ADHD & Preschoolers

ADHD is a brain-based difference that causes impulsivity, attention, and organization challenges. It can also affect social skills and the ability to manage your emotions. Millions of kids and adults have ADHD, affecting women and girls just as often as it affects boys and men. 

Although ADHD isn't technically a learning disability, it does interfere with a person's ability to learn and succeed in an academic environment. In addition, 30-50% of children and adults with ADHD also have a diagnosed learning disability— so there is a strong association between the two.  

It generally isn't diagnosed until kids reach school age, but some early childhood red flags warrant keeping an eye on. We're breaking down the symptoms and signs of ADHD, how they manifest in young children, and what to do if you're concerned about your child. 

What is ADHD?

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It can also show up as ADD, almost the same but without hyperactivity. Every individual with ADHD experiences it differently, but there are some challenges many people have in common.

• Hyperactivity: trouble sitting or standing still, always in motion, often seeking movement. 
• Impulsivity: they may do things without thinking them through, engage in risky behavior, or interrupt or call out often. 
• Working memory: the part of your short-term memory that allows you to attend to things in the present moment and retain them. For example, remembering a series of directions given or someone's phone number. It may seem like information "goes in one ear and out the other."
• Shifting focus: People with ADHD often "hyperfocus" or get so deeply involved in what they are doing (particularly if it is a preferred activity) that they have difficulty transitioning or moving on to something else. 
• Managing emotions: relates to impulsivity because some people with ADHD have very big emotions. They may react quickly without taking the time to control their emotions.

People with ADHD also struggle with executive functioning, the cognitive processes that allow us to retain information, get started on a task, and follow through with what they've started. 

ADHD gets a bad reputation, and people usually focus on its challenges, but there are many positives too. People with ADHD can be passionate and enthusiastic about what they really care about. The ability to hyperfocus can sometimes be a superpower! People with ADHD are often creative, out-of-the-box thinkers and can be more resilient than their neurotypical counterparts. Many entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives have ADHD, which may be why they’re so good at what they do. 

Can a preschooler have ADHD?

Some impulsivity and hyperactivity levels are normal in early childhood, which is why ADHD typically isn't diagnosed until later in childhood. Three and four-year-olds almost always struggle with managing their emotions and following directions. 

Once children reach school age and the academic and social demands become more intense, ADHD symptoms become clearer. For example, a child may call out too frequently or struggle with transitions. They may have difficulty keeping their materials organized or following classroom routines. 

Many parents of children who go on to be diagnosed with ADHD describe similar experiences that it wasn't until their child began school that their differences were more pronounced. 

"Our son's early development was pretty normal. We knew he was an energetic, happy-go-lucky kid, but it wasn't until he got into elementary school that we started to see clear signs of ADHD", explains Anne Halsall, Co-Founder of Winnie. 

"One thing that did show up very early was time blindness — things like the days of the week and units of time just completely eluded him. "Five more minutes" might as well have meant "five more years." We understood then that even though he was developing just fine, his brain was not compatible with certain systems and styles of learning. We'd have to adapt". 

There are times when ADHD is diagnosed in children as young as four years old; it just isn't as common as later in childhood. 

What do I do if I have concerns about my child?

If you are worried about your child's development or have concerns about ADHD, it's a good idea to check in with their pediatrician. They may be able to reassure you or recommend specialists for you to see for further evaluation. 

Several specialists may be able to diagnose your child with ADHD or another learning or developmental disability. 

• A developmental pediatrician: specializes in development and can assess and diagnose your child. 
• A psychiatrist: can diagnose your child and manage medication if that is what you are interested in.
• A neuropsychologist: can do an in-depth evaluation of your child and diagnose ADHD and other learning disabilities. 
• Your pediatrician: can also diagnose ADHD and manage medication.

At the end of the day, you know your child best, and if you have concerns about their development, it's a good idea to ask your pediatrician for advice.