THRIVE: Is It ADHD or Typical Development?
October is ADHD Awareness Month—a time to celebrate brain differences, not judge them. When you understand how the ADHD brain functions and processes information, you are more likely to parent productively, as opposed to feeling frustrated because nothing is working.
In the early stages of development, many children can appear to have traits of ADHD. Symptoms like excessive fidgeting , trouble maintaining focus, difficulty sitting still or waiting their turn, blurting out answers, and interrupting others are all pretty common in young children. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they have ADHD.
ADHD signs can appear as early as age 3, typically emerging before age 12. So, how do you know as a parent if it is ADHD or just typical child development?
The best way to answer that question is to get your child evaluated. This evaluation, conducted by a neurodevelopmental psychologist, is known as a neurophysiological exam and screens for ADHD traits or symptoms. You’ll get a complete picture of your child’s processing and learning, and the psychologist can point you in the direction of how to care for your child’s developing needs properly. Here are a few local places that provide testing:
7400 Carmel Executive Park Drive
Myers Park Pediatric Psychology
425 S. Sharon Amity Road, Ste. A
Alderwood Psychological Services
10724 Carmel Commons Blvd., Ste. 540
Routine
As you await your exam, take a moment to reflect on an essential aspect of daily life: your established routine. Having a structured daily regimen can significantly impact how you and your child navigate potential ADHD symptoms. It can also provide clarity or help determine whether ADHD is a concern that needs addressing.
Consider the specific habits and practices you currently have in place. Are you setting aside designated times for meals, homework, and recreational activities? Do you incorporate regular breaks to allow for mental rest? Do you minimize distractions like screen time and keep an organized workspace?
Sleep Hygiene
A tired brain cannot meet its true potential. If a child is chronically tired, they may exhibit symptoms of a fatigued brain, which can closely mimic signs of ADHD. With that in mind, what does your child’s sleep hygiene look like? If your child is falling asleep during car rides or has a hard time waking up in the morning, they may not be getting adequate sleep.
Here’s a breakdown of recommended sleep hours by age group:
- Infants (4-11 months): 12-16 hours
- Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours
- Preschoolers (3-5 years): 10-13 hours
- School-age children (6-12 years): 9-12 hours
- Teenagers (13-18 years): 8-10 hours
If your child’s sleeping habits fall outside these recommended ranges, it may be beneficial to modify their bedtime routine. Implementing consistent and calming activities before bed can significantly alleviate potential symptoms of ADHD.
Furthermore, if your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, adjusting their sleep can be particularly impactful. Research indicates that a notable percentage—approximately 25-50% of children with ADHD—experience sleep difficulties. This can include trouble falling asleep, frequent nighttime awakenings, or difficulty waking up in the morning. By creating a more structured sleeping environment and routine, you may not only support better sleep, but also see a substantial reduction in ADHD-related symptoms. Ensuring your child gets quality rest can play a vital role in their attention span and behavior throughout the day.
If you suspect your child has sleep difficulties, a local sleep expert can provide clarity and direction. Kristin Daley, PhD, FSBSM, is a Licensed Psychologist and Fellow of the Society of Behavior Sleep Medicine.
1515 Mockingbird Lane, Ste. 580
Whether your child is neurotypical or has ADHD traits, empowering yourself with knowledge will make this journey of parenting a fulfilling and enriching experience.
BEA MOISE is a board-certified cognitive specialist, author, neurodiversity coach, and consultant for both individuals and businesses, a featured expert for NBC News, and the neurodivergent expert for Verizon. Follow her UNIQUE parenting channel on YouTube or on Instagram @beamoiseauthor.
