October is National ADHD Awareness Month. If your child is displaying symptoms of ADHD, take this as your sign to get them tested. It’s the ideal opportunity to gain access to the resources you need or to reach out to others who are beginning their journey. Here’s what you should know.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD — Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder — is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. This disorder is often diagnosed in childhood and lasts into adulthood. Those with ADHD often display the classic signs of difficulty paying attention, impulsive behavior, or being overly active.
While it’s normal for children to have trouble focusing or behaving occasionally, children with ADHD show continuous and severe issues with this. To the extent that it may cause difficulty at school, at home, or with friends.
ADHD can present itself in a variety of ways. This presentation depends on the individual and the symptoms they display. However, understanding the different types of presentations can help you break free of the stereotypes that you may associate with the disorder.
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
In this presentation, a person may find it difficult to organize or complete a task. It’s hard for them to pay attention to details, follow instructions, or stay connected throughout a conversation. They may also become distracted easily and forget the details of their daily routines.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
You may be more familiar with this type of presentation of ADHD in young children. The individual may fidget and chat constantly, finding it difficult to sit still for a long period. These symptoms may be particularly evident during mealtime or while doing homework.
You may observe consistent restless behavior — running, jumping, climbing, interrupting others, and trouble with impulsivity. This impulsivity may present by grabbing things, having a difficult time waiting their turn or listening to directions, and speaking at inappropriate times. As a result, this person may also be more accident or injury prone.
ADHD can also present equally in a person — a “Combined Presentation.” Symptoms can also change over time which means presentation will change.
The Symptoms of ADHD
The top symptoms of ADHD vary depending on the age of the child. Here are the signs you should look for depending on your child’s age.
Preschool through 2nd grade
Children with ADHD may have trouble getting started with activities, and they will need to stop and listen instead of being able to listen while doing an activity.
Grades 3 through 7
A child in this age range may rush through their homework assignments and produce mediocre work to finish quickly.
Teens
Teens with ADHD may have a hard time remembering their assignments, and they may forget to write them down.
Adults
Adults who exhibit signs of ADHD get distracted from daily tasks and often lose items like a phone, wallet, keys, etc.
Understanding Symptoms by Gender
Keep in mind that gender can impact the symptoms displayed as well. Boys with ADHD will usually show externalized symptoms, which could include running and impulsivity. Girls with ADHD often have internalized symptoms. This would manifest in inattentiveness and low self-esteem.
Keep an eye on your child and be sure that healthcare providers screen them according to the symptoms most common to their gender. Girls with ADHD are often chronically undiagnosed because they don’t have the hyperactive and impulsive symptoms that boy display.
Why National ADHD Awareness Month is Important
If you’ve never observed ADHD Awareness Month, you may wonder why it’s necessary. Here’s why it should be on your radar.
It can affect everyone
Anyone can be impacted by ADHD. People of all races, ages, backgrounds, genders, etc. can receive an ADHD diagnosis. No demographic is immune from this diagnosis. Nearly 1 in 10 children will be diagnosed with ADHD and 4 in 100 adults. The time to look for symptoms and make sure your child gets the help they need is right now!
Because ADHD tends to run in families, once a parent or child is diagnosed, take that diagnosis seriously. Research shows that parents and siblings of someone who has ADHD are more likely to have it themselves. If one of your children is diagnosed, consider getting tested yourself and take your other children to get tested. Likewise, if you were diagnosed as a child, watch for early symptoms of ADHD with your child and bring it up with their pediatrician if you have any concerns.
It’s genetic
ADHD can often be misunderstood, which is why raising awareness about the disease is important. It’s a brain-based disorder that’s often genetic. Family history, prenatal risk, and environmental toxins can increase a person’s likelihood of having ADHD. When people understand that no one is to blame for their ADHD, they’re more likely to seek the help they need.
It’s a costly and problematic disorder
ADHD interferes with people’s lives when it isn’t managed properly. It can cause a drop in productivity at work and school. It can create relationship problems. It may lead to obesity. Or it can even prompt legal trouble in a worst-case scenario. Understanding whether you or your child suffer from ADHD and how to properly manage it is essential to living a happy and healthy life.
The Best Ways to Observe National ADHD Awareness Month
National ADHD Awareness Month starts on Saturday, October 1, 2022. Here are three ways you can observe the month and help someone around you get the support they need.
Get tested
Consider getting tested yourself! If you display any of the symptoms of ADHD, you could have the disorder and not know it. For adults, this may look like being prone to procrastination, having trouble focusing on a task, or lacking motivation.
To get diagnosed, make an appointment with your primary care doctor. There’s no specific test that can determine ADHD, but it’s likely the provider will combine a physical exam with a set of 18 questions from the World Health Organization.
If you’re an adult and you get a diagnosis, make sure you reach out and get support for your children as well. Getting them tested can help them get access to the proper resources throughout their lives.
Share your story
If you or your child has ADHD, be sure to share your story with others. ADHD is often misunderstood, and one of the best ways to reduce the stigma it carries is to challenge it with personal stories. The American Deficit Disorder Association invites those diagnosed to share their stories during this awareness month.
Seek and provide support
Depending on where you are in your ADHD journey, you may require support from others, or you may be able to provide it.
If you need support for a recent diagnosis, look for an ADHD association-sponsored support group for children and adults. If your child was recently diagnosed, you can also work with their teacher at school to make proper ADHD accommodations. These could include extra time on tests, instructions, and assignments tailored to the child, using technology to assist with tasks, or allowing breaks to move around.
Once you’re comfortable in your ADHD journey, find a local group and learn what you can do to support their efforts. This could include bringing the latest treatments to those in need.
Final Thoughts
If your child is struggling with ADHD symptoms, make an appointment with Pediatric Care Centers. Dr. Benitez and his team of Jacksonville pediatricians work around the clock to provide exceptional pediatric care.
