Child ADHD

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Approximately 9.5 percent of American children are afflicted with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although the term ADD (attention-deficit disorder) is still occasionally used, it is now considered by the medical community to be too broad.

While all children may at some point have trouble sitting still or paying attention, those with ADHD have a chemical imbalance within the brain that presents as a persistent and debilitating pattern of behavior. These behaviors can include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The diagnosis is made based on the child's age and developmental level and his or her symptoms. The symptoms must be present in a variety of settings and must interfere with daily life.


Those with inattentive ADHD are often easily distracted, forgetful and tend to ignore those who are speaking directly to them. They typically do not follow instructions, cannot stay organized and misplace items easily. This is the subtype that still occasionally receives the "ADD" label. Hyperactive or impulsive children are excessively "busy" - they talk constantly, squirm or get up from their seats, interrupt others and cannot focus on quiet play or activities such as silent reading. Some children display symptoms of all three subtypes.


While some children with ADHD respond well to medication, it is not considered a "cure" for the condition. When it is used in tandem with a healthy diet and clear and consistent bedtime and exercise routines, it seems to be more effective. Many patients are treated successfully with non-medication options. Monitoring your child's ADHD treatment closely with your pediatrician will help determine the best course of action.

For more information on child ADHD in Newark, DE call Just Kids Pediatrics at (302) 918-6400!

ADHD FAQs
  • What is ADHD?

    Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD have differences in their brains than those who don’t have ADHD. Certain areas of their brain may mature more slowly. Additionally, children with ADHD have imbalances in neural networks and neurotransmitters, the chemicals that nerves use to communicate.


    Knowing that ADHD has a neurological basis is important because it helps parents understand that their child isn’t disobedient or oppositional on purpose. Instead, children with ADHD need help to learn to control their behavior.


    The brain differences are also important because they occur in specific areas responsible for skills such as self-regulation, organization, working memory, problem-solving, reasoning, and time perception. The brain areas affected determine your child’s ADHD symptoms.

  • What symptoms develop due to ADHD?

    ADHD symptoms fall into three categories: inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Some children may only struggle with inattention, while others have trouble with two or three categories.


    Each child has a different range and severity of symptoms. However, their symptoms are severe enough to affect their performance at school, at home, and when socializing.


    When children struggle with inattention, they:


    • Can’t pay attention at school or while playing
    • Have difficulty organizing tasks
    • Avoid tasks requiring mental effort
    • Lose important items
    • Forget to do homework and chores

    When children struggle with hyperactivity and impulsivity, they:


    • Fidget, squirm, or get out of their seat during class
    • Run or climb when it’s inappropriate
    • Talk excessively and interrupt conversations
    • Have a hard time waiting for their turn
    • Act or speak without thinking

    Children and adolescents with ADHD also have problems with working memory. Working memory allows them to hold several pieces of information in their head long enough to use them to plan, do calculations, or to coordinate one activity with another.

  • How do you diagnose and treat ADHD?

    To evaluate and diagnose ADHD, our professional team use tools such as a checklist of symptoms, talking with parents and children about their challenges, and questionnaires completed by parents and teachers. Your child also has a thorough physical exam to be sure another problem is not the cause of their symptoms.


    Once your child has an ADHD diagnosis, their pediatrician at our office prescribes treatment and schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor their progress.


    Your pediatrician may recommend conventional and/or holistic treatments, depending on each child’s needs. For example, your child may improve with a combination of medication, dietary changes, and behavioral support.


    If you or your child’s teacher are concerned about your child’s inattentive, hyperactive, or impulsive behaviors, call our office to schedule an ADHD evaluation.