ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that results from a deficiency in certain neurotransmitters (dopamine and norepinephrine) in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. These neurotransmitters help cells perform their tasks and facilitate communication within different parts of the brain. ADHD is commonly referred to as "hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder," but many parents may not recognize the signs due to the tendency to deny or overlook the condition.
Here are some common signs, as shared by mothers, that might indicate your child has ADHD:
Signs Your Child May Have ADHD
Distractions During Simple Tasks
When you ask your child to go upstairs to put on clothes, but after 20 minutes, they’re sitting on the floor examining their socks instead of getting dressed.
Excessive Energy in Play
Your child may be the only one doing acrobatic stunts during a simple game of basketball, and while you’re concerned, you're also glad they’re at least enjoying themselves.
Fidgeting or Focusing in Unconventional Ways
Some children with ADHD need to move in order to focus. For example, they might only be able to spell words correctly while jumping on a trampoline, spinning in their chair, or hanging upside down.
Constant Questioning
In just a few minutes, your child might ask a million different questions, all on completely unrelated topics, barely waiting for answers before moving to the next one.
Misplacing Belongings
You often find yourself checking for your child's missing items, as they may not even notice that something is lost.
Playful Mischief
Your ADHD child may constantly make silly faces or engage in comedic behavior to entertain themselves and others around them.
Trouble with Homework
Despite hours of encouragement (or complaints), your child might leave their homework at home when it's due or forget to turn it in at school.
Getting Into Unexpected Places
You might occasionally find your ADHD child in unusual or dangerous places, such as inside the washing machine, after you've lost sight of them for just a moment.
Talking to Themselves
Your child might have two-way conversations with themselves because they’re so talkative.
Active Shopping Trips
When you go shopping, your child might be running, spinning, or even flying through the aisles. A simple grocery run can feel like an adventure, with you and your spouse often having to "herd" them around.
Lost or Mismatched Items
Missing or mismatched socks are a frequent occurrence in the home. Eventually, you might find a sock in the most unexpected places, like the bookshelf.
Difficulty Responding
You might call your child multiple times before they respond. But come morning, they’ll be ready to jump out of bed and rush to school.
Things Mothers Love About Their ADHD Children
While ADHD presents unique challenges, many parents recognize and cherish their child's distinct qualities, which can make them more creative, energetic, spontaneous, and focused in different ways. Here are some positive traits of children with ADHD:
Thinking Outside the Box
Due to their humor, drive, passion, and intense focus, children with ADHD often approach problems from unique angles. This ability to concentrate for long periods can help them achieve professional success, especially in creative fields.
Resilience and Problem-Solving
Children with ADHD can overcome setbacks and adapt to new strategies. They remain determined, even after many attempts, and tend to find solutions to complex problems. They don’t give up easily and are always optimistic, even in challenging situations.
Creativity and Humor
ADHD children are often highly creative, and their humor can brighten up the room. They tend to remind those around them that perfection isn’t everything and that fun and laughter are essential parts of life.
Empathy and Kindness
ADHD children are often very empathetic, practicing kindness by sharing or offering emotional support to others. They are particularly protective of people they care about, like their younger siblings.
Risk-Taking and Innovation
These children are often willing to take risks and go after their goals with full energy, even when the task seems impossible. For instance, they may try thousands of times before they manage to create something new, like a working lightbulb.
Spontaneity and Adventure
While impulsivity can sometimes cause problems, it can also lead to unexpected and wonderful results. Their spontaneity and zest for life often lead to exciting experiences and new adventures.
Social Connectivity
Their rapid-fire thinking leads them to constantly explore new topics of conversation, keeping discussions vibrant and dynamic. They rarely experience awkward silences in conversations because their minds are always moving to the next idea.
High Energy and Infectious Enthusiasm
With their abundant energy, ADHD children can inspire those around them. They often make mundane tasks more exciting and inject enthusiasm into every situation.
What Not to Say to a Mother of a Child with ADHD
Unfortunately, misconceptions about ADHD persist, and many people still believe it’s simply a result of poor parenting, excessive screen time, or a lack of discipline. However, ADHD is a genuine neurodevelopmental condition, and saying the following things to a mother of a child with ADHD can be hurtful and unhelpful:
"Why can’t you control your child?"
ADHD is a medical condition that causes real behavioral challenges. Comparing an ADHD child’s behavior to neurotypical children is not helpful.
"They’ll grow out of it."
While some children with ADHD do experience symptom improvement, many continue to struggle with ADHD into adulthood. It’s not guaranteed that the symptoms will simply disappear as the child grows older.
"You should try more traditional discipline methods."
Traditional forms of discipline may not work effectively for ADHD children, as their behavior often stems from neurological differences, not a lack of discipline. Parents often need to explore behavioral therapies and positive parenting strategies.
"Just stop letting them watch TV."
There is no direct link between TV, video games, or screen time and ADHD. Many children who do not watch TV also struggle with ADHD, and more research points to genetic factors influencing the condition.
"When I was a kid, nobody had ADHD."
ADHD has always existed, but the terminology and understanding of it have evolved over time. Previously, children who exhibited these behaviors might have been labeled as lazy, bad, or unintelligent.
"Just stop giving them sugar."
There is no evidence to suggest that sugar directly causes ADHD, though it can sometimes worsen symptoms temporarily. Eliminating sugar is unlikely to change the core issues of ADHD.
"You should just put them in more sports to burn off energy."
While exercise can help channel a child’s energy, ADHD requires a comprehensive approach, including behavioral strategies, structure, and sometimes medication. Simply increasing physical activity won’t resolve all the challenges associated with ADHD.
By understanding these signs, strengths, and misconceptions, parents can better support their ADHD children and help them thrive in ways that acknowledge their unique abilities.
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