Frequently Asked Questions about ADHD in Children

ADHD in children is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that causes a child’s brain to work differently than the brain of a child who does not have ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). The part of the brain affected is the frontal part that controls executive function skills such as planning, organizing, decision-making, self-regulation, and attention.

The frontal lobe helps the brain know what to pay attention to and what to filter out. This makes it unusually difficult for a child with ADHD to control his or her behavior, sit still, stay focused, or manage his or her emotions. ADHD is a self-regulation disorder.

How can I tell if my child has ADHD?

It is normal for most children to do things like get distracted, restless, forget homework, or act impulsively at times. However, for children with ADHD, these things become an ongoing pattern of behavior. It is a daily struggle for an ADHD child to pay attention, control themselves, think before they act, or sit still. This can lead to many challenges at home and school that interfere with their day-to-day functioning, social interactions, and school performance.

What are the symptoms of ADHD in children?

ADHD in children can present in three different ways depending on which characteristics are predominant.

Predominantly inattentive

Children with predominantly inattentive ADHD have a short attention span and have trouble being organized or staying on task. They struggle to finish things such as homework or chores. They also find it difficult to pay attention to details or follow instructions. Easily distracted, they are prone to making careless mistakes. They daydream a lot, often don’t seem to be listening when spoken to, and tend to forget or lose things.

Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive

Children with predominantly hyperactive/impulsive ADHD find it difficult to sit still or do things quietly. They are restless, fidgety, impulsive, constantly on the move, act before they think, and tend to have more accidents and get hurt more often than other children. They also have trouble waiting their turn, and may constantly interrupt others, blurt out answers before questions are finished, and speak at inappropriate times.

Combined type

Some children struggle with both inattention and impulsivity. These children are diagnosed with combined type ADHD, demonstrating characteristics of both.

What causes ADHD in children?

The exact cause of ADHD in children is still not fully understood, but research indicates that genetics seems to play an important role. Other possible causes that are still being studied include brain injury; exposure to drugs and alcohol or environmental risks, such as lead, during pregnancy; and other developmental factors.

Contrary to popular view, studies do not support the idea that eating too much sugar or watching too much television are possible causes of ADHD. Although, they have been found to make symptoms of ADHD worse in certain children.

What treatment options are available?

Treatment for ADHD in children focuses on helping the child manage his or her symptoms and do better in school. The most common interventions include behavioral therapy, social skills training, working with teachers to provide academic support and accommodations for the child, parent coaching, and family therapy.

Parent training

Parent training teaches parents how to deal with their child’s ADHD symptoms in more effective ways. It can include routines to increasing structure, like establishing daily routines and using checklists to accomplish tasks.

Likewise, parents can be taught alternative ways of responding to undesirable behaviors such as defiance, ignoring instructions, or throwing tantrums. Using praise, rewards, and consistent consequences can encourage positive behavior instead.

School interventions

School interventions focus on pinpointing specific goals for behavior in school and motivating the child to accomplish them by rewarding him or her for each one successfully met. It may also include allowing the child to complete tests in separate settings, away from distractions, or allowing the child movement breaks between tasks.

Behavioral therapy for executive functioning

Behavioral therapy for executive functioning focuses on teaching children with ADHD strategies for staying organized and focused, controlling impulsive behavior, learning how to interact with others, as well as skills that maximize their strengths and compensate for their weaknesses.

This can include using planners and checklists, assigning time limits, and a rewards chart for both home and school to help provide motivation.

Help for ADHD

If you recognize these traits in your child and would like support, reach out to us today. We can set up an appointment for you with one of the faith-based ADHD counselors at Keller Christian Counseling in Texas.