As a parent, you notice everything about your child’s development and behaviors, especially in the early years. When your child is still very young, you might start to observe differences that suggest potential attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or another neurodevelopmental disorder. Your child might struggle more than others to sit still, or may not appear to be growing out of toddler impulsivity and learning mature self-regulation.
You want to support your child, physically, mentally, and emotionally. You know that often the first step to improved ability to manage behaviors and adapt to differences is receiving a diagnosis. But, how young is too young to diagnose ADHD?
These parenting questions are complex, and you need expert advice and up-to-date information to make the best decisions for your child. At Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates of North Chelmsford, Massachusetts, Dr. Dr. Ronald P. Winfield and his team of mental health specialists provide psychiatric support for adult and pediatric patients. With Dr. Winfield’s assistance, you can find the right path forward for your child.
When did you start to suspect your child might have ADHD? Early signs of this condition may show up as early as the preschool years. ADHD can look different from child to child. Symptoms may include:
Many of these behaviors are healthy and normal at certain developmental stages. Your child might be a very talkative person! However, ADHD symptoms persist at home and at daycare or school, and can be a stressor for your child and others. If your child’s struggles continue for at least six months, a condition like ADHD may provide the explanation.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children as young as four years old may benefit from professional evaluation for ADHD. As your child begins to attend school, it may help for your child and family to work with a specialist for behavior management and parent training interventions related to potential ADHD.
We focus on helping children and families identify problem behaviors, understand why these behaviors occur, and make plans for other ways to handle situations and stimuli. As your child develops new skills, problem behaviors are no longer the only tool in their toolbox for self-regulation. We don’t typically consider medication management for children under the age of six years old.
ADHD and similar disorders are often identified in early childhood and persist through adult life. Learning to adapt to a diagnosed condition in childhood may mean your child faces fewer challenges in adult life related to ADHD, including at school and in a future workplace.
At Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates, we evaluate your child’s symptoms and health history to find the right diagnosis. If you’re wondering about a potential ADHD diagnosis or other condition causing some of your child’s behaviors and struggles, get in touch with our team today. Schedule your appointment online or over the phone now.
