ADHD in Toddlers
ADHD in toddlers and babies is not “technically” diagnosable. However, there are early signs and symptoms that many parents and clinicians believe may lead to ADHD in childhood. Let’s take a look at some of these signs and symptoms and determine the best telltale signs that your baby or toddler may someday develop ADHD.
We all know toddlers are fidgety, squirmy and especially wiggly. However, just because they show some of the signs that are usually associated with the regular symptoms of ADHD, doesn’t mean that they will later develop it. Toddlers and babies regularly show these symptoms until about age 3. If the symptoms are extreme; however, they could be linked to ADHD as the child grows.
Check out the list of symptoms that may show early and be troubling to babies and toddlers, so you can recognize this disorder early on.
Symptoms in Babies
Did you know that many studies have linked ADHD to genetics? If this is truly the case, many people who develop ADHD, are born with characteristics that predispose a person for this disorder.
Babies don’t show the same signs and symptoms as children, or even toddlers, but they do still have telling signs that can help you determine if your child may have ADHD, very early on.
- Extra squirmy
- Doesn’t like cuddling
- More impatient
- Easily frustrated
- Requires extra attention
- Demonstrates a difficult temperament
- More colicy
- Excessive crying
- Trouble sleeping
Keep in mind, all babies will cry, and be wiggly and fussy at times. Excessive amounts of this behavior, along with a number of other symptoms, could be signs of early development ADHD. However, many toddlers, children, and even teens who later develop ADHD, don’t show any signs until later in life. Additionally, because babies cannot technically be diagnosed with ADHD, remember that all of these signs and symptoms could also be linked to other early developmental issues. Talk to your child’s primary care physician if you have concerns.
