Hyperactive Children

I have 2 very active children and I do not doubt the baby will follow in his sibling’s footsteps. And not a day goes by that I don’t scream at them for doing something naughty, ignoring my command or challenging my authority. I’m quite certain that you have similar experiences with your children. But that’s just how young children are right? (and I’m sure many teenagers are the same way).

It is normal for young children to be fidgety, always on the go, running instead of walking, doing things that get you worried, upset and frustrated. But where do you draw the line between normal activeness and abnormal activeness? I’m sure some of you have had comments like “hey, your child is hyperactive eh?” Are they really? Is there really something wrong with your child that warrants special attention? Is your child really suffering from AD/HD (Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder)?

When a child goes beyond a parent’s ability to control, there are only two things to point to:
the lack of parenting skills or the fact that there is something wrong with the child.

If you feel like you have already given your best to the child, should you take the child to be evaluated? Seems like a drastic move doesn’t it? You may even wonder if you are over reacting. Should you go or should you not?

Well, many say that it’s best to follow a mother’s instinct. If you suspect that something may be amiss, there is no harm in having your child evaluated. If your instinct was wrong, then good. Now you have the peace of mind that your child is normal. If your instinct was right, then it’s also good coz’ now you know and can take the necessary measures.

Anyway, here is a quick list of things to look out for:
Inattention (like losing and forgetting things, cannot stay on one task long, don’t listen to instructions well)
Easily distracted
Impulsive (like difficulty waiting for turn, interrupts or intrudes on others)
Fidgety
Dreamy
Hyperactive
Poor social skills
Disorganisation
Incessive Talking
You will probably suspect something wrong when these symptoms interfere with school, social or home life.

Next question would be, where do I go for a professional evaluation?
Well, I’m no expert in this field but this two places seem like a good place to start:
1. KDISC (Kiwanis Disability Information and Support Centre)
Check out their list of fact sheets that give quick information on many disability topics such as AD/HD in detail, Basic information on Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders, Warning Signs: Language / Communication Developmental Delay, Warning Signs: Physical Developmental Delay etc….
They also have a ‘disability directory‘ to help you resource more help such as associations, support groups, national bodies, hospitals and clinics.

2. KidzGrow
They have their own evaluation system called Learning Skills Evaluation and boasts to have helped children diagnosed with:
Attention Deficit Disorder - ADD
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder - ADHD
Auditory Processing Disorder - APD
Developmental Coordination Disorder - DCD
Dysgraphia
Dyslexia
Dyspraxia
Sensory-Integration Disorder
Non-Verbal Learning Disorder
Receptive and Expressive Language Difficulty
Speech and Language Delay
Hyperlexia
Mild Intellectual Impairment
Mild Autism Spectrum Disorder
Asperger’s Syndrome
Mild-Moderate Hearing Impairment