KIDS' STUFF
WHAT IS CHILDLIKE BEHAVIOR AND WHAT IS ADHD?
AUTHOR Jeffrey Wampler, MD, FAAP
A
lmost every parent of a child
between the ages of two and
five has wondered at some time
or another, “Does my child
have ADHD (Attention Deficit
Hyperactive Disorder)?” This
is because most children this
age are very active, have trouble following
instructions, are impulsive, and do not like to wait for anyone or
anything. preschool years? The answer is yes. Children as young as age four
can be diagnosed with ADHD. According to the 2010-2011 National
Survey of Children’s Health, over 190,000 preschoolers (two to
five years of age) had a current ADHD diagnosis. There is also
increasing research which shows children four to five years of age
can be accurately diagnosed. (1)
This behavior creates a dilemma for the parent. Friends and
family members may offer advice, saying something along the lines
of “This type of behavior is normal for this age group and will get
better with time.” Hopefully this is true! Nevertheless, some parents
would like to know more. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM
5) lists three types of ADHD: Inattentive, Hyperactive-Impulsive,
and Combined.
Is it possible to diagnose children with ADHD during the
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LOUISVILLE MEDICINE
Preschoolers with ADHD are more likely to be disruptive in
school or daycare because of their impulsiveness. These children
have more trouble learning at school and receive more “frowning
faces” on their daily report.
Inattentive symptoms include failing to pay close attention to
details or making careless mistakes, having difficulty with sustained
attention, and not appearing to listen. (Some parents might ask