Children often learn differently, and when they have trouble in school, it can be hard to pinpoint areas of difficulty and how to help them. Often, parents and educators look for a few distinct behaviors to determine issues such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. For some children, this can work, but others may present unexpected symptoms that indicate the need for assessment, such as the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS).
Signs of ADHD You May Not Know
With as many as 12% of children experiencing ADHD in some form, keeping an eye out for struggling students is crucial. While many perceive this learning difference as hyperactivity and a short attention span, it can look much different.
Some children with ADHD may exhibit symptoms of inattention but not hyperactivity. This presentation is often known as “predominantly inattentive” ADHD. These children may have trouble paying attention in class, following instructions, or completing tasks. They may seem to daydream and be forgetful or disorganized.
Other children with ADHD may exhibit symptoms of hyperactivity but not inattention. They have trouble sitting still and may fidget or talk excessively. They may also act impulsively without thinking through the consequences of their actions.
Some adults may also miss signs of ADHD when the main symptom is their child struggling to process information quickly. Watch for difficulty following directions, completing tasks, or keeping up with the pace of their classroom. Children with slow processing speed may also struggle with memory and recall, leading to forgetfulness and disorganization.
Consequences of Missed ADHD Signs
When ADHD is undiagnosed, a child is left without the proper tools necessary for school and feeling accomplished. Often, children with ADHD experience anxiety, which impacts their ability to concentrate and focus. They may worry excessively about their school, social situations, or future, leading to avoidance behaviors and further difficulties with focus and attention.
Confidence can also be damaged when individuals struggle to meet their personal goals at school or home. That long-term emotional toll can lead to additional problems down the line. Early assessment and diagnosis of someone with signs of ADHD or other learning differences are crucial to their development and success.
Children without the proper support and tools are at risk of falling behind their peers, and the longer it takes to create a plan that works for the individual student, the harder it will be for them to catch up and reach the necessary benchmarks.
Address ADHD Concerns with an Assessment Today
ADHD can unexpectedly present itself in children in many ways, and parents and educators need to be aware of the symptoms. Even if a child shows only one of these issues, take the time to get an assessment and receive an evaluation. Children with ADHD who receive support and support and treatment can overcome their challenges and reach their full potential.
Assessments, such as the (Conners 3) Conners, Third Edition, are available for these various circumstances and can be used for children at different age levels.
James Martin is a passionate writer and the founder of OnTimeMagazines & EastLifePro. He loves to write principally about technology trends. He loves to share his opinion on what’s happening in tech around the world.
