What are some of the early signs that a little one (under 5’s) might have ADHD? It’s one of the more common concerns that parents have when their kids are around nursery age. However, it’s quite hard to tell whether it’s ADHD or general toddler hyperactivity. Whilst it is difficult to diagnose children under 6 (and in fact, most doctors refuse to diagnose kids below school age), there are still signs you can look out for.
We’re joined by Charlotte Rebbeck, a trained Nursery Practitioner with 8 years of experience working with little ones. She’s been there first-hand to spot the key signs of ADHD / ADD in under 5’s and she’s here to share them with you. Remember, as a parent, you are the ones who know your children the best. If you are concerned, make that push to find out more from your GP.
What is ADHD / ADD?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder), also known as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), is a disorder that affects how children and adults behave. It often looks like restlessness, trouble concentrating or acting impulsively.
The main two traits of ADHD are inattentiveness (difficulty concentrating and focusing), and hyperactivity and impulsiveness. In my experience working with SEN children, they will often display both of these, though it may fluctuate in which one they display more. More often than not, boys are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls. Girls don’t always show signs of disruptive behaviour and can mask it more than boys. But one of the main signs for girls is their inattentiveness. Lets talk about the different signs of ADHD (and what to look out for as a parent).
Inattentive Signs Of ADHD In Under 5’s
There are quite a few signs of inattentiveness that can present with a child with ADHD. These are all common in children, they grow and learn how to hone these skills, but if a child has multiple of these signs paired together it may indicate that they could have ADHD.
Having A Short Attention Span
This is usually paired with them becoming distracted easily or just, in general, having a hard time concentrating.
Constantly Changing Activity Or Task
This is the one that I see most often at my nursery: a child will sit for a minute at one activity and then swap to another. It presents itself more prominently when your little one is expected to stay sitting down for longer periods of time. For example, during meal times, quiet reading time, arts and crafts activities, etc.
Seeming Unable To Listen To Or Carry Out Instructions
More often than not, children with ADHD may need prompting or telling multiple times to carry out instructions, as they find it difficult to focus on one thing. Nine times out of ten, they aren’t being unresponsive out of bad behaviour or out of acting out. They just need that extra prompting so they have a bit longer to process what they need to do.
Appearing Forgetful Or Losing Things
With children under 5, it’s not uncommon for them to forget or lose things (I’ve lost a lot of great toys at the nursery due to this!) but paired with the other symptoms, this could be a sign it may be something more.
Hyperactivity and Impulsive Signs Of ADHD In Under 5’s
Have you ever had an impulsive thought and had to quickly shut it down? Children with ADHD can’t shut it down and may follow through with it, leading to some pretty out-there situations. That lack of being able to ignore their intrusive thoughts is one of the reasons why children with ADHD are often thought to be acting out or misbehaving. This is just one of the few signs of hyperactivity/impulsive signs of ADHD in under 5’s.
Finding It Difficult To Sit Still
This is especially true when in calm or quiet surroundings like a library or during circle time at nursery/school. They will often struggle to stay in one place and concentrate on what they’re needing to do in quieter moments.
Constantly Fidgeting
This is slightly different from sitting still in the sense that they will often find something to play with. Perhaps making shapes with their hands, or playing with things around them like their shoes, laces, the carpet etc.
Unable To Concentrate On Tasks
They may need constant prompting to stay focused on a task. Something as simple as eating can actually be quite difficult for them to concentrate on, so they may need several reminders in one sitting to continue eating.
Excessive Talking
We know children love to tell you about everything, they’re excited about the world and want to tell you everything about it. But children with ADHD find it difficult to know when to stop.
Excessive Or Big Movements
They might constantly need to be moving or doing exaggerated movements like throwing themselves over their parent/sibling/friend. This can feel like a lot to handle at times!
Unable To Wait Their Turn
Like we mentioned above, children with ADHD or ADD find it difficult to wait for long periods. And whilst we might not think 30 seconds is long during a game, it might be too much for a child with ADHD. This often leads to them snatching or leaving the activity to entertain themselves with something new.
Interrupting Conversations
As they find it difficult to wait, they may constantly interrupt conversations between friends/parents etc. Kids do generally tend to do this, but for children with ADHD it’s something they can’t control.
Acting Without Thinking
They don’t think about the consequences of their actions, which could lead to them acting out impulsively (throwing a toy, or pouring their drink over).
Little To No Sense Of Danger
They don’t think before acting and this can lead to them not having a sense of danger. I’ve worked with a few children with ADHD who have just run into the road without looking. No matter how many times you try to warn them of the dangers around them, it’s something that they don’t think about.
Tools, Tips And Ways To Help
There are a few ways to help your child if you do think they may have ADHD. We use them ourselves within nurseries, but they can make a big difference for you at home too. Try these out and see if they can benefit your daily routine.
Plan The Day
Making a simple visual timetable can help as it will show the child exactly what is going to be happening that day and when (Breakfast, Bath, Playdate, Lunch, etc.) There are some great resources and templates on Twinkl to help with this.
Set Clear Boundaries
It is important to set clear, firm boundaries. Praise and reward acceptable behaviour and put in place consequences for negative behaviour (e.g take away a privilege such as time watching TV/using a tablet).
Be Positive!
It’s nice to be praised and it helps your child understand that they’ve done something good. Try and be specific with praise, saying, ‘You did great cleaning up’ instead of a simple, ‘well done’. The specificity of it will help them both to feel good about what they did, as well as understand more clearly what it is that got them the praise in the first place.
Give Specific Instructions
It’s important to be specific yet brief with your instructions. It’s a good balance to figure out for a child with ADHD, as you want them to know the specifics without the key instructions getting muddied. For example saying, ‘can you tidy your toys please’ instead of, ‘can you put your toys in the box and your books in the drawer’.
Slowly Increase Time During Activities
When trying to improve their attention span, you should try to do it gradually over a period of time. Start with doing an activity with them for 1 minute at a time for a month, then increase it to 2 minutes and so on. Eventually, with that gradual bit of practice, you’ll find they’re able to stay engaged for longer periods of time.
Intervene Early
Watch your child for warning signs if they are about to become overstimulated or act out and use those signs to intervene. You can do this by distracting them with something else or leading them away from the source of their frustration.
Fidget Toys
There’s a growing understanding of ADHD, and with that has come a strong variety of fidget toys for little ones. There are so many good fidget toys out there! Ones that I find myself using and playing with sometimes too.
They are perfect for your child if they are constantly playing with random bits around them. Some children with ADHD end up playing with unhygienic things like wrappers, tissues, and anything in close proximity. You can help them to curb the urge and redirect their attention. You can find them in toy shops like Smyths, or find them on Amazon pretty cheaply!
Where To Go For Help For Under 5’s With ADHD
It may seem scary or worrying to think your child might have ADHD but the best thing that you, as a parent, can do if you are worried is to talk to your GP. They aren’t able to diagnose children, but they can offer you support and guide you to the next steps of getting help.
Many parents worry about their children getting labelled. And while I completely understand, the label only means that your child will be able to receive help and thrive in the future. If your child is within a nursery or school setting another great resource to use is the designated SENco (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) who is there to support you and your child through the process.
Thanks To Our Guest Expert: Charlotte Rebbeck
Charlotte Rebbeck is a trained nursery practitioner with 8 years of experience working with children. She has a L2 Certificate in Understanding Autism and uses her knowledge to highlight any concerns she has about SEN needs to parents who have children that attend nursery. When she’s not at the nursery, she spends her time cosying up with a book, getting creative with a range of different arty hobbies, or hanging out with her dog Lance.
You can find Charlotte’s Linkedin page here
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