ADHD in a 2yrs old?

Question

how can you tell if a 2yrs old has ADHD? everyone tells me that my 2yrs old son has it and i was wondering if it is to soon to tell if he does or not? i am a mother of 2 the 2yrs old boy and a going to be 7months old lil girl

Answer 1

He's WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY too young for that. Running around and being active is the normal behavior for a 2yr. It's not something you should be thinking about or considering until he's of school age and you see him having problems in school. Don't worry, he's fine =]
Best Wishes =]

Answer 2

Some of the diagnostic 'tipoffs' I've heard are:
Are in constant motion.
Squirm and fidget.
Do not seem to listen.
Are easily distracted.
Do not finish tasks.

Now bear in mind, you have a two year old. The guidelines in the links below are for 6 year olds and up. I know of very few two year olds that do NOT do these things so it may be nearly impossible to tell whether the behavior is an indicator of ADHD.
I heard a few other tips from a specialist pediatrician that may indicate a child has a problem, either ADHD or other:
- severe, inappropriate, out of control reactions to changes and frustrations requiring physical restraint to prevent the child from hurting themselves or others.
- Inability to 'progress' socially - meaning the child is not making any progress in learning how to play with others.
- unmindful of consequences - They simply have no concept that their actions will have a consequence, good or bad. The consequence may happen, but they seem not to care, either about themselves or others. It's the equivalent of putting your hand on a stove, and then doing it again and again.

If you think you do have a problem, take a look at your schedule, do you have one? Is your home life predictable or is there no telling what will happen next? A child who is beginning to have a problem may benefit from regular mealtimes, bedtimes, bathtimes, etc. It may provide a few more guidelines for what they can depend on. Is there a parent who is infrequently in the picture? A discussion may be in order to ensure that the visits become more regular and more predictable. Has your family gone through a trajedy recently? Assure your child that your feelings and the feelings of those around them are normal and that the tears or fears will calm down.

:) Hope this helps - I have had discussions with school personnel and pediatricians for my own two children. School officials attempted to label them ADHD and it was nothing more than my kids just being themselves.

Answer 3

I agree with the other posts- 2 years is too young to diagnose ADHD

You didn't explain the reason(s) why you suspect ADHD- but there can be many other explanation for certain behavior- perhaps the new baby, or he might just develop at his own pace and his attention span might take a little more time to develop than another child's

If you still suspect ADHD when he starts school, then you should discuss it with his teacher. The both of you can sit down and decide if you think he needs testing or not.

Answer 4

I have first hand experience in this. I hope I can explain well.

First of all, two is way to young to treat with medication if he does have ADHD, except to limit corn syrup, sugar, caffiene, and any other thing like that from his diet. Artificial sweetners should be taken out, too. Make sure that he gets plenty of good protein (like whey) and plenty of Omega 3 fatty acids. Do some research online and get dietary treatments and start them now. It will help.

As far as diagnosis, in the next year or two, as he matures, watch what he does when he, for example, watches television. Does he sit and watch or pace around and watch. If he paces, then you might have a problem.

When you are at a store does he touch everything? When you ask him not to, does he sweetly comply and then suddenly you find him doing it again? Like he forgot? Not like he is being defiant, but just oblivious? Then you might have a problem. (Of course, defiance is a problem, too, but not the type I'm speaking of. Discipline is one thing. Forgetfulness is another.)

If your son has a problem with his temper and seems to not be able to get along with any other children, you may be facing something worse than ADHD. If he is explosive, I recommend the book "The Explosive Child."

I hope I have helped.

Answer 5

My son, now 17, has ADHD. He never seemed to need to sleep when he was little, he was constantly moving, and had a hard time with language. I'm not sure which of those were part of the ADHD/ADD. It wasn't until first grade that he was diagnosed and medicated (and he does very well now). I'm not sure it's possible--or even necessary--to diagnose or treat it until they start school and have to sit still and learn in a structured environment. Good luck.

Answer 6

i think it is bad to lable children with these types of things but if he has adhd then he has it. My huband has adhd and he dose not take anything for it. He told me that the meds he took made him feel very depressed and he still could not consintrate. I have heard this from many other people also. I think it is a gift not a problem and should be handled very carfully. I would not try to put to much on your son and if later becomes hard to deal with have him tested but not right now.

Answer 7

ADHD can't be diagnosed until about 6-7 years old. IMO ADHD should not be a diagnosis, but should just be a set of symptoms to look into more.

Answer 8

He is to young for a diagnosis but make sure he has a good diet full of fresh foods. Eliminate any artificial ingredients and sodas and such. This will help to keep your child calm and focus. There is a recent study out that shows food coloring causes hyperactivity.

Answer 9

It's too soon to tell. 2 year olds are pretty hyper and energetic anyway. If the child is really hyper, try cutting way back on the sugar in their diet. Not just refined sugar, but fruit juices, too. Dilute them, or don't give a lot of it.

Answer 10

i have ADHD and you child may not have it, its really hard to have a correct diagnosis at such a young age, most people wait until around the 3rd grade to have their kid tested, and I'm sorry to say that some people think that ADHD is genetic so if you son has it you daughter may have it as well.