About Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
It’s normal for children to be inattentive, hyperactive, or impulsive at times—that’s part of being a kid. However, when these behaviors are more severe and occur often, it could be Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
ADHD is a disorder that affects the brain. It limits your child’s ability to stay focused on tasks, and can make controlling impulses difficult. While ADHD typically gets diagnosed in childhood, it can impact people throughout their lives.
Symptoms of ADHD
You may notice certain disruptive behaviors at home, and within relationships. Or, a teacher may tell you about behaviors that are causing concern in the classroom. If your child has experienced any of the following symptoms for six months or longer, and the symptoms seem to be more noticeable than in other children your child’s age, an evaluation may help.
- Easily distracted, misses details, forgetful, and frequently switches from one activity to another
- Difficulty focusing on one thing
- Quickly and easily bored
- Fidgets and squirms or has trouble sitting still
- Talks non-stop
- Very impatient
- Struggles to follow instructions
- Unable to process information as quickly and correctly as others
- Difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities
- Interrupts conversations or blurts out inappropriate comments
A behavioral health specialist can help determine any attention issues your child may have through psychological assessment tests. Talk with your child’s pediatrician or family practice doctor about a referral to a behavioral health specialist.
You can view a list of behavioral health specialists before the appointment, and see which ThedaCare Physicians locations offer services in your area.