Every child is occasionally inattentive or hyperactive. They are constantly on the move and are easily diverted. And they have an infinite supply of energy.

When parents are concerned that their children have attention deficit or hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), they often focus on hyperactivity. However, more emphasis should be placed on the condition's final word: disturbance.

ADHD is a long-term condition. More than 60% of children who have it continue to have it as adults. Early diagnosis can help your child obtain the necessary therapy while also providing you with the tools to help them manage their illness.

ADHD symptoms are widespread in children of all ages

It is a complicated disorder. You can't just cross off a few symptoms on a list and call it a day. Every youngster exhibits an ADHD symptom at some point. You might notice it and believe something is amiss. But, on the whole, they're behaving normally for a youngster their age.

These behaviors are classified as inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). There are nine symptoms connected with ADHD in each area.

Inattention symptoms

Half of the difficulty with ADHD is a lack of attention. Children with ADHD may struggle to pay attention, whether to you or a teacher, at home or at school. This impairs their capacity to listen, learn, and even think. Your child may have difficulty:

• Attending to details or making thoughtless blunders.
• Working on a task or having fun.
• When you or a teacher speak directly to them, they listen.
• Performing directions, homework, or tasks.
• Task or activity organization.
• Completing chores that require mental work over a long period and expressing distaste or avoiding these things.
• Keeping track of personal possessions, such as school materials, glasses, or a phone.
• Remembering things in daily life.
• Keeping distractions to a minimum.

Hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms

An energetic, high-energy child who acts on every urge may come under the hyperactivity and impulsivity category of the illness. These actions can be more distracting, particularly in the classroom. Your youngster may:

• They fidget, squirm, and tap their hands or feet incessantly.
• Get up from their seat at school, church, or other places where they should stay seated.
• In improper places or situations, run and climb.
• Inability to play or participate in leisure activities quietly.
• Have a strong motor and be always on the go.
• Excessive talking.
• Answer questions as quickly as possible.
• They have difficulty waiting their turn.
• Break up discussions and games.

When you look at these lists, you might think, "Yeah, that's my kid." However, while many of these habits are disruptive — even embarrassing — in the wrong circumstances, they may be normal for your child's age. Many parents, for example, begin to worry about ADHD in their toddlers. However, these symptoms are usual for youngsters at that age.

Nevertheless, the indications can still appear relatively early. ADHD can be diagnosed as early as the age of four. To be diagnosed between the ages of four and sixteen, a child must exhibit six or more symptoms for more than six months, with the majority of symptoms showing before the age of twelve. 

And the behaviors must manifest in multiple locations, such as at school and home, and cause issues in both. If you have any concerns about your child’s mental health, contact the ADHD doctor as soon as possible.

Tips to help your child with ADHD

Raising a child with ADHD can be challenging, especially in the early years when they are rapidly developing and aren’t old enough to try medication. But no matter their age or prescription, parents play a major role in managing problematic behaviors.

The AAP’s advice boils down to structure, organization, and simplification. You can only really control the home environment. But if you do what you can to make things simple and structured, you can help improve your child manage their condition.

• Create a routine with schedules. 
• Organize everything.
• Limit their choices.
• Make lists.
• Stay positive. 

Help establish healthy habits. An unhealthy lifestyle can make ADHD symptoms worse. So make sure your child is eating right and getting plenty of exercise and sleep.