dangerous psychiatric drugs.
The American Medical Association (AMA) Council on Scientific affairs concluded, "...ADHD is also diagnosed inappropriately at times because of failure to do a thorough enough evaluation or to use established diagnostic criteria":
http://www.education-world.com/a_issues/issues148d.shtml
http://www.breggin.com/classaction.html
http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/9909/01/adhd.overdiagnosis/
http://www.upcmd.com/dot/diseases/01074/controversy.html
http://assembly.coe.int/Documents/AdoptedText/ta02/EREC1562.htm
http://www.ritalindeath.com
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00.n654.a03.html
A member of the Colorado State board of education wanted to ban Ritalin from use in Colorado schools:
http://www.nfgcc.org/banritalin.htm
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