Children with ADHD

By: Afton Williamson, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC

​Many parents wonder if certain behavior patterns seen in their children might be due to
Attention and Concentration Hyperactive Disorder, or more commonly known as ADHD.

Symptoms of ADHD in children often start in early childhood. Parents may notice their child
struggles to pay attention, fidgets, is hyperactive and impulsive in behaviors. Symptoms of
ADHD present before age 12. In some children, symptoms may be present by age 3.
ADHD is often diagnosed during early elementary school as this is when many of the symptoms
and behaviors can present social and academic challenges for children with ADHD. The high
levels of energy, struggles with attention, and impulsive behavior can make it difficult for children
with ADHD to follow certain rules and structure in the classroom setting. Children may struggle
with rules around not blurting out, staying on task in their seats, and starting and completing
assignments. Socially, children with ADHD may not pick up on typical social cues and may also
have challenges in taking turns and listening to peers.

If you’re concerned your child may have ADHD and symptoms and behaviors are problematic
for them at home and school, it’s best to follow-up with a mental health professional for further
evaluation and management. Assessments completed by parents and teachers can help to
confirm the diagnosis. Management of ADHD in children can include skill building and behavior
interventions, stimulant and nonstimulant medications, and dietary modifications.
It is important to recognize that treatment and management of ADHD may look different for each
child based on parent goals for treatment and individual needs and responses to treatment.
Families may opt for behavioral interventions and skill building prior to taking medications. Other
families may decide it is best to start medications for their child at a younger age. Medications
for some children may include stimulants while others may respond well to nonstimulant
medication.

Not all interventions for ADHD management are medication based. While controversial, some
research suggests that certain dietary interventions may have positive benefits on ADHD
behaviors. Physical activity of at least sixty minutes per day can improve a child’s cognition and
psychosocial behaviors. Mindfulness based interventions have also been shown to decrease
ADHD symptoms.
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If you have a child with ADHD, take time to celebrate their strengths as well. Children with
ADHD can be very focused and creative in areas where they show interest. They are often
energetic and spontaneous and can engage well socially with their peers.

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