ADHD vs. Conscious Disobedience: How to Identify the Signs

Often, parents themselves for a long time do not realize the unusual behavior of their child, attributing it to physiological activity and mobility, especially in cases where the manifestations are relatively mild. And not surprisingly, after all, many children under six years of age have excessive activity, and distracted attention. But here comes a time when the behavior of a daughter or son requires an adequate reaction from the parents.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a psycho-neurological disorder that is usually diagnosed in children 5-7 years old, characterized by poor ability to concentrate and hold attention, increased motor and mental activity, leading to impaired learning and social adaptation. It should be noted that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder should not be caused by concomitant diseases, should take place for at least six months and manifest in various situations, both at school and at home.

There are certain generally accepted criteria that are actively used by specialists working with such children. The most convincing diagnosis of ADHD can be made when learning difficulties are present, i.e. not earlier than 5-6 years. At an early age, often signs of ADHD appear artificially due to disruption in family relationships, frequent and uncontrolled viewing of cartoons and “developmental games,” and the lack of parenting skills for raising their child.

Diagnostic criteria for attention deficit:

- The child does not pay attention to details and makes errors in tasks;
- Difficultly keeps attention in work and game;
- Does not listen to what others say;
- Unable to follow instructions;
- Cannot organize a game or activity;
- Cannot give attention for a long time;
- Often loses things;
- Often and easily distracted;
- It is often forgetful.

It was established that for the diagnosis of “attention deficit”, at least six signs are necessary.

Diagnostic criteria for hyperactivity:

- The child makes fussy movements with his arms and legs;
- Often jumps up from its place;
- Hypermobility in situations where hypermobility is unacceptable;
- Always in moving;
- Cannot play silent games;
- Talks a lot.

To determine the diagnosis of "hyperactivity", at least five signs are necessary.

Diagnostic criteria for impulsivity:

- Answers the question without hearing it;
- Cannot wait for their turn;
- Intervenes in the conversations of others.

Despite the existence of such clear criteria, the diagnosis often requires additional diagnostics and monitoring the child in dynamics, since other disorders may be hidden under the mask of ADHD.

Of course, ADHD does not occur from scratch. Its rudiments form before the birth of the child. The causes may be a complicated course of pregnancy and childbirth. There is also a genetic predisposition.

This disease also has “precursors”. They do not represent anything unknown, moreover, they are well known to many parents. The bottom line is that not everyone pays due attention to them. Meanwhile, what is familiar can help you get closer to unraveling the behavior of your beloved child.

To facilitate early diagnosis, we suggest that you focus on the following signs, according to which you can assume that the child has ADHD according to age.

Signs at the age of 1 year:

- The child is overly active;
- Rarely calm while awake;
- Screams a lot;
- Shows hypersensitivity to various irritants is noted: touch, smell, noise, and clothing;
- Decreased appetite is characteristic;
- The child sleeps little and restlessly;
- No crawl stage;
- Actively responds when being talked to;
- Frequently doesn’t allow you to carry them and caress.

Signs at the age of 2 years:

- The child is constantly on the move;
- Unusually curious;
- Prone to unusual, sometimes unpleasant actions;
- Tiring for others;
- Fearless and courageous, which can cause an accident;
- Does not pay attention to observations.

Signs at the age of 3 years:

- The child seeks constant movement;
- Has outbursts of aggression;
- Pronounced obstinacy is manifested;
- Awkwardness and clumsiness is noted;
- Often breaks toys;
- Has increased distractibility;
- Capable of causing a mess in a cleaned room in a short time.

At the same time, it is necessary to distinguish between a fidget or a stubborn (can do, but doesn’t want) from a hyperactive child (wants, but cannot). The first is poorly behaved due to lack of strictness on the part of parents; the second has physiological and psychological disorders that require treatment and correction. Try to figure out the differences using the table.

What can happen if ADHD is not treated?

Parents who observe the unusual symptoms that may be signalizing of ADHD development should know that if the condition is not taken under control, it can cause their child multiple trouble in life. Statistically, people with diagnosed ADHD later in life meaning that they hadn’t been treated in childhood, are more prone to becoming drug or alcohol addicts, fail to obtain a degree, and find a good job.

The statistics also show that teenagers with an inclination towards degrading behaviors substantially improve their academic performance and are less prone to develop drug or alcohol addiction when the correct treatment for ADHD is chosen and implemented.

How to treat ADHD?

First of all, it is important to find the right specialist for your child who will be able to create an effective treatment plan consisting of behavioral therapy, tips on how to talk to your child at home, provide guidelines for teachers, and chose effective drug therapy.

There are several medicines for ADHD in kids. The most used and studied are Ritalin and Strattera. These drugs improve a child’s ability to focus on tasks and maintain attention which is beneficial both for school and home.

Although we strongly advise you to seek help from a specialist, you can greatly save if you buy Strattera online from our online drugstore. We offer qualitative generic versions of the expensive brand drugs and ship them all around the world.