How to tell if your child has ADHD? | ADHD Information

Hi and welcome,

I don't think you will find anyone who will diagnose ADHD in an 18-month-old child, but you may want to discuss her differences with the pediatrician.  I don't know if the system is the same in Australia, but if your child is delayed or has sensory problems, you should be able to get some early intervention going.  It's too difficult at that age to rule out something else or determine if the behavior is just on the far side of normal.

I think that a mother's instinct is strong, though, so if you feel that something isn't right, you are probably correct.  Early intervention might help her development and help you cope with the difficult behaviors.

My son was a real handful from birth -- very, very colicky as an infant and then just difficult -- HUUUUGE tantrums, couldn't transition, too sensitive to noise, not sensitive enough to touch.  We knew that something was up, but no one was willing to go out on a limb yet.  I wish that we had had a good pediatrician at the time, because I think that some OT for him and behavioral training for us would have helped.  He was finally diagnosed at age 4, which is probably as young as a decent psychiatrist will diagnose ADHD, and started meds at age 5 1/2, when our lives improved instantly. 

If you are having a difficult time with your little one, my heart goes out to you.  I find that there is very little understanding for moms with "differently wired" toddlers.  People are SO judgmental of a young child's behavior and so willing to blame the mom!!  I wouldn't go through that time of my life again if someone paid me.

Many of us knew from early on that our kids were more challenging than other kids. Some kids are so impulsive that at the age of 3 they are a danger to themselves or others (well beyond the usual 3 year old issues). Some realized that the terrible twos lasted from birth to the age of 9 and maybe something was not quite right.

You should discuss any concerns with the pediatrician. If there is a reason for further evaluation for any developmental issues, the ped may start evaluation or refer you to a pediatric developmental team. Generally ADHD is not diagnosed until the child is in a second setting like preschool or school, as part of the diagnosis is symptoms that are evident in more than one setting and cause impairment. School is generally the second setting and the one with the most impairment and where the symptoms start really showing up.

18 months is way too early. is she delayed in any ways? If so, there are programs called Early Intervention that are for her age up to 3years old. Consult the peditrician.

We were successfully diagnosed by a pediatric neuropsych. just before turning 5.

why do you think this?I have a an 18mths old daughter and another one on the way, and I was just wondering how did you tell that your child had ADHD before they were dx, I'm asking because I think my daughter may have it but i'm not sure. Well, usually you have to wait until 6 or 7. Some are diagnosed earlier, but it is rare. IMO you shouldn't worry about ADHD until she starts school.