Nation-wide online school has many parents and kids pulling their hair out in frustration. Sitting in front of a computer screen for hours at a time is hard for anyone and children are no exception. But if your child seems to be having an exceptionally difficult time, they could be struggling with ADHD. According to a parent survey performed in 2016, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder affects about 9.4% of children in the US. This neurodevelopmental disorder can affect their concentration and how well they interact with others.

In this article, you'll discover key signs your child needs an ADHD evaluation.

Fidgeting, Interrupting, or Trouble Waiting 

Kids are fidgety and impulsive by nature but if you find your child can't seem to sit still, constantly interrupts others, or has trouble waiting their turn despite your efforts, this may be a sign of ADHD. They may also experience erratic emotions.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a child can be diagnosed with ADHD between the ages of 4 to 18.  Doctors typically abstain from giving a diagnosis for children younger than 5 because such symptoms are natural for children of preschool age. Typically around age 7 to 12, it's easiest to determine if the behavior you are witnessing is indicative of ADHD. 

Lacking Focus 

Something adults with ADHD claim to struggle with is completing tasks; instead, they have a tendency for jumping from activity to activity. In children, this behavior can manifest as not listening when spoken to, not completing homework or tasks, and making careless mistakes. A child with ADHD may daydream a lot and seem withdrawn from the world around them. Parents may worry their child has a dimensioned cognitive function, but these behaviors usually point to a lack of focus caused by ADHD.

There are three kinds of ADHD: hyperactive, inattentive, and combination. A child can be hyperactive but not have trouble focusing. Likewise, they may lack focus without being hyperactive. Finally, they can be both hyperactive and inattentive.

It's Not Just During School

Before your primary care doctor can diagnose your child with attention deficit hyperactive disorder, they need information from several sources on the child's behavior. They may also perform a non-invasive brain scan. Usually, if your child exhibits worrisome behavior, they will do it at home, at school, and with caregivers. If you are receiving multiple reports of your child's lack of focus and erratic behavior or emotions, book an exam with your doctor. They will be able to rule out other disorders such as depression or underlying trauma.

Popular treatments for ADHD include medication and behavioral therapy. The combination of the two helps children to develop better social skills, control their impulses, and focus on their school work.

Talk to your doctor if you observe the above signs your child may be struggling with ADHD. Any isolated signs are not usually a cause for worry, but your doctor may ask more questions if they identify multiple symptoms. Treatment options can provide a better quality of life for the child while also offering you guidance in parenting a child with ADHD. 

For more information about having an ADHD evaluation done for your child, contact a local ADHD treatment center.