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ADHD and Your Toddler: 4 Early Warning Signs

Although ADHD is typically not diagnosed before children enter school, there are symptoms parents of toddlers should keep an eye out for.

By Reader’s Digest Editors

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a syndrome characterized by symptoms of distractibility, inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Parents of toddlers are likely to notice behavior that sometimes fits those symptoms, but how do you know whether ADHD is a realistic concern?

In a post on ADHD and toddlers, LIVESTRONG.com explains that many toddlers are naturally hyper, moody, and distractible. And because the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines say children under age 6 cannot be diagnosed with ADHD, it’s difficult to say if problematic behavior is related to ADHD, or an emotional or other disorder. Another thing to keep in mind is that no imaging or lab tests are used to diagnose ADHD. Doctors make diagnoses based on behavioral symptoms and by ruling out other disorders. LIVESTRONG notes that early signs do exist, however, and says that if these signs persist, they should raise a red flag.

Be watchful for these early symptoms:

Hyperfocus
If your child seems inattentive it can really mean he is just focused on something that interests him more than what you’re trying to call attention to.  LIVESTRONG notes that toddlers with ADHD are frequently labeled inattentive when they’re actually hyperfocused. Children may rush from one activity to another, seeking something to absorb themselves in.

Hyperactivity
All kids display sleep problems, but a child with ADHD will sleep much less than the amount recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (12 to 14 hours). LIVESTRONG says while parents end up exhausted, kids with ADHD will appear unaffected by sleep deficiency. Additionally, kids with ADHD will resist sitting still for most things, even meals.

Food Sensitivities
Many toddlers with ADHD suffer from food sensitivities. Parents are advised to eliminate sugar, artificial sweeteners, food coloring, and preservatives from their child’s diets. Some parents take things even further by removing wheat, eggs, dairy, soy, chocolate, and corn.

Personal Space Issues and Impulsivity
One early symptom of ADHD is difficulty accepting personal space. Related to this are communication problems, like loud and incessant talking, or the inability to let another person speak. Young children with ADHD will also act before considering consequences, which is why these specific symptoms often develop into issues with impulsivity.

Sources: LIVESTRONG.com, HealthCentral.com

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Your Comments

  • linda

    My son is three in July, he always on the go and never stops, he goes from one thing to another, and  even if he’s know ‘s not to do certain things, he has had five febrile seizure’s and was 18 months before he walked properly, he walks with his foot turned in and was told he had flat feet and it was normal, he received physio  and was told to ring next year for a follow up , but his foot seems to be getting worst , he bangs his head very hard when he does n’t  get his own way , he has a mri scan in may, his sister is eleven and has  Dyspraxia  DCD, I think he is showing signs like my daughter and I feel he has sensory issue’s , I can’t keep up with him, please  somebody help.

    • Stephanie

      @ Linda, I can totally relate to most of what you are saying here, especially when you talk about the head banging when not getting his own way. I have a friend whose son has all the sensory problems that you’re talking about, so I can talk to her about things to look out for and things she has gone through. Her son has made so much progress through the years. I don;t know what state you’re in but here there is a program called Early Steps and they come to your house so that the child stays in their environment. It’s an awesome program. Hope your state offers programs like this. Good luck! I’m going through some of the same things back and forth with doctors and tests, it can be stressful, but, you are the only one your child has to make sure he gets the help or one on one that he needs. Thinking of you!

      • Linda

         Hi Stephanie, just read your reply, my son is still up can you believe it , it’s 10.45 pm and hasn’t slept all day , he’s so hyper , and when you talk to anybody  they just say it’s normal , I’m fed up with all of this, I don’t get any kind of break, who do you have to ring about early steps?, kind regards, Linda

        • babymama

          Hi Linda, i am just wondering if your son is still having these issues? if so, you may want to ask your doctor about mild autism? could be a factor and would explain alot. :)

    • Lesley Barrett1

      Hi Linda. My little boy is two and I have exactly the same problem as you and just wondered how you are getting on and what’s available. If you don’t mind could I email you. Fanx lea

  • Corinna

    My son is 3 and a half years old and is also on the go from morning to night. He never sleeps or takes a nap. He can’t even sit still for 5 minutes. My son has every single thing listed in the article above (ADHD and Your Toddler: 4 Early Warning Signs). He was born 4 weeks earlier but he is way ahead then other toddlers his age. He’s really smart and knows so much already for his age, he’s just so hyper. He is also very aggresive, he beats on my daughter who is 7 years of age, talks very loud, can’t sit thru one meal any etc. My own opinion I honestly think that my son has ADHD but I don’t know how to go about to finding out for sure. I have mentioned it to his doctor but they’re just going month by month on things. I’ve even broken down in tears because I just don’t know what to do anymore. I’m a single parent and it’s been pretty rough trying to take care of a very hyper child that doesn’t sleep. Someone HELP!

    • Kjen

      Oops got stuck there. It is early to seek a diagnosis but he does sound to have some indicators.
      Diet can work very well out with sugar, try eliminating wheat and dairy separately and increase oily fish/nuts/seeds/flax oil hidden in things, for Essential fatty acids

      Things will get better one day, it won’t always be like this.
      Love KjenniferJen

    • Bell_Kerrie

      I am so happy to hear that your son is advanced and you still think it can be ADHD. My son just turned two and is well beyond most kids his age and did everything early but still never sleeps. He will not sit still especially through a meal. He never does the same activity for long and Is constantly yelling and running around.I don’t know how to entertain him any more. Any suggestions?

    • Tired Mom

      I have a two year old daughter.  I do all the things that you ” should” do- I don’t let her have ANY juice, severey limit sugar, limit tv, make sure she gets plenty of outside time, I even signed her up at local gym class and go there almost every day to try to get her energy out.  But she won’t go to sleep!  I have a bedtime routine where we start turning down lights and speaking softer at least an hour before bedtime (7 pm for 8 pm bedtime).  However, I typically don’t get her to sleep before midnight, adn then she is usually up and wide awake a few hours later!  I am a single parent- so I have to deal with all of this myself.  I’m so worn out!  She is very smart- she is advanced for her age.  She is just constant on the go and can’t seem to wind down.   I can’t get anyone to watch her at night anymore because she won’t sleep, so I really never get a break.  I’m taking her to the doctor next week to hopefully get some help. 

  • Corinna

    My son is 3 and a half years old and is also on the go from morning to night. He never sleeps or takes a nap. He can’t even sit still for 5 minutes. My son has every single thing listed in the article above (ADHD and Your Toddler: 4 Early Warning Signs). He was born 4 weeks earlier but he is way ahead then other toddlers his age. He’s really smart and knows so much already for his age, he’s just so hyper. He is also very aggresive, he beats on my daughter who is 7 years of age, talks very loud, can’t sit thru one meal any etc. My own opinion I honestly think that my son has ADHD but I don’t know how to go about to finding out for sure. I have mentioned it to his doctor but they’re just going month by month on things. I’ve even broken down in tears because I just don’t know what to do anymore. I’m a single parent and it’s been pretty rough trying to take care of a very hyper child that doesn’t sleep. Someone HELP!

  • Aaolvera82

    I have a 2 year old niece who is way out of control. We are constantly calling her name to stop. She Is constantly on the go and has to touch and get into everything. She can not sit down for more than 30 seconds and then she is off into something else. Is that normal for a 2 year old. I have told her mother that her 2 year old daughter has adhd. is it to early to have her diagonised for adhd.

  • Cpants

    My son is near 2 he never sits still he hits kids in nursery has tantrums like u wouldn’t believe doesn’t sleep . He is always on the go isn’t interested in nethin for very long an his temper is shocking wat can I do?

  • Cpants

    My son is near 2 he never sits still he hits kids in nursery has tantrums like u wouldn’t believe doesn’t sleep . He is always on the go isn’t interested in nethin for very long an his temper is shocking wat can I do?

  • Sophie1342

    my sister is 18months now , is it possible for her to have adhd??

  • sanctuary1999

    I have a 3 year old that we are planning on adopting and this is him to a T! He is so loud, never sleeps and always impulsive and destroys everything! Yet, so smart and sneaky. I don’t know how to help him.

    • sanctuary1999

      Yet, I sign him up for sports and he just stares at the ants, grass or plays with fuzz in his pockets! 

  • Musikmaker

    my daughter is 5 and just started school. She has always had the symptoms of ADHD, I would just tell myself that is was a phase.. but now that she has started school and her teacher is requesting that she sees counseling I fear that ADHD might be the case. Its makes me sad, because I dont want her to struggle with school and making friends. So far she is doing great with her school work, and is very smart.. but she is having a hard time making friends and cannot seem to sit still in class so its making things kinda hard on the teacher. I feel very stressed out… I hope that there is something we can figure out so she can focus and have a better advantage in class.

    • dms0987

      I feel that a lot of teachers just request that the kids get evaluated for adhd just because they do not want to deal with them. Children are going to be hyper. You cannot expect a child to be able to sit still & pay attention like an adult. It is not possible. and there is no need to medicate just because your child likes to be active. However, if you really feel that something is wrong then I strongly suggest you do what you feel is best. Have you tried talking to your child? My 3 year old son is very hyper but I will not even consider getting him evaluated yet. After he starts kindergarten or first grade, we will see how everything goes and I will try talking to him or different forms of discipline & if nothing else works then I will try the meds. My son does take naps & goes to bed but he wakes up in the middle of the night for atleast 30 minutes atleast 3-4 nights a week. He loves to move, run, play, jump etc but he is a child so I just let him have fun. He is extremely nice to other children, he loves to be around other children. I just hope that everything works out. I wish all of you the best.

  • Jarnold0920

    iv been diegnosed with ADHD when i was 7 1/2  im now 26 i found that i had to channel my energy…. but i turnd to crime witch im not happy with my self about…….anyway thats how a channeld my energy…jest a sergegson but maybe try active sports like witch i love skatebourding. but there are others like you may know like football and ather runing sportsvor active sports try it. this info mite help

  • Kenyaduncan28

    My eleven year old son
    was just diagnose with ADHD. I kind of suspected he had it for years. I knew I
    did not want to give him medication because I do not trust
    the pharmaceutical companies. I thought there should be another way
    to treat his symptoms naturally. I cam across this program that I got from this
    website that helped my son. It taught me what to do to make spelling words
    easier for him, to sit still and stop all that fidgeting, and to help him keep
    from zoning out when I’m talking to him. I gave his teacher a few of these tips
    too. As if she actually uses them. It had some more things in this program but
    I would be writing forever. It’s called 100 Ways To
    Help Your Child Pay Attention. It had a questionnaire to
    see your child may have ADHD. It helped me. Maybe it can 

    help you. But please
    use medication as a last result. Please.

  • Keely2

    my son is 4 yrs old he has around 5 hours sleep a night wakin between 3/4 in the morn wantin t play running around wild… hes never been a great sleeper from bein born alway up every hour. he does sit still he eats very little hes very hard to control he hits out at myself and others he tantrums a hell of a lot he doesnt listen n does the opposite to what I ask im becoming very exhausted. I think a trip to the doctors is in order but id feel so silly going and the doctor sayin hes just a typical 4 yr old.. my daughter was never like this. should I be worried or is he just a typical 4 yr old boy?

  • Conley_5

    My daughter is almost 5 years old and for the last year we have been struggling with her. She can not sit still, even when she is going to sleep she has to rub her foot on the bed. She can not focus on anything. When you tell her something then ask her to repeat what you have said she cant.when you talk to her she yells, it seams like she doesn’t know how to whisper. When she gets upset she screams and lays in the floor kicking.(at first we thought that this was due to her almost 2 year old brother throwing fits but we have not entertained his fits and he is punished to time out). She also will not except help with simple things with out getting mad and throwing the item at you or the floor. She will not try new things she just mopes and sits down and does not engage herself in any activities. Then 2 months after she started pre-k she came home and cut long hair off down to her scalp, and when we asked why she did this she could not give an answer. I know that children act out and that things go in one ear and out the other but I do feel that my little girl does have a problem I would just like to have an idea of what it might be…

  • Donnaford1

    hi my son is 2 yrs he startin walkin at 12 months but one of his feet ture in but docter said he be fine but i thing it got wose he on the go from the time he gets up to time he gos to bed he just dont stop he dont sit or play for very long at all and i really dont wat to can any one help plz

  • Donnaford1

    hi my son is 2 yrs he startin walkin at 12 months but one of his feet ture in but docter said he be fine but i thing it got wose he on the go from the time he gets up to time he gos to bed he just dont stop he dont sit or play for very long at all and i really dont wat to can any one help plz

  • Talsop86

    My son is 2..I’m 26
    he is exactly as descibed above ..very demandin n naughty…doesn’t sleep well …hv to hv him in bed wiv me..won’t eat cooked meals…extremly hyper an accidnt prone an constantly fidgets even in his sleep (wen he does)…has a bad temper n tantrums…an will smack himself etc…he doesn’t listen to a word I say….but he also very clever/ forward..tlks well and loving…I’m practically a single mother an he is my only child…ppl say he just spoilt but I kno its more than tht…I dont kno what to do…would lik to hear from anyone who in same situation or can offer some advice…as I feel lik I’m failing him an am struggling to cope thx …talsop86@hotmail.com

  • Dershamad

    My daughter is years of age. She is constantly bouncing off the walls. She still lays on the floor and has tantrums. She is very smart for her age. She is always whinny and will not sit still at all. Are these some signs of ADHD? I am desperate for help!! How do they test for this?

  • Dershamad

    sorry!! She is four years of age.

  • Victoria

    my daughter just turned one. she was colic as a baby and suffered many food intolerances with her acid reflux. She never sleeps for more than eight hours a day..which doctors say can be normal. I’m actually lucky if i get 8 hours usually it’s 6 or 7. She does not nap. She is always on the go 24/7 will not sit still. She is very advanced she started walking when she was just 8 months. I just don’t know if it’s because she’s advanced or if she could be hyperactive. I wish i had an answer it’s just so hard to keep up with her. She doesn’t require barely any sleep and she has to much energy. 

  • Worried Mom

    We just had our 3 year old girl evaluated for special education….it was kind of a last-ditch attempt to get someone, somewhere to help me. She is impulsively putting things in her mouth, like EVERYTHING, dirty bandaids, chewed-gum she finds, trash, whatever she finds on the ground, anything, everything. She has these insane tantrums and when I talk to her, it’s like she’s not there. Like there’s nobody home. I can “reach” her to get her to do something I need her to do, with effort (lots of effort) but I can’t STOP her from doing something she’s already doing. And I can’t get her to stop impulsively getting into EVERYTHING. She doesn’t even think about it, or look at things, she just lunges for whatever is around her, lotion, handsoap, toothpaste, Desitin, whatever she can find, and smears it everywhere as quickly as possible. I’m 100% consistent, she “knows better” but it’s like she can’t help it. That’s how it feels to watch. She’s moving so fast, and not really thinking at all it’s just pure impulse and no control. She just darts from here to there grabbing whatever she can find, pens, paper to eat, small things to put in her mouth or hide in bags. She won’t sit still to eat, gets up and hops around, makes huge messes with her food, can’t go into a bathroom without unraveling the toilet paper, emptying a soap container, etc. And worst of all, she seems completely bewildered about it as well. Like she understands and is sorry, but can’t change or stop herself from doing it again. I have been thinking it’s me, my bad parenting, or her father’s Army career and frequent absences, but the older she gets the WORSE it’s getting. I found a latex balloon in her mouth today that she found at the park-I had to chase her down to get her to spit it out. That’s all we do at the park, she eats things and I chase her down to make her spit them back out. No playing, no socializing with other kids. I thought maybe it was OCD. But at the evaluation I was told they are leaning more towards ADHD. Is anybody else encountering anything like this? It’s killing me to watch. Some days it’s like she doesn’t exist anymore, just all this impulse behavior and none of my little, bright, beautiful girl. She has not always been this way, over the past 6 months I’ve watched whatever is going on here just consume her personality.

    • Shay5

      Hi worried mom. I have a 2yr old son who also puts everything in his mouth and i mean everything from gum off the ground, dirty shoes and socks. .He likes to open the freezer and lick the ice off the door of it, washing powder, dog food you name he eats it…He is super hyper and never never never sits still. .. I have four other children and the were nothing like this at his age or period. ..I took him to the doctor cause I was worried about him and the doctor told me he has Pica… Your daughter sounds just like my son so when you get a chance look Pica up then ask you childs doctor about it. I hope I’ve been of help to you. .

  • http://www.facebook.com/karin.wempe.5 Karin Wempe

    interesting that LIVESTRONG is branching out into giving advice on ADHD….

  • claire

    my daughter is 5 and is very hyper never listens to instructions always interupts and she be naughty at nursery a mother pulled me saying my daughter spat in her sons lunch .dont know where shes picking this filfhy habbit up so i went to chat to teacher im 6 mths pregnant and just broke down in tears im finding so hard and feel like a worthless mother. I have an app with the adhd team hoping they can solve this cos im at my witts end does any other mother feel the same way as i do