When trying to determine if your toddler has ADHD or not, it can be a little tricky. Most diagnoses happen around age 5 or 6, which makes it harder to understand if a 3-year-old has the diagnosis. Developmentally, a 5-year-old is completely different from a 3-year-old. Hyperactivity and impulsivity is common among toddlers. That is when they are learning to develop speech and fine motor skills, so it’s important for them to practice those to grow.
Some of the ADHD symptoms in toddlers could be:
- Difficulty paying attention
- Fidgeting or inability to sit still
- Impulsivity
- Excessive talking or making noises
- Forgetful in daily activities
Impulsivity, hyperactivity, and lack of focus are all symptoms that are normal for toddlers to exhibit. Those three alone will not suffice for a diagnosis. Also, it is important not to get a misdiagnosis because your child exhibits those behaviors. Toddlers are still growing and learning, which means they are learning how to behave.
With difficulty paying attention, this could mean your child daydreams often and misses conversations. They cannot stay focused on an activity until the end. They could possibly get distracted by other noises or people.
Impulsivity can present as interrupting others when they are speaking, outbursts, refusing to wait in line or turn, and jumping in to play with others without asking. These are typical behaviors for a toddler, but it only becomes worrisome when it done more frequently and becomes an issue with other children or adults.
Hyperactivity can present as being excessively squirmy or fidgeting. Most toddlers will exemplify this behavior, but when it starts to disturb everyday activities it may be a problem. Hyperactivity may look like constant talking or switching from toy to toy.
If you do believe that your toddler has multiple symptoms of ADHD, contact your pediatrician to set up testing for your child. ADHD is very common among children and should be taken seriously. Your child’s pediatrician can help with ways to help your child and answer any questions about the diagnosis. But remember, even if your toddler displays every symptom of ADHD- it might not actually be. Some toddlers just have more energy and it may not be truly noticeable, or able to be diagnosed until they enter Kindergarten. However, if you need support on knowing how to parent and want to be proactive to get things in a good place before school starts- give us a call. We can definitely help.