Worried That Your Child Might Have ADHD? Here Are 7 Early Signs Of ADHD To Watch Out For
Detect Early Signs of ADHD
Give Your Child Right Help On Time.
I wish I had helped my child on time.
Perhaps the most heartbreaking thought of a mother. Her son was diagnosed with ADHD at 17 years old. He had demonstrated signs from a very young age, and his teachers had warned about them, but Shilpa stayed in denial.
We understand how difficult it is to see your child suffering, or even going through the slightest of inconvenience. Being diagnosed with ADHD, Autism or other conditions can trigger insurmountable level of worry and stress.
Is something wrong with my child?
No, nothing is wrong with your child. These concerns are normal, and it will not stop your child from living a successful and happy life. But only if you take action at the right time, and give your child the support they need.
By understanding the early signs of ADHD you can ensure that your child receives intervention on time. Child counselling can provide objective assessment of the early signs of ADHD and help your child manage the symptoms effectively.
In this article, the expert child counsellor highlights 7 early signs of ADHD that parents need to watch out for.
#1 Early Signs of ADHD- Persistent Hyperactivity
Toddlers with ADHD often display excessive levels of activity compared to their peers. They may constantly be on the move, unable to sit still, and have difficulty engaging in quiet or structured activities. For instance, a child with ADHD may struggle to remain seated during storytime and constantly roam around the room, touching various objects.
Child counseling can assess the level of hyperactivity through observations and standardized assessments. Counseling sessions can then introduce strategies to help the child channel their energy effectively and develop self-regulation skills.
#2 Early Signs of ADHD- Impulsivity
Impulsivity is another early signs of ADHD in toddlers. Children with ADHD may act without considering the consequences, interrupt conversations, and have difficulty waiting their turn. For example, a child may abruptly snatch a toy from another child or repeatedly interrupt their parent during a conversation.
Child counseling can employ behavioral assessments to evaluate impulsivity in toddlers with ADHD. By teaching impulse control techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or counting to ten, counselors can help children develop better self-control.
#3 Early Signs of ADHD- Inattention
Toddlers with ADHD often struggle with sustaining attention. They may find it challenging to focus on tasks or activities, easily becoming distracted and frequently switching from one thing to another. For instance, a child may start playing with blocks but quickly lose interest and move on to a different toy.
Through child counseling, structured play and educational activities can be employed to assess the toddler’s attention span. By incorporating visual aids and implementing strategies to improve focus and concentration, child counselors can support the child in developing attention skills.
#4 Early Signs of ADHD- Difficulty with Organizational Skills
ADHD can affect a toddler’s ability to stay organized. They may struggle to follow routines, misplace items frequently, and find it challenging to tidy up or put away toys. For example, a toddler may resist following a daily schedule, causing disruptions during mealtimes or bedtime.
Child counseling can assess a toddler’s organizational skills through structured activities and interactive exercises. Counselors can then work with parents to establish consistent routines and provide strategies to help the child develop organization and time-management skills.
#5 Early Signs of ADHD- Impaired Social Skills
Toddlers with ADHD may find it difficult to engage in social interactions. They may have trouble taking turns, listening to others, or understanding social cues. For instance, a child may interrupt playdates, not wait their turn in games, or have trouble following simple social rules.
Child counseling can employ play therapy and social skill-building exercises to assess a child’s social interactions. By teaching communication techniques, emotional regulation, and perspective-taking, counselors can help toddlers with ADHD enhance their social skills and build meaningful relationships.
#6 Early Signs of ADHD- Restlessness and Sleep Problems
ADHD can disrupt a toddler’s sleep patterns, leading to restlessness and difficulty falling asleep. Toddlers with ADHD may struggle to wind down at night, experience frequent night awakenings, or have trouble staying in bed. This can result in poor quality sleep for both the child and their family.
Child counseling can evaluate a toddler’s sleep patterns and assess the impact of ADHD on their rest. Counselors can provide guidance on implementing consistent bedtime routines and relaxation techniques to promote better sleep hygiene for the child.
#7 Early Signs of ADHD- Emotional Dysregulation
Toddlers with ADHD may have difficulty regulating their emotions. They may exhibit intense emotional reactions, including temper tantrums, impulsivity, and mood swings that are inconsistent with the situation at hand. For example, a toddler may have an extreme outburst of anger over a minor frustration.
Child counseling can utilize emotion-focused therapies to assess emotional dysregulation in toddlers with ADHD. Counselors can teach coping mechanisms, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, and positive self-talk, to help the child manage their emotions effectively.
Recognizing the early signs of ADHD in toddlers is crucial for early intervention and effective management. Child counseling plays a vital role in objectively assessing these signs and supporting children in developing strategies to manage their symptoms.
Take a 10-minute Free consultation with certified and expert child counsellor now.
By utilizing various assessment tools, therapeutic techniques, and working collaboratively with parents, child counselors can provide tailored interventions to help toddlers with ADHD thrive and reach their full potential.
