ADHD in a Child - Causes And Symptoms

Date of the last update: 12.08.2024

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is one of the most common neuropsychological disorders in children. Also known as hyperkinetic disorder. It manifests as difficulty concentrating, impulsivity and overactivity, negatively affecting social functioning. It is important to watch your child closely to identify the full range of symptoms, as recognising and treating ADHD is crucial for proper development and functioning in school and later adult life.

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Symptoms – How do you know if your child has ADHD?

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a disorder that most often begins in childhood, with symptoms usually appearing before the age of 7. For many years, ADHD was thought to be blamed on parents and the mistakes they make. Neuroimaging studies reveal differences in the brain structure of children with ADHD compared to healthy children. A study by Castellanos and colleagues (2002) found significant differences in the brain structure of children and adolescents with ADHD compared to healthy individuals. Those with ADHD showed a smaller total brain volume and reduced blood flow and glucose consumption in key brain areas such as the frontal lobes and basal nucleus. These differences are consistent and point to a neurobiological basis for ADHD.

It should be noted that symptoms of ADHD can vary depending on the age and individual characteristics of the child. In younger years, they may be more apparent in a school environment where greater concentration and self-discipline is required. As they get older, symptoms may change – while overactivity may decrease and problems with concentration and impulsivity may persist or worsen.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) manifests itself in three main groups of symptoms.

Difficulty concentrating

Children with ADHD often have difficulty maintaining attention on tasks or play. Typical symptoms in this group are:

Lack of attention to detail – the child often makes mistakes due to carelessness in school or other activities.
Difficulty maintaining attention – the child has difficulty staying focused on school tasks, games or conversations.
Failure to follow instructions – the child often seems not to listen, even when directly addressed.
Problems with organisation – the child has difficulty organising tasks and activities, leading to neglecting responsibilities and forgetting daily activities.
Avoidance of mentally challenging tasks – the child avoids or is reluctant to undertake tasks that require prolonged mental effort, such as housework.

Over-activity

Children with ADHD often exhibit activity levels that are inappropriate to the situation. Symptoms of overactivity include:

Inability to sit still – the child often wriggles, spins or is unable to sit still in their seat.
Standing up from a seat in class – the child often stands up when expected to remain seated, for example in a classroom.
Running or climbing in inappropriate situations – the child often runs or climbs in situations that do not require it.
Problems with quiet time – the child has difficulty participating quietly in quiet recreational activities.
Constantly being ‘on the move’ – the child gives the impression of being driven by a ‘motor’, constantly on the move, without a moment’s rest.

Impulsivity

Impulsivity refers to the difficulty in controlling one’s reactions and behaviour. Characteristic symptoms include:

Interfering in conversations – the child frequently interrupts others or interjects into conversations.
Difficulty with waiting for their turn – the child struggles with patiently waiting for their turn during group activities.
Impulsive actions – the child acts without thinking about the consequences, which leads to risky behaviors.”

How is ADHD diagnosed?

A diagnosis of ADHD requires that symptoms from these three groups have been present for at least six months, have been present before the age of 12 years and have a negative impact on the child’s functioning in different environments such as home, school and peer group. The diagnosis should be made by a specialist based on a comprehensive assessment of the child.

How do you deal with a child who has ADHD?

Dealing with a child with ADHD requires patience, consistency and appropriate parenting strategies. It is crucial to create a structured and predictable environment that helps the child understand and meet expectations. It is important to set clear and simple rules and enforce them consistently. It is useful to use positive reinforcement, rewarding good behaviour, which motivates the child to keep trying.

Children with ADHD also need regular physical activity breaks to use up excess energy. Working with teachers and professionals, such as psychologists or therapists, provides valuable guidance and support in day-to-day functioning. Building positive relationships and communication is also key, so that the child feels understood and supported in their efforts.

How can ecotherapy help a child with ADHD?

Ecotherapy, or therapy through contact with nature, is an ideal way to get physical activity, which children with ADHD badly need. Just being outdoors surrounded by greenery promotes stress reduction and calms the mind, which is especially important for children with concentration difficulties and overactivity. Regular walks, playing in the park or working in the garden help to calm and focus the mind.

Check out also: How to encourage children to engage with nature?

In addition, children who spend time in a natural environment show less severity of ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity and hyperactivity. Contact with nature also stimulates the development of the senses and creativity, which has a positive impact on the child’s emotional and social development. Introducing elements of ecotherapy into the daily schedule can be an effective complement to traditional ADHD treatments.

Summary

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neuropsychological disorder that expresses itself through difficulties in concentration, impulsivity and overactivity, negatively affecting children’s social functioning. Recognising and treating this disorder is crucial to a child’s normal development and long-term success. Identifying the symptoms of ADHD requires careful observation and diagnosis by a specialist. The management of a child with ADHD should be based on clear principles and support in the form of therapy and education to help manage symptoms and support the child’s development.It is worthwhile to enrich traditional treatment methods with therapies that use contact with nature. One example is ecotherapy, which is a valuable complement to therapy, allowing the child time for physical activity and relaxation in a friendly and calming natural environment.