HOW DO THE SYMPTOMS OF ADHD PRESENT THEMSELVES IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders- (DSM-5) states that “In preschool, the main manifestation (of ADHD) is hyperactivity” (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, p. 62). The CDC also found that the most typical and paramount symptom of ADHD in preschool is hyperactivity (www.CDC.gov, np). It does not mean that preschool children with ADHD are not inattentive and unfocused because many are characterized by these symptoms as well. I will concentrate on young children who are four- or five-years old specifically, because these are the ages that it is possible to differentiate their behavior from the more variable behaviors they exhibit before they are four-years-old. As the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) states, “Many parents first observe excessive motor activity when the child is a toddler, but symptoms are difficult to distinguish from highly variable normative behaviors before age 4 years” (APA, 2013, p. 62). However, if your child is younger than four-years- old, my interventions will definitely help your child anyway!

The Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) states that preschoolers with ADHD are more likely to have difficulty in daycare, including problems with peer relationships, and learning, as well as a higher risk of injuries than preschool children without ADHD. Frequently, these children are suspended or expelled from preschool for their behavior, which I know sounds extreme, but it does happen. Preschool children with ADHD experience difficulty in their relationships with their parents, as well as struggles in their social interactions.

Why do these things happen? These children do not have intact positive social skills. They either do not have knowledge of effective social skills or they have knowledge of the appropriate social skills, yet do not perform them. Wait! You KNOW that you have taught social skills to all of your children? Why and how did your preschool child with ADHD not learn positive social skills? Tune into my next blog post!