Baffling Behavior

All moms worry about their child at some point. We evaluate their actions, compare their development with other kids their age and hope they’re on target. It’s not easy to gauge when our kid’s behavior is normal and when it may mean something more.

You may be concerned about attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) if your child:

• Fidgets or has a tough time staying still
• Has trouble focusing or paying attention
• Often acts or speaks without thinking

Keep in mind that all kids display these traits at some point, and they usually grow out of them. Still, your concerns are completely valid and worth checking into. “I am a big fan of open communication,” Dr. Ancy said. “There is no such thing as a bad question. If you are worried about it, ask your doctor. We are trained to recognize normal from abnormal.”

Possible Causes

If you suspect your child’s behavior might be linked to ADHD, talk with your pediatrician. Your doctor will conduct a medical exam and gather information from several sources to help assess symptoms and explore issues that could be causing those symptoms. A diagnosis isn’t always easy.

Other conditions or situations that may cause ADHD-like symptoms include:

• Depression or anxiety
• Hearing or vision problems
• Learning disabilities
• Mood disorders (autism and bipolar disorder)
• Stress associated with a traumatic experience or sudden change (divorce, loss of a loved one, new environment)
• Undetected seizures

Getting a correct diagnosis is the first step. If your pediatrician suspects ADHD, he or she can refer you to a board-certified, fellowship-trained child psychiatrist who can help with a diagnosis.