Early Signs of ADHD in Kids: What Parents Should Know
Is your child constantly on the go? Does homework feel like a daily battle? Are teachers sending notes home about focus or behavior? You might be wondering if ADHD is part of the picture.
ADHD — Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder — is one of the most common neuro-developmental conditions in children. But it doesn't always look the way people expect. Here's what Indiana parents should watch for.
ADHD Isn't Just "Being Hyper"
ADHD comes in three presentations: primarily inattentive, primarily hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. The hyperactive child bouncing off the walls is just one version. Plenty of children with ADHD are quiet and easy to miss — especially girls, who are frequently diagnosed far later than boys.
Inattentive Signs
Difficulty staying focused on tasks or play activities
Frequently loses things — homework, shoes, pencils
Easily distracted by sights, sounds, or their own thoughts
Forgets daily routines or multi-step instructions
Avoids tasks that require sustained mental effort
Hyperactive/Impulsive Signs
Difficulty sitting still; fidgets, squirms, or leaves their seat
Talks excessively or blurts out answers before questions are finished
Has trouble waiting their turn
Acts before thinking, with little regard for consequences
Difficulty playing quietly or engaging in calm activities
When Is It "Just Being a Kid"?
All children can be distracted or energetic at times. The difference with ADHD is pattern and impact. These behaviors show up consistently — across multiple settings (home, school, extracurriculars) — and they get in the way of learning, friendships, or daily functioning. If you're seeing these signs consistently for six months or more, and they started before age 12, it's worth a closer look.
What Should You Do Next?
Talk to your child's pediatrician and teacher. In Indiana, a psychoeducational evaluation can assess whether ADHD is present and how it's affecting your child's learning — giving you the documentation needed to request a 504 plan or IEP. ADHD is very manageable. With the right support in place, children with ADHD can thrive in school and beyond.
📞 Wondering if your child's struggles could be ADHD? PEAS for Kids offers ADHD screenings and educational evaluations across Indiana. Visit www.peas4kids.com.
