Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is prevalent in many children and adults. Recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that roughly 6 million children between ages 3 and 17 have been diagnosed. However, some parents may have concerns about whether their child actually has ADHD or if they are just displaying typical childhood behavior. Learn how to differentiate signs of ADHD from normal behavior when you visit a pediatrician at Child & Adolescent Health Services serving Cohasset, MA.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that goes beyond a child's ability to control their behaviors. Neurodevelopmental is a term to describe a problem that is related to the brain’s ability to process information, perform, and function properly. ADHD can cause significant developmental delays in children if it is not treated. This behavioral disorder could be caused by heredity, a child who is born after a difficult or premature pregnancy, or environmental factors (like lead or pollution in the air).

Typical Child Behavior or ADHD?

Children are naturally full of energy and rambunctious compared to adults. It is typical for a child to move around often and engage in frequent physical activity. However, when the activities and actions begin to interfere with the child's progress, learning, and relationships it is an issue you should address with a specialist. In other words, there is a “time and a place” for everything, and most children will learn and know those boundaries. These are some concerning signs to watch for if you think your child may be struggling with ADHD:

• Talking loudly over teachers, parents, and peers.
• Inability to sit still for any period, even when in the classroom.
• Frequent forgetfulness and concentration problems.
• Taking risky actions that can be a danger to the child and others.

How ADHD Is Managed

The process of managing a case of ADHD starts with an assessment by your child's Primary Care Provider in Cohasset, MA. Screenings completed by parents and teachers will help sort out whether your child meets the criteria for ADHD. Your doctor can help coordinate consultations if additional testing is recommended and educational plans for school if appropriate. Your doctor can also prescribe ADHD medications to improve the child's focus in school if you and she determine this would be  helpful.

Is It ADHD, something else, or Normal Behavior? Know for Certain

The only way to know for certain whether your child has ADHD or is only displaying typical childhood behavior is to see an experienced pediatrician. Call (781) 383-8380 today to schedule an ADHD consultation with a doctor at Child & Adolescent Health Services serving Cohasset, MA.