3 Signs Your Child Might Have ADHD

Does your child have difficulty paying attention, following instructions, or sitting still? While all kids struggle with these things at times, habitual inattentiveness or hyperactivity may be indicative of a medical condition known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. If you’re curious whether your child might be living with this medical condition, the Physicians at Sweetwater Pediatrics offer testing and treatment for ADHD in Sugar Land, TX.

Here are some common signs of attention-deficit disorder that may indicate your child needs an evaluation with Dr. Laurie Molina, Dr. Cara Silvey, and Caroline Gabriel, NP.

They Struggle to Stay Attentive

If your child is struggling with chronic inattentiveness caused by attention-deficit disorder, they may:

• Be easily distracted or have a short attention span
• Struggle to organize tasks
• Lose things often or appear to be forgetful
• Make mistakes (particularly in their schoolwork) that appear to be careless
• Struggle to stay on task when working through time-consuming or tedious work
• Appear to be uninterested in listening to or following instructions
• Frequently change activities during play or while in school

They Appear to Be Impulsive and/or Hyperactive

Every kid is excitable and capricious at times, but chronic impulsiveness or hyperactivity may indicate an underlying problem. Here are some common signs your child might need to be tested and treated for ADHD in Sugar Land, TX:

• They talk or move around excessively (constant fidgeting is common).
• They can’t sit still. 
• They frequently interrupt people during conversations.
• They appear to have little to no trepidation about dangerous activities.
• They struggle to wait their turn.
• They seem to act recklessly.

They Show Signs of Other Mental Health Conditions

Many kids living with chronic attention-deficit issues also struggle with one or more co-occurring disorders. If you think your child might have any of the following conditions — alongside any of the signs listed above — they may have attention deficit disorder:

• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). This condition is characterized by disruptive or unwelcome behavior, usually towards authority figures.
• Depression. Your child may seem sad or tired constantly, struggle to sleep well, or have an inconsistent or low appetite.
• Anxiety. Your child might worry or be nervous frequently; they may also experience dizziness, sweating, or rapid heartbeat when they’re feeling anxious. 
• Autistic spectrum disorder. This condition affects your child’s ability to interact and communicate with others; it may also affect their behavior and interests. 

If you believe your child has ADHD in Sugar Land, TX, call the Physicians at Sweetwater Pediatrics at (281) 265-2272 to schedule an evaluation. Dr. Molina and Dr. Silvey, and Caroline Gabriel, NP would love to help you and your child get the answers you need.