While we may not love it, all kids are going to act up, throw tantrums and be irritable at times; however, if your child is displaying negative actions and behaviors regularly, you may be concerned that there is something more going on. Is your child just “going through a phase” or is this a sign of a more serious problem?

• Being defiant
• Lying
• Whining
• Impulsivity
• Issues around bedtime
• Issues around food (being a “picky eater” or refusing to eat)
• Anger
• Temper tantrums

• Are still occurring regardless of discipline or punishment
• Are affecting their schoolwork and/or social interactions
• Aren’t appropriate for their age (e.g. throwing temper tantrums as an older child)

• Aggressive or violent behavior
• Harm to self, others, or animals
• Hearing or seeing things that aren’t there
• Breaking the rules or skipping school
• Sudden or extreme behavioral changes
• Showing no remorse

If your child’s attention seems to be causing issues, discover some of the telltale signs of ADHD.

ADHD has been given a lot more attention over the recent years, most likely because we’ve seen an increase in the number of children with this attention disorder. In fact, according to the CDC, about 6.4 million children between the ages of four and 17 years old have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2011. So, what exactly is ADHD and when should your child visit their Coppell, TX pediatrician for an evaluation?

While there are certainly moments when kids seem like they have a ton of energy, don’t want to sit still or don’t always listen to what we say, there are certain signs that your child may actually be dealing with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In most cases, these symptoms will begin to manifest before your child is seven years old. Common signs include:

Being inattentive: Your child’s teacher may have already noticed that your little one has a lot of trouble focusing. Your child may become easily distracted by other things around them and may lack concentration. It may sometimes seem as if your child isn’t even listening to you.

Because of their inattentiveness, they may have trouble with organization or finishing assignments. They may forget instructions given to them by a teacher or parent. A child with ADHD will often forget things like homework or lose things more often.

Being hyperactive: Another obvious sign that your child may suffer from ADHD is being extremely hyperactive. This often means that your child can’t sit still. They need to move around or fidget. It’s challenging for them to sit in their seat for any period of time. They may have trouble being quiet and instead they may talk your ear off or feel the need to constantly be moving. You may also find that children who are hyperactive also are more likely to display a temper.

Being impulsive: While we know that children are often testing the waters of what they should and shouldn’t do, a child that truly has ADHD will often act out without thinking about their actions first. They may not be able to wait their turn and they may often interrupt what you or others are saying. Children with impulsivity may also be more likely to have temper tantrums or show sudden angry outbursts.

When to see your Coppell, TX pediatrician?

Children exhibit a lot of these symptoms at some point, so visiting your children’s doctor isn’t always necessary, but if your little one is displaying a variety of these symptoms more often than not and it’s affecting their school, home or personal life then it’s time to call us.

If your child is displaying any of the signs of ADHD, it’s never a bad idea to bring your child in for a full medical evaluation. If their lack of concentration and attention is affecting their personal and school lives, it’s time to call your Coppell, TX pediatrician to schedule an appointment.