Does My Child Have ADHD?

Learn more about the signs and symptoms of childhood ADHD.

There is still a lot of misinformation about childhood ADHD, and our Sacramento, CA, pediatricians here at Timberlake Pediatrics want to ensure that you have the answers you need. We know how stressful it can be when you think your child might have ADHD. Do you wonder if they are showing signs that warrant turning to our team for further evaluation? Here’s what you should know about childhood ADHD,

There Are Three Classic ADHD Symptoms

The main symptoms of ADHD are impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattentiveness. Children with ADHD need not display all three symptoms to be diagnosed with this condition. Some children may only show one of these symptoms, while others may display all three. Just like other health problems, symptoms of ADHD will vary from child to child.

There Are Different Types of ADHD

Just as there are three classic symptoms of ADHD, there are also three main types,

• Predominantly inattentive: Children with this type of ADHD have a lot of difficulties concentrating, staying focused and following instructions. They may also become disruptive in class.
• Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive: Just as the name suggests, children with this type of ADHD are both hyperactive and impulsive, meaning they have trouble sitting still or waiting their turn; they are often disruptive in class and may have lots of excess energy. Children with this type of ADHD may also squirm and fidget a lot.
• Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive: This is the most common type of ADHD, and children with this type will display all three main symptoms. These children and teens will be disruptive, forgetful, have trouble concentrating and staying focused, may leave tasks incomplete, make careless mistakes, and exhibit above-average energy levels.

ADHD Is a Brain Disorder

Studies have shown that people with ADHD have brains that are structurally different from those who do not. Therefore, it’s essential to understand that your child can’t just get rid of their symptoms by trying harder and focusing more on schoolwork. ADHD also has a genetic component; therefore, parents who have ADHD are also more likely to have children with this disorder.

Your Pediatrician Can Diagnose ADHD

Many of the symptoms of ADHD are also the result of other problems such as behavioral disorders, trauma or anxiety. This is why it’s best to turn to our Sacramento, CA, team of pediatricians for a definitive ADHD diagnosis. Several factors will need to be present to make a proper diagnosis, including,

• How long your child has been displaying symptoms
• The type of symptoms they are experiencing
• Whether these symptoms are impacting more than one environment (e.g., school; home; social interactions)

Want to schedule an ADHD evaluation at our caring, trustworthy Sacramento, CA, pediatricians? Call Timberlake Pediatrics at (916) 688-5040.