ADHD diagnosis age

ADHD can be detected in children as young as four years old. A kid must exhibit six or more symptoms for more than six months to be diagnosed between the ages of four and sixteen, with the majority of symptoms showing before the age of twelve.

When is it too early to suspect that your toddler or preschooler has ADHD?

Most kids aren't tested for ADHD until they're in school, but according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children as young as four can be diagnosed (AAP).

Many children at that age are busy and impulsive. So, what makes children with ADHD unique? What is the treatment for ADHD in a young child?

Make Your Child Stand Out Among the Other Tots

Children with ADHD generally have a tougher time sitting still, even for a few minutes, as compared to other kids their age. They are unable to wait their turn, and may speak excessively, for example, by blurting out responses or cutting to the front of the line.

"Young children with ADHD are highly busy all of the time," says James Perrin, MD, a Harvard Medical School pediatrics professor. "Most 4-year-olds are extremely active in general, but they do slow down — nap, eat." A child with ADHD is always on the move."

According to George DuPaul, PhD, professor of school psychology at Lehigh University, "what sets these youngsters distinct is the degree and frequency with which they are hyper and impulsive." "These kids are ripping through activities and people at a breakneck speed."

The Medical Prognosis

The signs of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are used to diagnose ADHD. Preschoolers, on the other hand, don't always show signs of inattention.ADHD can be suspected by well-intentioned parents, caregivers, or teachers. That is insufficient. A complete examination by a doctor is required for diagnosis. A doctor will use extensive accounts of your kid's behavior from parents, day care providers, preschool teachers, and other adults who often see your child, as well as their own observation, to diagnose a preschooler. It's critical to discuss all of your symptoms with your doctor.

The presence of hyperactivity and impulsivity in your child does not imply that they have ADHD. Children who are frustrated because they are unable to see, hear, or speak, for example, may act out in the same manner that children with ADHD do. Testing may be required to rule out other options for your child.