"Hyperactive" has almost become a buzzword in our culture, but when we talk about ADHD, hyperactivity and impulsivity, we're talking about some very specific behaviors. These include feeling restless, fidgeting, and squirming. ADHD kids (and adults, for that matter) can hardly stand to be still. ADHD makes it almost impossible not to move in some way. ADHD kids don't sit when they can run, climb or otherwise leave their seats, even if everyone else is sitting quietly. When my ADHD son was six he was in a Quiz Bowl competition at school, and kept blurting out the answers before he even heard the question. Needless to say, this is an ADHD trait, and needless to say, his team didn't win the competition. Another ADHD hyperactivity/impulsivity symptom is having trouble waiting in line or taking turns. I admit I still have trouble with this today, and I'm 37 but still ADHD. Not every child who has trouble sitting still and waiting in line has ADHD, of course. ADHD is diagnosed when a group of symptoms are present and cause a significant problem in a child's functioning. But be aware, if your child has ADHD or you think he might, that some of these "impulsive" and "hyper" behaviors are things he can't control without help. It is possible for ADHD kids to learn coping skills to help with some of these problems, and ADHD medications are generally very effective once the right medication is found. Just remember that ADHD can be the cause of these symptoms, and try to be as patient as you can. |
