How To Recognize Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder In Children
Medically reviewed by Julie Dodson, MA
Updated March 14, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental condition that can cause impulsive and hyperactivity behavior. If you're a parent who has a child with ADHD, it isn't always going to be easy to keep things under control. Children with ADHD may require a bit more attention and guidance than some children. This doesn't mean that children with ADHD can't work through their struggles and find great success in life. It just means that you may need to be a bit more creative as a parent.
If your child is currently a toddler and is displaying certain ADHD behaviors, it's possible that you might be a bit worried. Many people wind up asking themselves "What are the signs of ADHD in children?" Thankfully, it isn't that difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms in younger children. Once you know what to look for, you should have a good idea of whether your toddler might be living with an ADHD issue and might benefit from various types of professional support.
Early warning signs of ADHD symptoms in toddlers
Wondering if your child may have ADHD?
There are many different early signs of ADHD symptoms in toddlers that you might observe, including:
- Emotional dysregulation: Emotional dysregulation is the most important warning sign of ADHD in younger children. Toddlers with ADHD tend to feel emotionally overwhelmed and sensitive, and therefore may be more easily frustrated and have a more difficult time calming down compared to other children the same age.
- Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors: Toddlers with ADHD may engage in hyperactive behaviors, such as climbing things that aren’t appropriate, constantly running around, and having a difficult time sitting still.
- Aggressive behaviors: Toddlers with ADHD may react aggressively when upset by engaging in biting or hitting.
- Difficulty sustaining attention: Difficulty paying attention for toddlers with ADHD may look like having trouble listening and following instructions or even sustaining attention while playing. Some toddlers may appear to be inattentive even when you're speaking directly to them.
If you suspect that your toddler may be experiencing ADHD symptoms, make an appointment with your child's pediatrician. Diagnosing ADHD early on is important, because early intervention may help prepare your toddler for the transition to elementary school, where they will confront classroom expectations for appropriate behavior. Early intervention for toddlers with ADHD may also prevent behavior problems and even the development of mental health issues, like depression, later in life.
ADHD test for toddlers
Consider taking an ADHD test for toddlers. This involves you observing the behavior of your toddler to determine whether they're exhibiting ADHD symptoms. All you need to do is find a checklist and answer the questions as honestly as you can. If you aren't sure about a certain answer, take more time to observe your toddler until the answer becomes clear.
Look at the questions below. This is a good example of what an ADHD test for toddlers might entail. Some tests will be more thorough than others. If you're answering many questions with yes, then it's possible that your child might have an issue with ADHD.
- Does your child have difficulties trying to focus?
- Does your child make many mistakes?
- Does your child appear to not be paying attention even when spoken to directly?
- Does your child move on to another activity before completing what they were doing?
- Does your child lose things often?
- Does your child seem unable to learn how to stay organized?
- Does your child avoid activities that require concentration?
- Is your child easily distracted?
- Does your child forget to do things even when you remind them?
- Is your child constantly fidgeting?
- Does your child have problems staying in their seat?
- Does your child talk excessively?
Most of these questions can be applied to children of all ages. ADHD symptoms in children are going to be very similar regardless of how old they are.
Younger toddlers, specifically those who are between the ages of two and three, will be trickier to diagnose. When kids are too young, it can be tough to tell what is really occurring—it could be a developmental issue rather than ADHD. Only a health professional should give an ADHD diagnosis. A health professional or a pediatrician will be able to diagnose children at a young age who are suspected of experiencing symptoms of ADHD.
A professional opinion
You need a professional opinion to get a proper diagnosis. Even if you took a simple ADHD test for toddlers that yielded many yeses, that does not equal a real diagnosis from a professional. It's a good idea to get a pediatrician or a child psychiatrist to evaluate your toddler. They should be able to make observations to determine if your child has ADHD or such tendencies.
Your child’s doctor will want to make sure that ADHD issues are present before prescribing any medication. Medications can often make a big difference but giving a young child any type of medication is a serious step. Make sure that you go through the process of speaking to a professional before you attempt any type of treatment.
Treating ADHD in toddlers
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians’ Clinical Practice Guideline for ADHD in children, the first step in treating ADHD in toddlers is behavior therapy. Behavior therapy is an effective treatment for children with ADHD and has been proven to help improve self-control and behavior in children with ADHD. Parents of children younger than 12 years old will likely be referred to parent training in behavior therapy. When parents become trained in behavior therapy, they are more equipped to help reinforce positive behaviors in their child and help them succeed at home and at school.
Your child’s doctor may also recommend that you try a special diet to counteract ADHD symptoms. Generally, this will be a diet high in protein and low in sugar and other junk foods.
In rare cases, a toddler may not see improvement of their ADHD symptoms with behavior therapy alone, and your child’s doctor may suggest medication treatment in addition to behavior therapy. ADHD medication for toddlers typically includes a very low dose prescription stimulant medication. Stimulants can help improve ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemical messengers that help brain cells communicate with each other).
Your doctor will decide on a treatment plan depending on your child’s age and the severity of their symptoms.
It's important to note that therapy is preferable to medication for toddlers who are too young. Most doctors refer parents to therapy when their children exhibit ADHD symptoms at the age of five and below. Kids aged six and up might wind up seeing many benefits from medication, but they'll also be helped by therapy.
After a professional has diagnosed your child with ADHD, you can ask your doctor for a referral to a therapist. They may be able to point you in the direction of someone in your area who specializes in children and ADHD. Your child can learn to manage their behavior better and should be able to increase their ability to focus over time.
Online therapy is also available
Wondering if your child may have ADHD?
You may also want to consider the availability of online therapy. Not everyone lives close to a good child therapist. This makes being able to reach out to a therapist online that much more important. Online therapy allows you to reach out to a professional in the most convenient way possible.
These online therapists are fully licensed and are ready to help your child with what they are experiencing. They have the experience and the patience to help your toddler with their problems. In addition, they can help you work on any problems that you're experiencing surrounding your child's diagnosis or any other mental health concern.
You'll also find that online therapy is very affordable. Online therapy is typically going to be more cost-effective than traditional therapy methods. You may be able to make use of this therapy during times when traditional therapy offices would be closed. This makes it a perfect fit for busy professionals who want to therapy for themselves or their kids.
Takeaway
Your child may benefit from getting the help of a true professional. If you ever need any help with personal problems, a therapist can be there for you too. Online therapy has been shown to be effective for helping people cope with many issues, including those related to learning about a medical diagnosis regarding your child. It can also be an important source of aid for those experiencing depression, anxiety, addiction, eating disorders, and many additional mental health concerns.
If you want to try online counseling, sign up for BetterHelp, and you can be matched with a therapist within no more than about 48 hours, in most cases. You don't have to leave your home to speak to a licensed therapist. Professionals are readily available and standing by to assist you.
With the right support, you and your child can healthfully adjust to ADHD.
Frequently asked questions
Read more below for answers to questions commonly asked about this topic.
How does ADHD present in toddlers?
Toddlers, preschool children, or any children under age four typically aren’t diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, formerly called attention-deficit disorder or ADD) because it can be difficult to distinguish symptoms from typical toddler behavior. That said, this condition typically manifests in children as impulsive behaviors, trouble focusing on any one activity, difficulty waiting their turn, and/or hyperactivity, but it can be easier to tell whether a child shows symptoms of a form of neurodivergence like ADHD once they're of school age.
At what age can a child be evaluated for ADHD?
Doctors and psychiatrists typically won’t consider a diagnosis of ADHD in toddlers or preschool-aged children, because it can be difficult to distinguish symptoms from normal behavior at this age. That’s why it’s usually not until a child is of school age (typically around age four) and in a classroom setting around other children that a specialist might decide to conduct a screening.
At what age can a child be medicated for ADHD?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), medication typically isn’t considered as a treatment for ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, formerly referred to as attention-deficit disorder) in children below the age of six. Behavioral therapy is usually recommended instead. For school-aged children older than six, medication may be considered as a potential component of treatment.
How can I help my toddler with ADHD?
Clinical practice guidelines generally urge doctors and psychiatrists to not diagnose ADHD in children under the age of four. However, someone who feels that their toddlers or preschool-age children may be showing signs of this form of neurodivergence can employ some strategies to support their daily functioning. Examples include implementing structure and routines, helping limit distractions, and finding ways to help them manage emotional impulsivity, such as taking deep breaths or sitting in time out.
How can I treat my toddler with ADHD naturally?
Medication for ADHD isn’t typically prescribed for children below the age of six. That said, there are strategies you can try to help manage your child’s symptoms or challenges that may potentially be related to ADHD. Creating structure in their daily life, clearly communicating rules for behavior, and finding ways to help them calm down when dysregulated could be helpful. You might also seek the support of a behavioral therapist.
How can I teach my toddler with ADHD at home?
If your child’s behavior seems to align with signs of ADHD, helping them learn to manage their symptoms at home can be helpful. You might get them into comfortable routines, reduce distractions, reward the management of impulses, and find ways to help them regulate their emotions, for example. A behavioral therapist could also provide guidance.
How do you calm a child with ADHD in the classroom?
Teachers can support students with ADHD in the classroom in various ways. Allowing for fidgeting and incorporating physical movement into learning activities is one way to help them manage any hyperactivity. Asking questions about their behavior to help them evaluate it and providing positive reinforcement for good behavior can also help. The school psychologist and/or a behavioral therapist can provide more information.
How can I help my child with ADHD concentrate?
Helping your child build healthy lifestyle habits is one way to potentially improve their focus, which can include things like getting regular exercise and enough sleep. Teaching them strategies for emotional regulation, such as deep breathing or counting exercises, could be useful as well. You might also consult with a behavioral therapist for further advice.
How can I improve my child's focus at school?
Meeting with your child’s teacher could help you ensure they’re getting the right support and any necessary accommodations at school, such as extra testing time. Making sure that they get enough sleep, eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, and stick to routines while at home can be helpful as well.
How do you manage daily life with ADHD?
Learning to manage the symptoms of ADHD that you may personally experience can take time and some trial and error. Many people find healthy lifestyle habits like exercising regularly and getting enough sleep to be paramount in managing symptoms. You might also experiment with different strategies to help you stay on track and focused, such as keeping short to-do lists, maintaining routines, and experimenting with different ways to take in information.
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