ADHD, along with its subtype ADD, are commonly misunderstood disorders. Too many people, including the parents, believe that ADHD is something that you can “grow out of”. Unfortunately, ADHD is not just about a stubborn child. It is a medically proven disorder that desperately needs serious attention. 

First of all, what exactly is ADHD and ADD? ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder while ADD is just ADHD without the H part. The core difference between ADD and ADHD, despite technically being the same thing, is that kids with ADD aren’t hyperactive. They are often found “daydreaming” or “going off into space” in the middle of a conversation. This is why they often go under the radar. ADHD is more well-known for having slightly more obvious effects. Kids with ADHD, unlike kids with ADD, work off their boredom by being restless. They will fidget and constantly look at the clock in the classroom. They will usually be boisterous and play the hardest during recess.

Fascinating how much adding an H to an acronym can do.

It’s difficult to tell if your child has ADHD or is just plain stubborn. Oftentimes, a medical professional’s opinion is what’s needed to tell for sure. Here are a few of the common symptoms you can check for if you suspect your child has ADHD OR ADD:

ADHD-Specific:

• Fidgetiness

This is the most outward expression of ADHD in a child. They will be bored out of their minds, and to make up for that, they fidget. 

• Impatience

Oftentimes, they will interrupt someone while talking or do whatever it takes to be the “first” to do an activity.

ADD and ADHD:

• Unfocused

They will tire of any activity before long. Not because they’re physically tired, but their minds already moved on to something else. This is why ADHD kids have so much trouble paying attention in class, or why ADD kids always daydream.

• Forgetful

They have trouble remembering things that were just said to them. Kids with ADHD and ADD are in a near-perpetual state of “thinking of literally anything else but right now”.

• Self-centered

ADHD and ADD kids have a hard time empathizing with others. They are usually caught up with how things affect them, and have a hard time processing how it affects others. This makes them come off as insensitive, even though it’s not entirely their fault.

Treatment:

ADHD may sound like a lot to handle, but the treatments for it are effective and quite simple. Not easy, mind you, just simple and straightforward.  A medical professional will usually suggest medicine for your child to take, as well as “talk therapy.” 

Don’t get mad at your child for being stubborn, because they don’t want to be. Your child doesn’t like being a cause of frustration for you, and so, as a parent, you must try your best to not frustrate your child as well. Talking to them honestly and openly about their problems goes a long way to treating ADHD. The worst thing you can do is to not take the disorder seriously. If you expect a child to grow out of ADHD, then all you'll get is a grown-up with ADHD. It's better to treat it now than later when they have more responsibilities.