Understanding The Signs Of ADHD In Primary School Years

While these signs can occur in any child, those with ADHD experience persistent inattention and hyperactivity that disrupt their daily routine. Therefore, understanding why and how signs of ADHD appear during primary school years can help parents seek professional support early.

Quick Summary:

ADHD symptoms in school age show up in the following ways:

• Difficulty maintaining focus on tasks

• Persistent restlessness

• Trouble following instructions

• Cannot accomplish tasks as required

• Difficulty waiting for their turn

• Acting impulsively

• Easily distracted by surroundings

What Is ADHD?

ADHD stands for Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which is marked by significant disturbances in areas of attention and impulse control. ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder of childhood in which symptoms interfere with learning, memory retention, and daily functioning. 

ADHD symptoms begin to surface very early in life, primarily when children begin their preschool years.  However, symptoms may persist into adulthood if not diagnosed and treated promptly. 

Types of ADHD

There are three types of ADHD that healthcare professionals recognise in children and adults. 

• Inattentive type: This typically involves disturbances in focusing, maintaining sustained attention, and staying organised.

• Hyperactivity-impulsive type: The child may find it hard to sit still; they may talk excessively or appear to be a bundle of energy.

• Combined type: This is the most common ADHD type that includes both attention problems, along with hyperactivity, and poor impulse control.

Who Is Most Affected?

ADHD can be diagnosed in children from all backgrounds, but studies have shown that boys are affected more than girls. Research done on this subject has shown that ADHD symptoms show up more clearly in boys than in girls. This is because of their energetic and impulsive nature. In girls, ADHD symptoms show up differently. 

Girls remain underdiagnosed for ADHD because of their subtle symptoms, such as frequent daydreaming, quiet inattention, forgetfulness, and a tendency to appear withdrawn rather than disruptive.

How Common Is It?

ADHD is much more common than most parents think. In India, ADHD affects about 11.32% of school-age children. Out of this, the higher prevalence is among boys and the lower among girls. According to research references from the Indian Institute of Psychiatry, 66.7% of boys are affected by ADHD as compared to 33.3% of girls. 

Common Signs Of ADHD

The signs of ADHD can be best explained in three broad categories: 

Inattention

• Short attention span for the age at which the child is diagnosed

• Makes careless mistakes very frequently

• Cannot listen carefully and follow instructions

• Losing or forgetting things quite often

• Trouble in organizing things

• Poor study skills

• Poor comprehension

• Inadequate reading skills for the age

Impulsivity

• Interrupts others frequently

• Difficulty waiting for their turn 

• Tendency to blurt out answers 

• Attempts risky actions 

• Grabbing things or snatching from others

Hyperactivity

• Never sits in one place

• Constantly runs around, climbs without a reason

• Fidgeting when forced to sit still

• Excessively talkative

• Difficulty doing quiet activities

• Shifting from one task to another without finishing any

What Is Normal vs When To Worry

During growing years, it is somewhat natural for children to be active, energetic, and distracted. However, if these signs are persistent across all aspects of life, interfere with studies and daily routine, or cause harm to others, parents should consider consulting a professional.

Usually Normal

• Occasional distraction

• Daydreaming at times

• High energy while playing, but settles down easily

• Forgetting tasks once in a while

• May interrupt others occasionally

• Difficulty focusing on boring tasks

May need Medical Attention

• Constant inattention leading to poor school performance

• Inability to sit still or stay calm, even when reminded by others

• Frequently disturbing others

• Disrupts school property or creates a mess at home

• Attempts risky actions like jumping from a high place, hurting others

• Violent actions directed towards peers

• Signs persist for months without improvement

Causes and Triggers

There is no single cause of ADHD. Multiple factors interact and change the way the brain works, as seen in children with ADHD. Research has shown that genetic and environmental risk factors increase the likelihood of developing this childhood disorder. 

Genetics: ADHD seems to run in families. Studies have revealed that if parents or close relatives of the child have similar inattentive and hyperactive traits, the chances of developing ADHD symptoms in the child become higher. 

Chemical imbalances: A lower level of activity in the brain centres that regulate attention, emotional regulation, and control impulses may not work properly. Imbalances in the levels of dopamine, a brain chemical that regulates focus and motivation, may become less active in children with ADHD.

Prenatal factors: Conditions such as low birth weight or the mother’s exposure to alcohol or drugs can lead to dysfunction in parts of the baby’s nervous system, causing ADHD symptoms. Significant head trauma during birth or after birth can also increase the risk of developing impulse-control problems, as seen in most ADHD children.

Age-specific Differences In ADHD Symptoms

Inattention and hyperactivity signs in the classroom vary according to the age of the child:

What Parents Can Do at Home?

At home, parents can do the following things to help their child: 

Consistent routine: Parents should help their children follow a routine so they know what to expect next. This allows transitions like homework, mealtimes, and sleep routines to be less stressful.

Clear instructions: Parents can break tasks into small steps and praise their child when they complete them successfully. This encourages the development of their attention span and helps them sit still and finish chores. Avoid giving lengthy instructions, as they can cause confusion and lead to more distractions. 

Limit distractions: Make them sit in quiet places when studying, with minimal noise. Reducing the noise and clutter can improve concentration.

Appreciate their efforts: Always praise them for the hard work they have put into learning, writing, or completing an activity. This acts as a positive reinforcement and encourages the repetition of good behaviour.

Encourage physical activity: Regular exercise, active play, or participation in an outdoor sport enhances concentration. It also channels their energy in desired directions. They feel less restless and have better emotional regulation. 

Patience is the key: Parents need to understand that their child is not misbehaving on purpose. Your patience and understanding will help them overcome the problems. Be calm and polite with them, and respond with support so that they feel heard and not overlooked.

When to Seek Professional Help

Parents should seek professional advice if their child’s inattention and hyperactivity symptoms worsen and interfere with school performance. When there are frequent complaints and difficulty socialising, considering a treatment plan is a worthwhile decision. 

Expert Insight

According to Dr. Praveen Gupta, Principal Director & Chief of Neurology, Fortis Hospital, “ADHD is a significant cause of poor exam and scholastic performance in children in school, and unfortunately, it is not properly diagnosed.”

Conclusion

Parents can help their child by following a consistent routine and showing patience and understanding at every stage of their growth, so that the child feels cared for and can quickly overcome their difficulties with timely treatment.