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Recognize symptoms in your preschooler Until recently, there was limited research about Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in very young children. “A few years ago, I was skeptical that we could identify ADHD in preschoolers,” says ADHD specialist Dr. Tim Wigal. “I discovered quickly that was not the case.” Dr. Wigal, associate director of the Child Development Center at UC Irvine, along with a team of researchers from six universities, has just completed the largest study of ADHD in preschool-aged children. Studies have shown that between 2% and 5% of preschool children have ADHD. This study showed that preschool children with ADHD can be safely and successfully treated. What is ADHD? It is a disorder where children (and adults) have trouble controlling their behavior. There are three broad subtypes: inattentive behavior; hyperactive-impulsive behavior; and a combination of both. Ask any parent or caregiver and they’ll tell you that young children have short attention spans, can’t sit still for long and act without thinking. These are typical childhood behaviors and, while they may drive parents crazy, they are nothing to worry about. The key to ADHD behavior disorder is when these behaviors cause impairment. For example, if a child’s inattentiveness results in recurring injury to themselves, or if he or she repeatedly picks up something dangerous or climbs too far on the limb of a tree, these or other impulsive behaviors could indicate ADHD. Another example is a child who is so overactive that parents will avoid going out to dinner as a family or taking their child shopping because he won’t sit still or stop running in the aisles. Preschool teachers are often the first to notice if a child’s behavior is causing impairment. A child who won’t sit may have difficulty learning, and can distract other children. In an extreme manner different from typical childhood behavior, the child may have behavior that causes impairment. If you see this type of behavior in your child, don’t wait for it to go away, advises Dr. Wigal. ADHD does not resolve itself. Visit your pediatrician and talk about your concerns. Ask for a referral for an evaluation. Because it is a complex behavioral disease, and every child is unique, diagnosing ADHD requires specific training in behavior disorders. There is no single test to determine if a child has ADHD. Rather, diagnosis involves gathering specific information about how a child behaves over a period of time and across different settings. A clinician with expertise in behavioral disorders will rule out other possible reasons for behavior symptoms. Other causes might be significant life change, a learning disability, mood or anxiety disorders or a physical condition that affects the brain like seizures. Once ADHD is diagnosed, a treatment strategy can be developed. Dr. Wigal cautions, “There are treatments on the market that have no scientific research or validation behind them. The treatments with the best research data in terms of effectiveness are behavior treatment and medication.” Behavior treatment for young children with ADHD includes providing structure, rewards and consequences in their daily schedules. Without intervention, a child with ADHD behaviors will have problems with family, friends, teachers and caregivers at home and at school. “ADHD is a disease that can be managed, similar to diabetes,” says Dr. Wigal. “With a treatment plan and support, children with ADHD can build on their strengths, accommodate their weaknesses and successfully manage the challenges of growing up.” This article was supplied by the Children and Families Commission of Orange County. For information, visit occhildrenandfamilies.com RESOURCES CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity) is dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults with ADHD. chadd.org CUIDAR for Attention and Learning is a collaborative program between UC Irvine and Children’s Hospital of Orange County dedicated to treating and managing young children at risk for ADHD. Cuidar.net or 949.824.2462 |
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