Recognizing ADHD in preschoolers can be difficult. Yet it bears the same symptoms as in older children.
Children with ADHD are constantly moving, seeking activities, are impulsive, irritable, easily distracted, are having a hard time winding down to sleep, are staying awake in bed for hours, are up early in the morning, and have the same energy level as the day before.
Family dynamics can become strained, siblings can be adversely affected, and parents are exhausted.
Simple activities like attending church and going to the playground become difficult.
Rewards and punishment to streamline behavior are ineffective.
No one is in control, especially the child with the undiagnosed ADHD because it is really not the child’s fault. They are not able to control the impulsivity and irritability. They immediately forget they were told to stay seated and keep their hands to themselves. Their self-esteem spirals down as they try to follow directions and yet they end up doing exactly what they were told not to because their brains just cannot keep up. Whatever they were told is out of their little heads the very next minute, not because they are not smart or they don’t care, but because they are mentally unable to compute and execute directions in a brain that is constantly changing the influx of thoughts and ideas for them, pretty much like changing channels on a TV.
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Parents and daycare providers are vital to providing observations that can lead to an ADHD diagnosis. Having a diagnosis opens doors for these children. Not only are their challenges understood, but they are also finally heard, and they can receive treatment. Therapy can be effective. Medications can be stimulants (like Adderall) or non-stimulants (like Guanfacine) and are used to help them slow down enough so they can function at a level to meet expectations and be successful. Even without the use of therapy and medications, Kindergartners with an ADHD diagnosis can qualify for state-funded 504 plans and IEP to help them with academics and behaviors.
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Having a diagnosis is like adding a tool to your child’s toolbox to help them accomplish goals and tasks. If you think your child has ADHD, it is probably a good idea to consult your pediatrician.
At Happy Kids Pediatrics we excel at helping children with ADHD. We can be reached at 913-355-9953 or by email contactus@happykidspeds.com. Our website is https://happykidspeds.com. We are located at 605 E. Main St, Gardner KS 66030. Feel free to walk in or call ahead. We are here to help!
