ADHD is diagnosed based on symptoms according to the DSM IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, IV). This is the consensus for diagnosis within the psychiatric professional community. There is overlap between normal and ADHD and one key factor is that the symptoms must interfer with an important aspect of life such as learning.
Has your child been diagnosed or are you looking at behaviors and wondering whether to persue diagnosis?
It is great to look now if you have a concern. During your research it is good idea to document all these behaviors as part of the diagnosis is that behaviors are present at an early age and continue. I have a VERY active, VERY willfull 5 year old. I can very much understand you concerns. A year ago, I was sure she had "something" that needed to be addressed. Enough to warrant an evalaution through the school. Now a year later I am not convinced. She is still very much a handful, but has made a complete turnaround. I would say 60 % of her behaviors are subsiding. I am very happy we started to keep an eye on this then though, now we have something to watch over the next few years. Keep educating yourself, there is no harm in education. So many behavior modification techniques and discipline tools work so well with ADHD kids, they work even more wonders on non ADHD kids. None of that will hurt, it can only help you to help your child learn appopriate behavior .That my child has ADHD? Is there some brain wave activity difference? How do I distingush normal 5 yr old behavior/defiance from ADHD? IS there some scientific proof? I am really confused.You search for the ADHD DSM-IV criteria online, then you spend some time in class observing your child. There is no scientific proof---yet. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not dx ADHD until age 6, precisely for the reason that you state.