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Does my child have ADHD? Here are some signs that you should talk to your pediatrician by D R . S U S A N N A B L O C K of K A I S E R P E R M A N E N T E
We’re back in school and so excited that our 5- to 11-yearolds can now be vaccinated against COVID-19. Kids have settled into school with masking and social distancing. We are also bringing back after-school activities. While for some children the transition has been smooth, others are having difficulty with concentration, restlessness and worry. Those behaviors can be symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or they can have other causes. Let’s talk about how ADHD is identified and treated. As always, thank you so much for your great questions. Keep them coming. (Got a question for Dr. Block? Send it to jhanson@seattleschild.com.)
P H OTO CO U RT ESY OF KA I S E R P E RM A N E N TE
Does my child have ADHD, or is it something else?
This is a great question from a reader. Let’s talk about it. At the beginning of the school year, it seemed like all our kids were a little amped up with excitement and nervousness. We are now reacquainted with in-person school and after-school activity routines. What about the child who is still struggling with attention, performance in school or impulsive behavior? If you are asking yourself if this could be something more, you’re not the only one. We’re seeing increased requests for ADHD screenings
for school-aged children. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference, so recognizing possible ADHD is important.
Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder
Let’s take a minute to talk about ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, approximately 9% of children have ADHD, and it is twice as likely to be diagnosed in boys as in girls. ADHD is considered a chronic condition of the brain. Children with ADHD have difficulty controlling their behavior and difficulty paying attention in school, have challenges getting along with other children, and are often impulsive. This is not the occasional outburst but rather a pattern of chronic behavior that impacts their ability to live regular lives. Children with ADHD have behavior challenges that fall into three categories, although many children have a combination of behaviors: Inattentive: These children have a difficult time paying attention, appear to be daydreaming and have challenges organizing themselves. Hyperactivity: These children are in constant motion and have a very hard time sitting still. Impulsivity: These children are noted to be very impulsive. They frequently interrupt, have a hard time taking turns and have impulsive behaviors, i.e., they might run into the street.
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If I suspect my child has ADHD, what are the next steps?
If you notice your child having these CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >
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