ADHD symptoms | ADHD Information

He sounds like a normal 3 year old to me. Both of my children did this at ages two and three. One has ADHD and one does not. Maybe you spend several hours at your son's school observing to get a better perspective.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children be at least 6 years old to be evaluated for this condition. This is because "ADHD symptoms" are normal for very young children.

For ADHD evals, consider a neuropsychologist, or child psychologist rather than a ped.

[QUOTE=pooky11]

Hello Everyone, I was just browsing online and came accross this site. I was intrigued to read some of the postings about ADHD and caught my eye. I have a little boy soon to turn 3. I have been reading some of the symptoms about ADHD and I think my son might have it. I will appreciate any advice anyone can give me. Im in the process of getting my son evaluated by a his pediatrician. My son is very hyper, he is constantly moving and can not stay still for a minute. Well, except when he is watching a movie he really likes. He is the only child and my first child so its difficult for me to tell if this is normal or not. I have been recently been told by his teacher at school that he moves to much, he does not participate in class activities and he pushes and kicks other kids toys for no reason. I also get very frustrated with him because when I ask him not to do something he keeps on doing and with kind of a defiant behaivor. I will appreciate if any mom out there can provide me with some advise of adhd. I have gotten to the point that my son makes me cry of how frustrated I get. Thank you.

Honestly sounds like normal 2 yo behavior to me.

[/QUOTE]

Hi Pooky11,

My son was acurately diagnosed by a pediatric neurologist just shy of 5 years old. I personally read about ADHD in the book, Toddler Years, by the same author who wrote "What to do When Your Expecting" and they described my son to a tee!!

I agree with the other posters, mention it to your pediatrician. Have them document it in his file, we did this. Then when we and the doctor agreed it was time to evaluate, we did it.

My son is now 10 and very successful, thanks to the help of concerta and guanfacine. Before the meds, he was not. And even worse, the parents and kids and teachers all labeled him.

Do what is right for your son and family. I do NOT push meds. That is an individual decision. We were actually afraid, but all the negative stigma made us do it, just before his 7th birthday. I wish I had not waited, but I was afraid, and in denial.

Talk to his pediatrician and have the doc and you guys keep an eye on him.

It sounds like his Preschool is also noticing some signs as well. Keep the communication open with them. Maybe also try a behavior modification plan with him, something that he loves to be used as the motivator. This way you will know if he is choosing to do these things, or if he honestly can't help it!

Best wishes!!

Hi pooky,

Your son sounds just like mine as a toddler. He was also my first and I was so frustrated because I knew that he was *off* but I couldn't put my finger on what was wrong with him. I was sure it was me, and I read all of the books and tried to be very consistent, and yet he was the worst-behaved kid around. He actually didn't push other kids at daycare, but he would get mad at us and scream and hit us. He could never do any daycare activities, either. Also, my family gave me lots of bad advice -- that I was "too patient," that I had to "show him who's boss," etc. I kept hoping that he was just being a boy, but I saw real differences between him and other boys his age. He could never listen and always seemed defiant, even as a little guy. I tried to stay positive but sometimes just could not take it any more. Now that I have a second child, I see just how difficult, hyper, defiant and generally impossible he was (and still is, when unmedicated). He was only tolerable if the TV was on (and even then was still running around and jumping on the furniture).

If I were you, I would ask for a referral to a child psychiatrist first, especially since he is so young. I wouldn't let the ped mess with ADHD in such a little guy. Personally, I wish that I HAD started medicating my son at a younger age because I think we would have been able to peel back the negative ADHD behavior and see the real kid much earlier, but of course I would have always been second-guessing myself at the time. I remember all of the negative feedback that he got from everyone and I wish that I could go back in time and correct his brain chemicals (i.e. medicate) and turn those bad years into good ones. If you do have other therapy available, like Dad in Akron, do it!!! And if you think it's ADHD, go with your gut because you are probably right. We tried to get someone to tell us that straight out when our son was little, and no one was willing to take that step, leading to more years of agony until we finallly took him to a child psychiatrist and basically told her, "We think that our son has ADHD."

Whatever you do, don't beat yourself up or think you are a bad parent. That's how I felt for 5 years and I wish someone had told me at the time that it wasn't my fault. So I will tell you -- it's not your fault!!! It's the chemical make-up of your child's brain and he was born that way. Make sure that you get time for yourself or you will go crazy. This forum is the best therapy for parents that there is!

I can relate to how you feel. My first child is my child with ADHD and it is so hard trying to figure out what is normal and what is ADHD. I am going through a very similar situation now that my son is going through puberty - what is just normal 12 year old behavior and what is his ADHD. I find it really helpful to talk with other moms who have kids the same age and gender. Talk to as many moms as you can because yoyu need a good sampling. Also, try to read up an what is considered normal behavior for a 3 year old (also keep in mind that some kids are a little behind/ahead of the norm so read about 2 and 4 year olds). My DS was a wonderful 2 year old but we had the "terrible 3's" not the "terrible 2's" and that is normal. Maybe your child is going through that.

Good luck!

Hi Pooky,

I'm not a "mom", but I'd like to offer what I can... from a husband and father perspective.

Pooky, if you're concerned that your "soon to turn 3" son is AD/HD, I think you are right to express your concern to his pediatrician. This way, he (or she?) can start monitoring your son, especially now that he's growing out of his toddler phase and into a young boy. Going through this transition can be difficult for both mother and son, especially at his age. At this time more self-control will be expected from him as he prepares for kindergarten. As a toddler, he was "cute" when he was hyper, but becoming a young boy requires him to have more control over his actions.

It also looks as though you are searching for more info about AD/HD. You are visiting this web forum, and probably seaching for AD/HD books at the library and ordering some over the internet. That's what you should be doing. It sounds like you're a good mother and wanting to become a great mother!

At age 3, it'll be difficult to get your son dx (diagnosed) AD/HD and put on stimulant medication. But, there are doctors who will do that for 3 yr olds. It all depends on the serverity of the circumstances.

Many doctors are reluctant to make a formal AD/HD diagnosis and start meds until 5 or 6 years of age. When your son enters into kindergarten, keep in contact with his teacher and express your desire to want him to do his best in school. His teacher should be able and willing to inform you about his progress and any "unusual" concerns at school. Until 5 or 6 years of age, many doctors will prescribe other treatment methods as they continue to observe the child for other causes for hyperactive behavior. These treatment methods may involve counseling for both your son and others in the family. Take advantage of whatever if offered. We did and it had paid off well.

In the mean time, keep reading whatever you can about AD/HD and other learning disorders, keep reading through the posts in this web forum, and keep being the good mom that you are! Also, another suggestion is... If you think your son is not ready for kindergarten, consider holding him back another year. We did that with our son and it was a good decision. He's considered one the smartest kids in his class. But, his best friend (who also is AD/HD) started kindergarten when he was 4 years old and was held back to repeat 1st grade.Dad in Akron39388.3009837963