7 Signs You Should Consider an ADHD Evaluation for Your Child

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can have a huge impact on your child, significantly affecting their success in school, in social settings, and at home. Over time, these challenges can lead to feelings of frustration and failure, along with low self-esteem that can follow your child throughout their adult years.

At One World Pediatrics, Jag Ambwani, MD, FAAP, Dolly Ubhrani, MD, April Mieswinkel, NP, Richard Lam, FNP, Gabrielle Yates, CPNP-PC, and Audrey M. Merrill, MD, specialize in providing patient-centered treatment for ADHD, beginning with an in-depth ADHD evaluation. In this post, learn about the subtle signs that could mean your child can benefit from an ADHD evaluation and early intervention for their needs.

1. Problems staying focused

One of the most familiar symptoms of ADHD is an inability to remain focused, especially on tasks that are repetitive or require a lot of prolonged concentration. Kids with ADHD frequently have trouble completing homework assignments or performing chores at home. They also tend to be easily distracted by external stimuli or even by their own thoughts. 

2. Difficulty following instructions

Following directions is another common problem for many kids with ADHD, especially when directions are involved or require multiple steps. Even when instructions are understood and absorbed, kids may go “off task” if they can’t maintain attention for long enough to complete those tasks. Chores, homework, and even test-taking can all be affected, and so can recreational activities, like games or team sports.

3. Troubles with time management

Time management and organization can be very challenging for kids with ADHD. Both activities require concentration and the ability to stay on task. Many kids with ADHD fall victim to procrastination, putting off tasks until the very last minute. Kids may be chronically late for school or neglect to complete assignments or projects, leading to poor grades and frustration.

4. Forgetfulness

Some kids with ADHD tend to be forgetful, leading to the impression that they don’t care about their responsibilities. But the fact is, ADHD does affect memory, and it’s not uncommon for kids to struggle with remembering things, like homework assignments, tests, and other due dates. At home, they might fail to complete chores or other tasks assigned to them, or they might frequently misplace items.

5. Excessive fidgeting

Children with ADHD tend to be restless or fidgety, sometimes giving the impression that they’re always moving. In fact, fidgeting is so commonly associated with ADHD that it’s sometimes referred to as “stimming” — the unconscious act of keeping your brain stimulated, perhaps to maintain better focus. 

Your child might have difficulty sitting still when doing homework or other activities that require focus, or they might get up and move around during class. Some kids have difficulty taking turns, or they may constantly interrupt at home or in class. 

6. Difficulty making friends

Difficulty taking turns, blurting out answers, interrupting frequently — these aren’t exactly the skills that build strong friendships, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that kids with ADHD frequently have trouble making (and keeping) friends. 

Kids with ADHD may also struggle with “reading” social cues — other people’s gestures or reactions — perhaps because they’re not focused on what’s going on around them. 

7. Low self-esteem

Kids with ADHD may have trouble “fitting in,” or their focus issues can affect their school performance and their social success, too. As a result, lots of kids with ADHD struggle with low self-esteem, particularly if they’re met with frustration or misunderstanding by the adults in their lives. Early ADHD intervention and management is essential to prevent these issues from following your child throughout their adult years.

Treating ADHD

ADHD can have significant and devastating effects on a child’s life unless it’s managed early. To learn how we can help, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at One World Pediatrics in Longwood and Apopka, Florida, today.