Signs That Your Child May Have ADHD

Have you been wondering if your child might have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? ADHD symptoms usually start before the age of 7 and can occur in both boys and girls. A visit to the pediatrician is the first step if you think that your son or daughter may have ADHD. Drs. Elizabeth Yakuba and Alrick Drummond offer ADHD evaluations in Tampa and Riverview, FL, at Children's Health Center.

Common ADHD signs and symptoms

Sitting still or paying attention in class can be a constant struggle if your child has ADHD. No matter how much your child wants to follow instructions, ADHD makes it impossible. Some who have the disorder don't find it difficult to stay seated but do have trouble concentrating at school.

These signs and symptoms can occur if your son or daughter has ADHD:

• Constant Movement: Kids with ADHD may move or fidget constantly or decide to roam the classroom in the middle of a lesson.
• Difficulty Concentrating: Children with ADHD may have difficulty focusing, particularly if the subject doesn't interest them.
• Impulse Control Issues: Kids with ADHD may blurt out answers without raising their hands or refuse to wait their turn during games.
• Inappropriate Comments: Does your child get in trouble for blurting out his or her thoughts?
• Daydreaming: Some kids become lost in their daydreams during the school day.
• Talking in Class: It can be difficult to keep quiet, even after being reminded repeatedly, when you have ADHD.
• Lost Homework: Children who have ADHD may lose their homework or complete it yet never turn it in.

How treatment can help children with ADHD

Parents often assume that medication is the only solution if their child is diagnosed with ADHD. While medication can be helpful, it's certainly not the only way to treat the disorder. If your child receives an ADHD diagnosis, your Riverview or Tampa pediatrician can discuss other treatment methods and strategies with you, such as talk and behavioral therapy, social skills groups and educational supports.

ADHD evaluations can help your child get the help he or she needs. Schedule an appointment with Drs. Yakuba and Drummond, the pediatricians at Children's Health Center, by calling (813) 914-7772 for the Tampa office or (813) 677-2222 for the Riverview office.