If you’ve ever watched your child bounce from one thing to the next, unable to stay in their seat or finish a thought, you may be wondering if it’s normal behavior for a kid or something more.
It’s a common question that parents wrestle with. At Wyckoff Wellness Center in Bergen County, New Jersey, child and adolescent psychiatrist Michael Gentile, MD, works with parents just like you every day.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can look a lot like typical childhood energy, especially in younger kids. But when certain behaviors persist, show up in a variety of settings (school, church, playgrounds), and start interfering with your child’s daily activities, you should pay close attention.
ADHD goes beyond being hyper. It shows up differently depending on the child, and it often comes in three forms: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive, or a combination of both.
Here are some early signs that tend to appear in children:
None of these behaviors on their own means your child has ADHD. But if you’re seeing two or three together often or if any of them affect their life at home or school, you could be looking at an ADHD diagnosis.
Is your child struggling academically even though you know they're capable? Are teachers flagging behavior problems regularly? Is your son or daughter having a hard time keeping friendships because they can't pick up on social cues or they keep interrupting?
Children with ADHD often feel like they're trying just as hard as everyone else, but coming up short anyway. That experience of repeated frustration can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and even depression over time. The earlier you catch what's driving those struggles, the better.
ADHD frequently occurs with other conditions. Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are two of the most common, and they can look similar to or exist alongside your child's ADHD.
A child who seems distracted may actually be preoccupied with worry. A child who appears defiant may be struggling with rigid thinking patterns they can't control.
That's part of why Dr. Gentile recommends a thorough evaluation. During a comprehensive psychiatric assessment, he won’t just check off ADHD symptoms.
He looks at the full picture of your child's mental and emotional health before making a diagnosis. Some children also present with conduct disorders or oppositional defiant disorder, which can complicate the picture further if ADHD is at the root.
You know your child better than anyone. If there's been a noticeable shift in their behavior, mood, or ability to function, or if something just feels off, trust that instinct and give Dr. Gentile a call.
The goal is not to label them, but to get a diagnosis and treatment to help them stop struggling and start thriving. Dr. Gentile can also collaborate with your child’s pediatrician and teachers as well to ensure continuity of care and support.
To schedule a consultation at Wyckoff Wellness Center, call our Wyckoff, New Jersey, office or request an appointment online.
