Children younger than most of the students in their class may have a harder time paying attention, sitting still, or controlling their behavior. These things are also symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorders in children in the United States. However, some experts believe that ADHD is overdiagnosed, especially in immature children.
Experts say children who are the youngest in their class are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than their older classmates. A recent study found that boys born at the end of high school (e.g., born in December if school started on January 1) were 30% more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. In the same study, girls were 70% more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD at the end of a grade school.
Because ADHD is a neurological disorder that causes brain differences that have nothing to do with age or date of birth, some say that immaturity is often confused with ADHD.
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“There can be up to a whole year between the oldest and the youngest children in a classroom. In development, there can be a large gap between these groups, ”says Dr. Anson Koshy, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston.
“Younger children may have a harder time paying attention or sitting still, especially when compared to their older peers. And these age-appropriate behaviors can be mistaken for ADHD, ”says Koshy.
If you’re not sure whether your child has ADHD or is just immature, there are a few things that can help you know.
Young children? Watch and wait
ADHD can be diagnosed as early as 4 years of age, but many experts, including Koshy, say early diagnosis can be a mistake for most very young children.
“Toddlers and preschoolers are particularly likely to have impulse control problems and problems concentrating and staying at work,” says Koshy. But most children grow out of it. Only 5% to 10% of preschoolers with ADHD-like symptoms will be diagnosed with ADHD later in life.
Look outside the classroom
Teachers are often the first to suggest that a child has ADHD. That makes sense as they see them most of the day. However, research shows that teachers are more likely to suspect ADHD among the youngest children in their classes.
“You may not realize immaturity or some other problem, like a learning disability, which may be the real reason a child has difficulty paying attention during class,” says Koshy.
In addition, younger children have shorter attention spans and need a lot of exercise. If your child is in a classroom with few breaks or little physical activity (such as break and physical activity class), they may be more likely to be nervous or lose focus.
This is why it is important to look at your child’s behavior outside of school.
“I ask concerned parents: What is your child’s morning routine like? What about meal time, play time, and after-school activities? “Says Koshy.
“If your son or daughter is having trouble concentrating, sitting still, or showing self-control at home and on weekends, it is more of a sign that he or she may have ADHD.”
Do not rush to diagnose
Since there are no laboratory tests for ADHD, an expert (such as a pediatrician, psychologist, neurologist, or psychiatrist) will make a diagnosis based on your child’s symptoms and other aspects such as your child’s family and health history.
“Your doctor or therapist will ask about your child’s behavior and ask your child’s teacher – and possibly other family members – for input,” says Dr. Nicole Brown, pediatrician at Montefiore Children’s Hospital in New York City.
This process can take some time. Your child’s doctor or therapist may want to examine your child for several months to see if their behavior changes as they get older or if their circumstances change (for example, during the summer break).
When in doubt about a diagnosis, get a second opinion.
Ask your child’s doctor, ‘Are you comfortable diagnosing ADHD? Do you have experience with diagnosis and what methods do you use? “Says Brown. “If the answer is no, seek help from someone who has experience treating children with ADHD.”
It’s also important to consider other causes, such as: B. Learning Difficulties. Psycho-educational tests are an objective way of comparing your child’s educational strengths and weaknesses with those of other children their age. Check with your child’s doctor or school.
Focus on behavior
More than 90% of pediatricians prescribe medication for children after they are diagnosed with ADHD. Medications can be effective for children with ADHD. But they can cause serious side effects like difficulty sleeping and appetite problems. As such, it should only be used on children who are definitely ADHD and are at least elementary school age, says Koshy.
Behavior therapy is often a better first step.
“The therapy has been shown to help children with ADHD and those who are simply immature,” says Koshy.
When looking for a therapist, “look for someone who has worked with children at various ages and developmental stages and has experience with ADHD,” says Brown. “This increases the likelihood that they will pull apart, regardless of whether your child is having problems because of their age or problems [they have] ADHD. “
Parent training – learning behavioral strategies to communicate with and support your child – can also help you be clear and in tune with expectations and consequences.
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“Often, parenting training makes the biggest difference to children,” says Koshy.
Take a class or meet with a therapist who specializes in ADHD and behavioral problems in children. Ask your child’s doctor for a recommendation.
“While you’re waiting to find out what’s wrong with your child, there is a lot you can do to do better and have it easier at home and in school,” says Brown.
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