In general, young children tend to be active, rambunctious, and somewhat impulsive. They often play loudly. They love to climb and run. Most children do not want to remain in their seats. They may squirm and fidget. They’d rather be up and out, exploring the world around them.
Many kids have trouble listening and following directions. Parents all over the world feel frustration at one time or another about the need to remind their child to do something and the child simply forgetting or getting distracted by another, more interesting activity.
Many children are careless and lose things. Most young children have difficulty waiting their turn. Many are distracted easily by extraneous stimuli.
This is all a normal part of being a child.
For a child with ADHD, however, these behaviors are amplified. They are disruptive, cause significant impairment in function at school, home, and with friends, and they are considered inappropriate for the child’s developmental level. The behaviors must also be present for an extended period of time (at least six months).
Some children with ADHD are extremely charismatic, personable, and popular. For many others, however, behavior problems result in rejection, isolation, and plunging self esteem.
Most kids with ADHD respond well to strategies that focus on their strengths, structure their environment, have consistency and routines, limit distractions, and give frequent feedback.
To learn more about these strategies click on the following links:
