As parents, educators, and caregivers, it's common to see a child displaying signs of restlessness, difficulty concentrating, or impulsivity. However, when these behaviours become persistent and interfere with a child’s ability to function in daily aspects of life, they might signal Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Figuring out if it’s just typical childhood behaviour or ADHD can be tricky, right? But it’s so important to get it right so kids can get the right support and care. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences, signs to watch for, and things to think about when trying to spot the line between “normal kid stuff” and ADD/ADHD.
Duration and Consistency of Behaviour
Normal Childhood Behaviour: It’s totally normal for kids to get fidgety, lose focus, or act impulsively now and then, especially if they’re tired, overstimulated, or just not into the task at hand. The key thing? These behaviours are usually short-lived and tied to specific situations.
Signs of ADHD: On the flip side, for kids with ADHD, things like inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity are more than just occasional, they’re chronic and consistent. These behaviours show up in multiple settings (home, school, or even social situations) and stick around for at least six months. You might notice they have trouble finishing tasks, staying focused, or following instructions no matter where they are. Waisman Center
Attention and Focus
Normal Childhood Behaviour: It’s normal for children to become distracted, particularly when faced with tasks they find uninteresting or difficult. Most of the time, a little nudge or redirection is all they need to get back on track.
Signs of ADHD: Kids with ADHD, though, often struggle to focus, even on activities they enjoy. Their attention can bounce around quickly, and they might forget to finish tasks or lose track of what they are doing. These difficulties aren’t tied to just one activity, they occur in all kinds of settings. Waisman Center American Psychological Association.
Hyperactivity and Impulsivity
Normal Childhood Behaviour: High energy levels, talking a lot, or running around are all part of normal childhood development. These behaviours tend to decrease as children mature and learn self-regulation.
Signs of ADHD: Hyperactivity in ADHD is more intense and disruptive. Children may have difficulty staying still, constantly fidget, or talk excessively without being able to pause. Impulsivity often leads to interruptions, difficulty waiting for their turn, or making hasty decisions without thinking of the consequences. American Psychological Association VUMC News.
Impact on Daily Life
Normal Childhood Behaviour: Sure, kids can be impulsive or lose focus now and then, that’s just part of being a kid! But with a little guidance or a quick reminder, they usually bounce back. Their behaviour doesn’t really disrupt their ability to manage things at school or home.
Signs of ADHD: In children with ADHD, the symptoms significantly interfere with daily activities. This might manifest as trouble completing school assignments, following rules at home, or maintaining friendships due to impulsivity or difficulty with social cues. These difficulties are persistent and affect the child’s ability to succeed in everyday situations Waisman Center American Psychological Association.
Developmental Considerations
Normal Childhood Behaviour: Younger children, particularly toddlers and preschoolers, naturally have shorter attention spans and higher energy levels. It’s completely normal for them to struggle with impulse control or staying focused on a single task.
Signs of ADHD: While younger children may show some level of impulsivity or inattention, ADHD symptoms extend beyond what is expected at a given developmental stage. For example, by school age, children with ADHD may struggle significantly with completing homework, sitting still during lessons, or following multiple-step instructions American Psychological Association.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
Every kid is different, and sometimes behaviours that seem like ADHD might actually be linked to other things like not getting enough sleep, feeling stressed, or other developmental factors. But if your child is constantly struggling with focus, hyperactivity, or impulsivity, and it’s starting to affect their daily life, it might be time to get a professional evaluation.
At Total Communication, we’ve got a team of experienced therapists ready to help you figure out whether your child’s behaviour is just a phase or something more serious, like ADHD. We take a close look at your child’s developmental history, social interactions, and how they think to give you a clear diagnosis and create a plan that’s all about supporting them.
If you’re concerned about your child’s attention or behaviour, don’t wait, simply reach out to us. We’re here to help you understand what’s going on and give your child the right tools to tackle whatever comes their way!
Contact us:
Call/WhatsApp us: +65 9115 8895
Fill our reach out form: https://www.totalcommunication.com.sg/contact
Comments