Does My Preschooler Have ADD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complicated neurodevelopment disorder that has three subtypes. Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), or the inattentive type of ADHD, is one of the subtypes of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Children with ADD struggle greatly with completing tasks, staying focused, following instructions, and social interactions.

It is common for young children without ADD to experience some of the same problems with attention, their brains are not fully developed yet after all. This, coupled with the fact that most people expect children with any form of ADHD to have symptoms of hyperactivity, is why young children often go undiagnosed. The struggles with executive functioning that inattentive type of ADHD causes can effect many areas of life, which is why early intervention is so important. If you think that your preschooler may have ADD ask yourself these questions and then talk to your child’s pediatrician.

1. IS MY PRESCHOOLER EASILY DISTRACTED?

It is not uncommon for preschoolers to be easily distracted at times. This is especially true if they are participating in something that is not that engaging or if they have unmet needs such as hunger. When a child has ADD though, it is more frequent and more intense.

2. DOES MY PRESCHOOLER HAVE DIFFICULTY FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS?

Being easily distracted can really effect a child’s ability to follow instructions. They may not be focused on you when given the instructions, or may become distracted along the way. You may find that you need to prompt them to continue and remind them what is next very frequently.

3. DOES MY PRESCHOOLER LOSE THINGS OFTEN?

It is amazing the things that preschoolers can remember, but when it comes to where they put things all kids can be forgetful at times. For children with ADD it is different though. It takes attention and focus to be able to know where you leave things. They might lose toys or water bottles frequently. You may notice that they have to have a designated spot for certain items in order to not lose them. For example, they may have a special spot on the kitchen counter for their water bottle, or keep their favorite toy in the same spot on a shelf in their room.

4. DOES MY PRESCHOOLER CHOOSE NOT TO ENGAGE IN ACTIVITIES THAT TAKE TOO MUCH TIME?

Preschoolers with ADD may avoid activities or tasks that require too much time or effort. A big dinosaur floor puzzle may feel daunting to them. They may have difficulty focusing and figuring out how to get started, so they may choose to skip it altogether. Similarly, they may avoid tasks that they are able to do but that are difficult. They may expect help with these tasks, which can make them seem lazy or stubborn, but it is really much more than that.

5. DOES MY PRESCHOOLER GET HYPER-FOCUSED ON THINGS AND BECOME UNWILLING TO STOP UNTIL THEY ARE FINISHED?

Becoming hyper-focused and unable to stop what they are doing until they are finished is more common in ADD than people realize. This can make transitions especially difficult for young children with ADD and can cause emotional outbursts and tantrums. You may notice that you need to give your preschooler many warnings before transitioning them away from an activity, and that even then there is no guarantee that they will be able to successfully do so without becoming overly upset.

Diagnosing Inattentive type of ADHD, or ADD, is not easy. It is not uncommon for a child to go undiagnosed until they are at least school aged because without an evaluation by a trained professional it can be difficult to tell what is normal childhood behavior and what may be signs of ADD. Start a conversation with your child’s pediatrician if you are concerned. They may refer you to a child psychologist for further testing and treatment.