If you have a young child, you may fear that they will develop ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD is a common childhood disorder, 5 to 11 percent of American children have been reported to experience ADHD symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Resource Center on ADHD (CHADD).

ADHD can make studying and social interaction more difficult for your child. Nevertheless, you should not lose hope that your child will keep up with other children their age. Early intervention can tremendously improve your child’s chances of managing their symptoms and improving their circumstances.

Your support and counseling can make a huge difference in how well they can manage ADHD. The sooner you take action, the better their prognosis can be.

What is ADHD?

Since 1902, this condition has been called by many names, such as “minimal brain dysfunction, hyperkinetic reaction of childhood, and attention-deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity,” according to CHADD. Today, its official name is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, as given in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).

The name underscores the hallmark ADHD symptoms—hyperactivity and/or inattention. In addition, ADHD has a third common symptom: impulsivity. These three indicators, however, are non-specific behaviors that are often exhibited by children without ADHD, especially active and excitable toddlers. Presence of these symptoms alone does not necessarily indicate that your child has ADHD.

If your child is having difficulty interacting with other children, is consistently late in finishing school projects, or seems to always be forgetting something, these could be ADHD symptoms. Seeking a professional assessment can help you determine what may be going on for your child. Know that untreated, ADHD symptoms can get worse, and can make your child more susceptible to other conditions.

Symptoms of ADHD

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.” To help your child, pay attention to the signs and symptoms of ADHD.

Children with ADHD are often unable to complete their tasks on time, not because they are unable or have poor comprehension, but because they are inattentive. In most cases, inattentive children with ADHD lack perseverance, are easily distracted, and could be disorganized and feel confused. They may pay less attention to details, be forgetful, and make lots of small mistakes. They may have the tendency not to follow instructions because they have difficulty sustaining their attention.

If they are hyperactive, they may move a lot, fidgeting, talking, tapping their feet or fingers, or running, dashing, and climbing whenever possible. It may feel like punishment to them to be asked to sit or stand still for a long time. They may prefer to play boisterous games rather than read, watch TV, or play quietly. If they can’t move about, they may talk nonstop to release their energy.

They may behave impulsively by doing things without thinking, such as blurting out answers in class without being called on. They often have difficulty waiting for their turn and may be labeled “rude” for interrupting others.

Persistent ADHD

A study published in Pediatrics says that “nearly 30% of children with ADHD continue to struggle with the condition as adults, and some may develop other mental health issues, commit suicide, or end up in jail.” It isn’t just a disruptive childhood disorder; ADHD behaviors and symptoms can persist in school, at home, and into adulthood, if the condition is left untreated. This is why Dr. William Barbaresi of the Boston Children’s Hospital believes that “we need to have a chronic-disease approach to ADHD as we do for diabetes. The system of care has to be designed for the long haul.”

Impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention are usually recognized only when a child starts attending school. Though the symptoms may be there already, most parents miss them, thinking they just have a difficult child. In school, the chance of recognizing the symptoms is higher because they are required to sit for long hours and to sustain focus during classroom activities.

Early recognition of symptoms can be critical for early diagnosis and treatment. The earlier you recognize the signs of ADHD the better. The non-specific indicators can make identification challenging, but it is important.

An adult with ADHD can have low self-esteem due to difficulty in school and not being able to successfully complete tasks on time. Without a satisfactory academic background, they may have difficulty finding a good job later on. Forgetful, disorganized, and perpetually tardy, they may also be poor performers in the workplace. Their personal lives and relationships may be impacted as they can often be irritable, angry, and impatient, or have mood swings. They can also be vulnerable to impulsive risky behaviors, like substance abuse.

How Can Counseling Help with ADHD?

Parenting a child with ADHD is challenging. There is the challenge of recognizing the symptoms. There is the challenge of caring for the child and sustaining their treatment. There is the challenge of attending to the whole family while supporting your child with ADHD.

Help is available. You don’t have to face these obstacles alone. Find empowering support for yourself and a therapist for your child. A qualified and concerned counselor independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC, can help you navigate.

Starting ADHD treatment in adolescence or later can be more difficult and present additional challenges. It can be helpful to start treatment sooner rather than later. Begin your journey with the guidance of a trustworthy therapist contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC. Call today to schedule an appointment!