ADHD in toddlers or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Toddlers is a syndrome.

Generally speaking, it is distinguished through the following characteristics or symptoms:

Distractibility
Inattentiveness
Hyperactivity
Impulsivity

The parents generally get concerned when they begin to see early sign of ADHD in toddlers. But how can you figure out or become sure that the above symptoms are necessarily related to the syndrome of ADHD. When does it become a realistic worry or cause for concern?

ADHD in Toddlers – 4 Early symptoms or Alert signs:

To identify the warning signs for ADHD in Toddlers is a challenging task. While the warning signs get displayed because of certain behavioral  issues that go beyond the challenges of early childhood found in normal children, one needs to be aware that ADHD in toddlers cannot be identified in a straight forward manner.

Toddlers do demonstrate abnormal behavior like anger, throwing tantrums, hitting or biting, or other symptoms, it is important to take note of the guidelines provided by American Academy of Pediatrics which says that children below the age of 6 cannot be diagnosed. Below the age of 6, the toddlers may show this problematic behavior not because of ADHD but could be because of some other disorders or emotional  upsets.

The doctors also do not make use of any imaging or laboratory tests. They just go by the behavioral symptoms and signs which are found abnormal and the only way out to diagnose these behavioral patterns as ADHD is by ruling out other possible disorders. This does allow the doctors to give a verdict about ADHD in toddlers.  However, authorities on this subject mention that if these early signs continue to show up, and they persist on a regular and consistent basis, then this must raise a red flag or warning sign for the parents.

Watch out for the early signs and symptoms of ADHD.

Hyperfocus:

The problematic behavior relates to the toddler not being able to pay attention to what you are trying to show him or her. However, it could also be possible that the toddler has got attracted to something other than what you are showing. To label a child as suffering from ADHD, they must show signs of seeking different activity one after the other, not being able to keep the focus on any one activity.

Hyperactivity:

Children generally are very activity oriented. For toddler to be labeled as ADHD, he must display hyperactivity by not sleeping enough. The toddler, as per the Academy, must sleep for 12 hours on average. While the parents get exhausted by taking care of the toddlers, the toddler would seem unaffected and would continue to display energy and hyperactivity. They don’t seem to feel the sleep deficiency that we adults generally do. The toddler will also resist sitting at one place, even when it is lunch or dinner time. The movement will be a constant feature for such a toddler.

Food Sensitivities:

Toddlers who are genuinely suffering from ADHD will also have problems with certain kind of foods. They will be sensitive and hence it would be important not to serve things like sweeteners or food coloring or any other type of preservatives and in some cases even sugar may be eliminated. Some parents go as far as avoiding wheat, eggs, dairy products, soya and even chocolates.

Impulsivity:

The toddler suffering from ADHD syndrome will have difficulty in giving space to others. For example, they will not allow others to speak, or will interfere constantly when others are speaking. They will keep talking loudly and without stopping. They will also have the tendency to act before considering the possible consequences of their action. The reactive nature would be very evident in spite of the fact that they get hurt while reacting. These behavioral problems lead to impulsivity as they grow up.

The above symptoms or signs are the early warning signs. Keep a watchful eye on such children if you are teacher or a parent. Consistent pattern should become the cause for concern. But do wait till the toddler becomes 6 year old before any final verdict is given by the doctor about ADHD in toddlers.