ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder) is a developmental condition in which a child experiences attention problems, excessive activity, and impulsivity that are more pronounced than expected for their age. The symptoms usually begin before the age of 12 and appear in more than one setting (home, school). An ADHD diagnosis is made only by a specialist through a comprehensive evaluation; a single symptom does not by itself mean ADHD.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition associated with a different functioning in the areas of the brain that regulate attention, self-control, and movement. It is not about the child being "lazy" or "naughty"; even when the child tries, they may struggle to regulate these skills. Understanding this distinction is important, because children with ADHD are often criticized unfairly, and this in turn damages their self-esteem.
With early recognition and the right support, a child's school achievement, friendships, and harmony within the family can improve significantly. Many children with ADHD also have strengths such as high energy, creativity, and curiosity; with the right approach, these traits can become advantages.
ADHD symptoms in children
ADHD symptoms are grouped under three main headings. A child may show some or all of these; accordingly, forms of ADHD are defined as predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive, or a combination of both.
Signs of attention deficit
- Overlooking details, making careless mistakes,
- Being unable to focus on a task or game for long,
- Appearing not to listen when spoken to,
- Leaving tasks half-finished, struggling to follow instructions,
- Difficulty with tasks that require organization and with managing time,
- Frequently losing belongings and forgetfulness.
Signs of hyperactivity
- Being unable to stay still, constantly fidgeting hands and feet,
- Getting up when they are supposed to remain seated,
- Running or climbing excessively at inappropriate times,
- Difficulty playing quietly, talking constantly,
- Being constantly on the move, "as if driven by a motor."
Signs of impulsivity
- Answering before questions are completed,
- Difficulty waiting their turn,
- Interrupting others' conversations or games,
- Acting hastily without thinking of the consequences.
Does every active child have ADHD symptoms?
No. Not every active or easily distracted child has ADHD. It is normal for children to be active depending on their age. To speak of ADHD, the symptoms must be markedly excessive for the child's age, must have lasted at least six months, must appear in more than one setting, and must negatively affect the child's daily life. For example, if the symptoms appear only at home and not at all at school, there may be other underlying causes. Only a specialist can make this distinction.
How is an ADHD evaluation carried out?
An ADHD evaluation is carried out holistically, using information from the family and teacher, observation, developmental history, and standardized scales. The aim is also to distinguish conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as sleep problems, anxiety, learning difficulties, or hearing and vision problems. For this reason, the evaluation is comprehensive and draws on multiple sources.
After the evaluation, a support plan tailored to the child can be created. This plan may include guidance for the family, collaboration with the school, and various support methods when needed. If you are wondering whether your child needs support, this article may help.
Recommendations for families
The family's attitude during and after the diagnostic process is very important. The following approaches are supportive:
- Give clear, brief, single-step instructions.
- Establish a predictable daily routine.
- Notice and immediately appreciate positive behaviors.
- Break large tasks into small, manageable parts.
- Prepare a calm study environment that reduces distractions.
- Stay in regular collaboration with the school.
With appropriate support, the child's strengths can be brought to the fore and the areas they struggle with can improve over time. Guidance is offered to families within the scope of our wellness services.
Small adjustments in daily life also make a big difference. Visual reminders, colored charts, and picture-based daily schedules make it easier for a child with ADHD to keep track of what they need to do. Breaking tasks such as homework or tidying up into short time blocks and adding movement breaks in between helps the child gather their attention. In addition, regular physical activity through which the child can release energy has a positive effect on both attention and sleep patterns. These approaches yield the most benefit when they are facilitating rather than punitive.
There are many widespread misconceptions about ADHD in society. One is that ADHD is caused solely by sugar consumption or excessive screen use; in fact, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, and its causes are far more complex. Another misconception is the idea that ADHD will "go away with age"; while symptoms may ease with age in some children, they can continue in different forms in many people. An approach based on accurate information and free from stigma ensures that the child receives the support they need in a timely manner. For this reason, it is very important for families to turn to reliable sources and professional opinion.
ADHD and school life
School is one of the settings where ADHD is most noticed. Sitting for long periods, speaking in turn, and completing tasks that require attention can be challenging for a child with ADHD. For this reason, collaboration with the school is one of the most important parts of support. The teacher seating the child in the front row, giving instructions briefly and clearly, breaking tasks into small steps, and immediately appreciating positive behaviors noticeably improves the child's adjustment at school.
The family communicating regularly with the teacher ensures that the child is supported with a consistent approach between home and school. Because children with ADHD are often criticized, their self-esteem can be damaged; therefore it is very important to focus not on their failures but on their efforts and strengths.
Other conditions that can accompany ADHD
ADHD is sometimes not seen alone; it can co-occur with other developmental or emotional conditions. The most common accompanying ones are:
- Learning difficulties (in reading, writing, or mathematics),
- Signs of anxiety and worry,
- Oppositional and conduct problems,
- Sleep pattern problems,
- Difficulty with social relationships and making friends.
For this reason, a comprehensive evaluation addresses not only the ADHD symptoms but the child as a whole. An accurate and multifaceted approach makes it possible to plan the most appropriate support for the child. Recognizing accompanying conditions also makes it easier to understand the real source of the difficulties in the child's daily life.
Caring for a child with ADHD can also be tiring for the parent. In this process, which requires constant guiding, reminding, and setting limits, it is important for the parent to preserve their own patience and calm. When you feel exhausted, seeking guidance from a professional benefits both you and your child. The most important point to remember is that the child does not engage in these behaviors out of stubbornness or on purpose. An understanding, consistent, and supportive approach allows the child to feel valued and to develop their strengths.
Child and adolescent support in Beylikdüzü
SONE Esenlik Ünitesi offers specialist support to children and families on attention, behavior, and development in Beylikdüzü, İstanbul. A comprehensive and multifaceted approach is adopted for the accurate evaluation of conditions such as ADHD. To assess your child's development, you can get in touch with us.
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