Is My Kid Just Hyper or is There Something More?

Hyperactivity in kids can be a warning sign of something more or it can just be a normal part of childhood. Kids are a bundle of energy, and that’s totally normal. But sometimes parents question whether, with all of that bouncing off the walls, if there’s something more. Only based on a child’s social interaction and hyperactive behavior, an average person can’t decide whether the child’s behavior is normal or if they are suffering from a disorder. It’s the job of a child psychologist. With disorders out there like ADHD, Autism spectrum disorder, and Sensory processing disorder, parents may wonder if there is something deeper going on to explain hyperactivity. So how do you know if your kid is just hyper or has more complicated issues? Here are some symptoms of hyperactivity and categories to consider:

Warning Signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Although attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can be present from birth, it generally goes unnoticed until children reach elementary school age. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by excessive activity, trouble paying attention (attention deficit disorder), and uncontrollable behavior. There are difficulties in identifying the symptoms of ADHD because all young children display these behaviors – they are part of normal childhood development.

If your toddler bounces off the walls, doesn’t seem to listen when you tell her to stop or has an emotional meltdown when she doesn’t get the happy meal toy she wants…don’t worry, those behaviors are to be expected.  These are just normal childhood behaviors with much energy going on. However, you can suspect ADHD in your child if she doesn’t seem to grow out of it, and displays impulsive behavior each time. Children diagnosed with ADHD do not grow out of these behaviors when they reach ages six and older. Effective treatment can eradicate ADHD symptoms. See your pediatrician if your child consistently displays some of the following warning signs of ADHD:

• Interrupts other conversations or activities frequently and at inappropriate times
• Has trouble following instructions and organized tasks
• Seems consistently forgetful
• Frequently speaks out of turn
• Easily distracted, forgetful, or frequently switches from one activity to another
• Daydreams or has difficulty processing information as quickly as peers
• Has trouble sitting still during dinner, school, homework, or story time
• Acts very impatient
• Blurts out inappropriate comments, acts without regard for consequences
• Trouble focusing
• Severe inattentive presentation

Sources: Healthychildren.org, WebMD

Warning Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Most of what the general public knows about Autism is only the tip of the iceberg for this broad-spectrum disorder. ASD (also called simply autism or in some cases Aspergers) is a complex brain development disorder that emerges typically in children between ages 2 and 3. It affects individuals up to adulthood to varying degrees and is often characterized by difficulties in social interactions, verbal and nonverbal communications, and repetitive behaviors. Any questions you have about your child in relation to autism would best be answered by your pediatrician or another health professional, but here are some signs of early autism:

• No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or after
• Absence of babbling by 12 months
• No meaningful, two-word phrases by 24 months
• Might not respond to his or her name
• Does not play “pretend” games
• No pointing at objects or things to demonstrate interest
• Repeats words or phrases over and over
• Has obsessive interests
• Gets upset by minor changes
• Flaps their hands, rocks their body, or spins in circles
• Avoids physical contact
• Lines up toys the same way every time
• Hyperactivity
• Short attention span
• Meltdowns
• Unusual sleeping habits

Sources: Autism Speaks, National Autism Association

Warning Signs of Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory processing disorder, or SPD, is a condition in which the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes through the senses. Children with SPD are oversensitive to things in their environment like sounds, smells, even light touches. It is often brushed off by parents as a child being “overly sensitive,” or “fussy.” Children affected by SPD may come off as ultra picky eaters because the textures of certain foods are literally too much for their sense of touch. They may seem hyper, easily prone to tantrums, or have frequent meltdowns. So how do you know if your child is possibly suffering from sensory processing disorder? Aside from consulting a health professional, here are some common warning signs:

• Has problems eating
• Refuses to go to anyone but mom or dad
• Is extremely irritable when getting dressed
• Doesn’t enjoy playing with toys that require dexterity
• Doesn’t notice pain or is slow to respond when hurt
• Resists cuddling or hugging
• Is extremely active and is constantly moving or running
• Overreacts to noises like a crying baby, barking dog, or lawn mower
• Gets in other people’s space and/or touches everything in sight
• Doesn’t seem to understand verbal instructions
• Easily distracted in the classroom, fidgety in a seat
• Slow to perform tasks or learn new activities
• Has difficulty reading, especially out loud

Sources: SPD Foundation, Web MD

If you suspect the hyperactivity in your child is due to something more, like one of these three disorders, please have a visit with your pediatrician. There is absolutely nothing wrong in taking the necessary steps to help your child thrive. If the medical conditions are dealt with appropriate treatment in early childhood, the suffering may be less or fully eradicated. Early diagnosis helps a lot. In such cases, parent training is important to adjusting to social situations. Moreover, close attention to mental health can end up saving your child’s life.

And if you’ve still got a hyper, bouncing-off-the-walls child on your hands…try some of these handy tips for getting all that energy out!

1.Get their hearts pumping!

Physical exercise is one of the best ways for kids to burn off some of that energy. Sign them up for soccer, dance, or some other physical activity. Do not let your young kids spend a lot of time on video games.

2.Tone down the ruckus.

Sometimes too much overstimulation can cause a kid to be hyper. Excessive noise, activity, or chaotic schedules in your home makes it nearly impossible for your child to be calm. Besides, the side effects of noise are harmful to our hearing. Therefore, try keeping the atmosphere as calm as possible and stick to a solid routine that your kids can come to expect.

3.Get Creative.

Arts and crafts are a great avenue for your child’s energy. Find something that challenges them and helps them create something out of nothing. It will help the inattentive type children to focus more.

4. Go Outside.

There’s something about wide open spaces that is like a child’s therapy. It brings an immediate change in a child’s behavior. When it feels like the walls are caving in…go to a park, go for a hike, plan a camping trip…anything in the great outdoors.

After all, the right support can change your child’s life forever. However, poor parenting will make their life a lot harder.

Other parents are also a great resource in this tough parenting job. Chime in if you’ve had experience with hyperactivity in children and have some great tips for us!