Boys are more likely than girls to be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In fact, the National Center for Health Statistics, a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, notes that between 2012 and 2014, 14.1 percent of boys between the ages of 5 and 17 were diagnosed with ADHD compared to 6.2 percent of girls the same age.
Of the neurodevelopmental disorder’s three components — having a child who’s inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and those two combined — it’s common for parents to home in on the hyperactivity aspect. There’s a reason for this: Compared to a quieter, more inattentive child, hyperactive behaviors are often more easily observed and addressed. It’s hardly surprising, therefore, for the National Institute of Mental Health to note that the most common ADHD symptom in preschool is hyperactivity.
[See: 10 Concerns Parents Have About Their Kids’ Health.]
Shifting Negative Thoughts
But how can parents determine if their son’s overactive behavior is ADHD-related?
Amanda Morin, parent advocate, former teacher and expert at Understood.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping parents whose children struggle with learning and attention issues, says that “sorting out whether a young boy’s active behavior is a sign of ADHD or just typical little boy behavior isn’t always easy.”
After all, fidgeting and impulse control issues are often par for the course for a curious, fun-loving little boy.
Dr. Thomas E. Brown, director of the Brown Clinic for Attention and Related Disorders in Hamden, Connecticut, and adjunct clinical associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, says many young children are “quite active in their preschool or primary years.”
Tuning in to specific behaviors is essential, as is knowing when to ignore popular misconceptions.
More Than Running Around
Morin, who has a young boy with ADHD, explains that hyperactivity is not just limited to a child who frequently races around a room. This aspect of the disorder also involves the need to move in other ways and talk continuously.
She says fidgeting, making small movements while engaging in anything from tying shoes to playing an instrument and struggling with impulse control are other common hyperactivity behaviors.
Different From Others His Age
Brown, who is also a consulting psychologist with Understood, outlines other distinguishing hyperactive behaviors.
“Usually the term ‘hyperactive’ is reserved for those who are much more restless, squirmy and impulsive than other kids of the same age,” he says. “These are the children — usually, but not always boys — most likely to dart across the street without bothering to look for oncoming cars, who will try jumping down too many stairs at a time, who will bolt off to wander around in the supermarket, unresponsive to their parent’s call.” He adds that these outbursts are typically longer-lasting and louder than most others of a similar age.
In addition to comparing your son’s behavior with children of the same age, Brown suggests watching for extreme difficulties involving impulsive actions and excessive moodiness. For example, a child may also be “too quick to hit playmates or family members when frustrated.”
Morin adds that parents should also observe whether overactive behaviors interfere with their son’s relationship with other people. “When it’s impacting your child’s ability to feel good about himself and have friendships, that’s not typical,” she says.
It’s also important for parents to remain savvy about common hyperactivity misconceptions.
[See: Kids on a Plane: How to Entertain Children Without Losing Your Sanity.]
Hyperactivity Misconceptions
Your Young Boy Can Control His Behavior, But He Chooses Not to
Based on her observations with her own son and other hyperactive boys, Morin explains that contrary to what some people may think, overactive young boys don’t necessarily take delight in their disruptive actions. She says when overactive tendencies occur, such as having trouble sitting still or interrupting others, these children often feel bad. “The reality is,” she says, “they want to sit still for meals and other quiet activities. They want to stop fidgeting and pay attention to what’s going on in the classroom and will tell you they’re trying hard to stop, but aren’t able to.”
Additionally, Morin urges parents to refrain from thinking in terms of “control,” adding that “the ultimate goal is to help a child learn to self-regulate, which means they need to be a part of the plan.”
Your Son’s Behavior Is Due to Bad Parenting.
According to numerous organizations including the National Institute of Mental Health, the American Psychiatric Association and the Mayo Clinic, genes, environmental toxins and brain injuries are listed as some of the most probable ADHD causes. Not one of these places mention child-rearing as an ADHD risk factor. Still, some parents may wonder if their son’s hyperactivity, or other ADHD-related behaviors for that matter, stems from parenting. NIMH suggests parents try to overcome such negative feelings by speaking with a mental health professional and using stress management techniques.
Boys Will Be Boys
“I’m not even sure what ‘boys will be boys’ means,” Morin says, suggesting that the phrase is often used to brush the real issue — ADHD behaviors — under the carpet. The statement, she explains, doesn’t at all mean “boys will be overactive, struggle with emotional control and be impulsive to the point that you are worried about their safety.” Parents should not give in to gender-specific clichés.
Just Wait And See How Things Work Out
Holding off on obtaining a formal ADHD diagnosis for your child isn’t recommended. “If you have concerns, educate yourself, take notes and don’t wait to talk to your doctor,” Morin says. “It’s better to know what’s going on than to worry about it.”
[See: Hoarding, ADHD, Narcissism Inside the Minds of History’s Great Personalities.]
Dr. David Fassler, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Vermont College of Medicine in Burlington, also feels that obtaining a diagnosis sooner than later is essential. “Without treatment, ADHD can have significant long-term consequences for a child,” he says. This can include falling behind academically, difficulties with peers, diminished levels of self-esteem and increases in accident-related injuries.
The best bet for parents of young boys who tend to be highly overactive is to make an appointment with a pediatrician or child psychologist. Brown says doing so will help determine whether the behaviors are indicative of ADHD, at which point professionals may suggest various behavioral management strategies and next steps. ADHD medication may also be recommended, he says. “It’s up to each family to decide which ADHD treatment option works for them, and it may require some trial and error.”
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How Can I Tell if My Young Boy Is Too Hyper? originally appeared on usnews.com
