When a child gets a little too agitated, most parents tend to think it’s a hyperactive child. However, hyperactivity is not what it seems. In fact, it’s a more complex syndrome that requires special attention. In fact, between the ages of 3 and 6, this turbulence is natural.

But beyond this age range, it’s time to take things seriously. So what are the symptoms of hyperactivity? How can you tell if your child is hyperactive or unruly? Let’s get to the heart of the matter.

What exactly is hyperactivity?

How can we be sure that our child is hyperactive if we don’t know a little more about the syndrome itself? Well, we’re talking about attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD). It’s one of the conduct and behavior disorders. A child who seems a little unruly is not necessarily hyperactive. And another who seems to have his head in the clouds may very well be suffering from ADD/ADHD. The disease reveals itself through three distinct criteria that every parent should be aware of: inattention, impulsivity and agitation. The intensity of these symptoms will vary from child to child.

Nevertheless, even if these symptoms are detected in a child, other criteria need to be taken into account before ascertaining his or her illness. Signal behaviors will persist in at least two different environments. At home and at school, for example. Secondly, these signs must affect the hyperactive child’s relationships with his or her family and peers. We also need to make sure that the child is not suffering from other pathologies such as schizophrenia or autism. Furthermore, the child’s behaviors must not be caused by health or psychological problems.

You can now more or less tell whether your child is hyperactive or unruly. And you should know that only 3 to 5.6% of schoolchildren are affected.

HOW DOES A HYPERACTIVE CHILD BEHAVE?
Hyperactivity can have a considerable impact on a child’s social, academic and emotional development. In fact, hyperactivity can make it difficult to live with a child. This applies both at home and at school. For example, it’s hard for them to make new friends.

At home, he’s headstrong, quick-tempered and irritable at the drop of a hat. Stubborn as a mule, hyperactive children can’t stand being forbidden anything. He puts his heart and soul into everything he undertakes, without ever finishing what he starts. Their desire to explore does not stem from a desire to learn, and their excess energy has no objective. He kicks, he climbs – in short, he can’t stand still.

What’s more, at school, even if all children of the same age seem a little agitated, the hyperactive child will stand out from the crowd for his psychomotor instability. What’s more, he’ll be unable to assimilate anything because he can’t concentrate. This lack of concentration can even be seen in his speech. He’s often unable to finish a sentence, as he quickly loses his train of thought.

Impulsive, children with ADHD act before they think. He also has trouble coordinating his movements, can’t tell right from left, can’t dress himself and can’t tie his shoes. Because of his difficulty concentrating, he struggles with his studies. His ability to learn to read and write is slower, and he will lag behind the other students in his class.

UNDERSTANDING THE HYPERACTIVE CHILD
Because of the child’s behavior and lack of understanding of attention deficit disorder, the people around him or her can quickly become bored. Indeed, classmates and teachers alike may shun the child, as he or she will be perceived as unruly and difficult to manage. Some parents are ashamed of their child with the disorder, and have difficulty accepting the fact that he or she is hyperactive. Yet the only victim in the whole story is the child himself. Indeed, his failures will make him suffer, and this suffering will only aggravate his disorder. It’s not uncommon for children with ADD/ADHD to perform punishable acts in an attempt to make themselves understood. It’s like a cry for help.

Parents have a great responsibility in supporting their child. They must be able to recognize when their child is hyperactive or unruly. When the first signs of hyperactivity appear, you need to see a specialist right away. The general practitioner or pediatrician will only make a pre-diagnosis, as he or she is not qualified to provide appropriate treatment. It’s up to the ADHD specialist to confirm or refute this diagnosis. From there, he or she will be able to offer personalized support tailored to each child. In the fight against hyperactivity, the specialist must work hand in hand with the parents.

Because ADHD cannot be cured, it’s up to the child’s environment to adapt. Treatment is based on observing the child’s behaviour.

HOW TO TREAT A HYPERACTIVE CHILD?
Cognitive-behavioral treatments are the first prescriptions the specialist will recommend. Drug prescriptions come second. Today, there is only one medication available to treat ADHD: Ritalin®. The use of this drug is strictly regulated, and only a specialist has the right to prescribe it to a hyperactive child.

LET’S ACT FOR THE SAKE OF OUR FUTURE GENERATION
When faced with our child’s hyperactivity, we tend to panic and often, in our incomprehension, punish without taking the time to find out exactly what’s going on. Now you know how to recognize a child with ADHD, and can act accordingly.