Is there really a such thing as Hyperactivity disorder?

Question

I have often heard of this before I had my two children, and most often would blow it off saying that was only a medical term for a child who just needed a good spanking. I still believe this to an extent, that doctors automatically assume this is the problem, when in some cases the problem lies at home and the child has no structured life or dicipline. My views are starting to change somewhat now that my son is 3 1/2. You hear of terrible two's and they were indeed terrible. Then he turns 3. He gets worse. At 3 1/2 he is so exausting to handle, that I often wonder if he is indeed "hyperactive". He acts alot like he is 2 years old in the activity department, and is well above 3 years old in the mental areas. He is on the verge of reading and is not even 4. He is a very bright boy who knows cause and effect, but rarely follows this. I am very strict in dicipling him, so there is no doubt that is not the problem. He is very active and has a hard time following directions.

Answer 1

Yes, there is really such a thing as ADHD.  I believe it is overdiagnosed, but I do not believe that it is rare.  It can be diagnosed this young but the chances of the diagnosis being accurate is less until the child is older.  It is important to remember that no child has sensory integration at this age.  Sensory integration issues could be a part of it, because of your description of him it sounds as if he is a sensory seeker.  Have him evaluated by an OT for sensory.  Some of your descriptions sound autistic spectrum.  Specifically asperger's.  Symptoms you describe that are aspergers

-hard time following directions

-very bright

-possible hyperlexia (on the verge of reading)

-visual learner (cause and effect)

-very active (to the point of exhausting to handle)

Spectrum kids often present as ADHD.  Get him into the early preschool for a free screening.  I would go to a neurologist.  Diagnosis can change, and you don't have to medicate even if its recommended (which I doubt)

What you can do now:  limit sugars

get the book "The Myth of ADD" by Armstrong this gives strategies on how to handle a very active child, feed the sensory have play-doh, a swing, a sit and spin, fingerpaints, chalk, a trampoline, play in the sink regularly anything that is sensory

Answer 2

Yes I believe there is. My son (now 14) was told the same thing (He suffered from HD). I did have him on Concerta for a couple years, I wheened him off on my own ...he still gets hyper at times like any normal child, but I have noticed a big difference since he has grown up. I think in time they learn how to control themselves better. When he was younger teachers would only say there was a real issue once they got his paper work and found out he was hyper. Prior to them finding out...funny there were no issues. I think people make too big a deal out of it.

Answer 3

I have two children, ages 2 years old and 3 months.  Although they aren't old enough to determine hyperactivity, I do have 5 years experience as a grade school teacher and had worked as a nanny AND in a daycare center.  I am not saying that I am totally qualified to make a determination in whether a child is hyperactive, however, I HAVE worked with many different children.  My thoughts on hyperactivity disorder are as follows:  I do believe that such a disorder exists...however, I believe it is VERY rare.  What is normal child behavior seems to be labeled as hyperactivity disorder, ADD or ADHD.  I just don't agree.  Many of the children that I worked with who supposedly had this disorder were boys.  Boys tend to be more active...that is a fact...it doesn't mean they are hyperactive, it just means they are being normal boys.  If you think your son is hyperactive, look at what he is consuming.  Is he eating a lot of sugar, processed foods?  If so, try feeding him whole foods...fruits, veggies, unprocessed foods.  I really do believe that children that are supposedly hyperactive may just have a problem with eating the wrong foods.  A lot of sugar and dyes can be a problem for some kids.  As for medication...I think that should be rarely given.  Behavior modification and a change in diet usually works.  Good luck.

Answer 4

No NO NO NO!!!!!!!  Let kids be kids. They are not made to be cooped up in the house with all today's modern technology.  Are kids need to be out burning off their energy.  Not inside.

Answer 5

Yes, there is such a thing as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Having worked with children, I've seen it firsthand and I know how much difference treatment can make in the child's behaviour.

I also know that many parents think their child is hyperactive when they are still in the normal range.

The best thing for you to do is to see a mental health professional or to mention it your paediatrician who can then refer you to one. There are several options including behavioural therapy and medication. If your son really has ADHD and it is left undiagnosed and untreated, it can cause a lot of problems for him in the future.

Answer 6

yes, i think the full name of it is attention defficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)