Because October is ADHD Awareness Month, let’s talk about what it is and what it is not. I’m sure you have heard of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, but just like any diagnosis out there, it can often be misunderstood, over-diagnosed, and improperly self-diagnosed. There are 3 types: primarily Inattentive, primarily Hyperactive, or Combined.
While I will not go through all of the symptoms because you can search that easy-peasy, I will tell you that the Inattentive type is more those kiddos who struggle with focus. These folks might be caught daydreaming frequently, have difficulty starting/finishing/staying with tasks, they are easily distracted, and might be disorganized or forgetful. In real life? Kids with Inattentive ADHD might do their homework but forget to turn it in. They might keep their rooms a mess, “squirrel!” when they hear something in the other room, or get up and leave the table mid-task, almost oblivious to the fact that they forgot to finish! Kids, especially females, with Inattentive Type can be easily overlooked because they are not necessarily the kids who disrupt situations or bother others.
On the other hand, Hyperactive type ADHD is heavier on symptoms related to body control and movement. They tend to have an energy in their bodies that requires them to move about, almost as if they have to move, climb, run, jump, dance, and crash. Hyperactivity might look like high movement that is beyond what would be expected for a peer without ADHD. They are more likely to interrupt others, not think before acting, and have trouble sitting still.
Naturally, those with Combined Type ADHD experience a good amount of symptoms of both (not just one or two). It is challenging in the classroom with these kiddos to stay in their seat, focus on their work, and complete tasks. At home, they might hear your first instruction but forget the rest or forget them altogether when they see a ball they started bouncing. It can be challenging as kids want to do their best but ADHD can interfere with them being able to follow through. As a parent, it is hard to remember that these are not necessarily intentional choices to misbehave, but a lack of skills to better manage ADHD symptoms. Additionally, ADHD might impact a child’s social skills and their self-esteem, depending on the feedback that they receive from others.
Just as important, ADHD can often be misdiagnosed. It is easy for a primary care doctor to see ADHD when the symptoms are outlined in a brief office appointment but digging deeper might give a different perspective. For example, a person with high anxiety might have trouble focusing, have a nervous energy that requires them to move about, and forget what they were working on; but these symptoms are better attributed to anxiety than ADHD. Exposure to trauma, learning disorders, mood disorders, and intellectual disorders can all mask as ADHD as well! It can be particularly tricky when these diagnoses are present together.
As a psychologist, I will be the first to admit that it can be tricky to differentiate between what is ADHD or what are attention issues due to something else. Consider these things when deciding if you want to get an evaluation for ADHD or to rule it out:
- Does my child experience these symptoms in more than one environment? In other words, are these problems only in school or only with specific people?
- Are there major life events or circumstances to consider?
- Have these issues always been present or just recently developed?
- Have there been environmental adaptations that have been helpful? For example, have you tried a visual schedule, regular reminders, breaking down tasks, timers, or educational supports?
- Do symptoms impair the person’s functioning in some way?
If you are wondering more, consider talking to your primary care doctor. A psychologist can also provide an evaluation that will explore both ADHD or other possibilities and provide recommendations on what to do next! In the meantime, remember that kids do the best they can with the skills that they have. Generally, having a therapist can help build some of those skills and manage self-esteem!
