As families settle into the new academic year, professionals highlight the importance of recognising early symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to ensure timely support and intervention.
As families settle into the new school year, experts say attention problems are not always easy to spot, and not every restless or distracted child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Dr. Ellen Braaten, a child psychologist at Mass General Brigham, said the key is to look at how often the behaviour happens, how severe it is and whether it disrupts everyday life.
Braaten said parents should pay attention to three broad patterns: inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention says children with ADHD may daydream, forget instructions, fidget, talk excessively or struggle to stay seated. The agency says symptoms often begin before age 12 and can continue into adulthood.
When these behaviours interfere with learning or home life, Braaten said parents do not need to wait for a teacher to raise the alarm. A parent can ask for an evaluation at school, speak with a paediatrician or seek an outside assessment. The CDC says diagnosis usually involves a medical examination and symptom checklists, while the Mayo Clinic notes that treatment may include behaviour therapy and medication.
The goal of an evaluation is not to label a child unnecessarily, Braaten said, but to make sure support starts early if it is needed. Harvard Health says ADHD can affect behaviour, classroom performance and social development, and the CDC describes it as one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children. Experts say recognising the signs early can help families and schools put the right support in place.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
