Symptoms & Early Indicators of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Infants and Young Children
Age range: approximately birth to 7 years
In infants and young children, ADHD cannot be formally diagnosed. The signs listed below are early indicators that may suggest a risk of ADHD and the need for further assessment.
If a child shows several of the following symptoms or indicators, further investigation may be appropriate. Likewise, if these difficulties persist beyond the age at which most children have grown out of them, they may indicate a risk of ADHD, and professional advice should be sought.
For ease of reading, s/he should be transposed where appropriate.
Emotional Regulation and Behaviour
Does the child often:
- Appear frequently distressed or unsettled
- Have intense emotional reactions
- Experience frequent or prolonged tantrums
- Struggle to calm or self-soothe
Tantrums may include:
- Kicking
- Screaming
- Headbanging
- Rocking in the cot or bed
Activity Levels and Regulation
Does the child:
- Show extreme restlessness compared with peers
- Seem constantly “on the go.”
- Have difficulty remaining still, even briefly
- Move excessively during calm activities
Attention and Engagement
Does the child:
- Have a very short attention span for play
- Move rapidly from one activity to another
- Struggle to engage in focused or quiet play
- Find it difficult to follow simple routines
Sleep and Daily Routines
Does the child:
- Have poor or irregular sleep patterns
- Struggle to settle at bedtime
- Wake frequently during the night
- Find changes in routine particularly upsetting
Feeding and Sensory Responses
Does the child:
- Have difficulty settling for feeds or feeding routines
- Show strong reactions to noise, light, textures, or touch
- Appear overly sensitive or under-responsive to sensory input
Important Notes
Early identification and appropriate support are key to helping children develop effective coping strategies and emotional regulation skills.
Please bear in mind that children vary tremendously at this age, and many of the behaviours listed above can occur as part of typical development. Concern usually arises when these behaviours are persistent, intense, and significantly different from those of peers.
ADHD is diagnosed by appropriately qualified medical or psychological professionals using recognised diagnostic criteria. This list does not provide a diagnosis.
This information is a guide only and does not constitute medical or psychological advice.
If you are concerned about your child, you should seek professional advice as early as possible.
Updated ©Maria Chivers Jan 2018
www.dyslexiaa2z.com
©Dr David E Cowell & Maria Chivers – 2018
www.dyslexiaa2z.com
ADHD - Design a Play Space
We all want to keep our children safe and still provide the most interesting environment for then. The difference of, course, is all children are different and while they may need extra thick crayons when they are one or two years of age, they soon grow out of that.
However, while we have to bear in mind that is the case, I am talking here about designing the, (what I call the ‘bones’) of the playroom.
Children that are autistic for instance may need a room that has calming features, colours, lights, sensors etc. While the child with ADHD, may need more activities where s/he can physically use up more energy, maybe a trampoline etc.
Whatever your child requires has to be taken into account when you design this playroom and has to be able to adapt as they grow older.
While I am not trying to ‘teach parents to suck eggs’, I am merely pointing out that if we can identify needs at the beginning you will get the layout of the playroom correct at the start of the project.
I read an excellent article a week or so ago, which covered most of the things I mentioned above and while this is written under the ADHD section, it could really be under any of the sections on my website.
This article was written by Stacey Rubin, and I have put the link here.
ADHD - Playset Accessibility
Playset Accessibility – ADHD
This is excellent and really well thought out accessibility article.
Playset Accessibility Safety Report.
BackyartisanThings to do Tonight instead of Watching TV
Things to do tonight without watching TV
There is a great list here of things to do at anytime, not necessarily tonight.
I think often we just sit down because it’s easiest to ‘relax’. However, there is a lot of research to show you can relax, doing lots of other things, like exercising, walking, especially in the sun, it’s wonderful, and a lot more.
Check it out here, leave a message if you have some other ideas.
Alli Can’t Write . . . Or Can He?
A Storybook for Children with Dysgraphia (Handwriting Difficulties) and a Guide for Adults Who Want to Help.
Amazon UK or
