Signs of ADHD in Toddlers

Attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral and developmental disorder that affects about 5%-7% of the population. Both children and adults can experience ADHD, but it isn’t typically diagnosed in children until the elementary school years. Still, symptoms of ADHD can begin to emerge as early as the toddler years, and parents often wonder if their young child may be showing signs of ADHD.

Symptoms of ADHD in toddlers may resemble behaviors that are normal for toddlers, such as an inability to focus, hyperactivity, and impulsive movements and behaviors. But in toddlers that may go on to be diagnosed with ADHD, these behaviors may be more noticeably intense and disruptive.

Read on for a more detailed breakdown of ADHD symptoms in toddlers, risk factors for ADHD, and answers to other common questions about ADHD in toddlers.

Signs and Symptoms

Toddlers can’t formally be diagnosed with ADHD. Formal diagnosis of ADHD usually happens once your child is elementary aged, or at least four years old. For this reason, it can be difficult to say for sure that certain toddler behaviors mean that your child has ADHD.

What’s more, many behaviors—like an inability to concentrate and pay attention, trouble following instructions, seeming impulsive, not being able to stay still—all can be normal for toddlers, and may eventually be outgrown.

At the same time, studies have found that certain symptoms may indicate that your toddler will eventually go on to be diagnosed with ADHD. Here’s what we know so far.

ADHD Symptoms in Babies

Some researchers believe that signs of ADHD may be seen early when your child is a baby.

For example, a study published in European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry found that language delays and motor skills delays in babies may be an early sign of ADHD.

It’s important to note that just because your baby has these delays, it doesn’t mean they will go on to have ADHD—just that there might be an association between the two for some children.

ADHD Symptoms in Toddlers

Toddlers and preschoolers who later become diagnosed with ADHD will have many of the same common symptoms that older children do. There are three symptoms that are considered the “core” symptoms of ADHD, and even toddlers may show signs of these:

• Inattention
• Impulsivity
• Hyperactivity

Again, the confusing thing is that these symptoms are normal behaviors for toddlers and preschoolers, as many haven’t yet developed impulsive control or the ability to focus in the same way older children have. Most toddlers begin to outgrow these symptoms as they get close to kindergarten.  

Still, many parents of toddlers who later go on to be diagnosed with ADHD notice that their child seems notably less attentive, more impulsive, and more hyperactive than other children their age.

This may become apparent when your child plays with other kids their age, or when they enter a childcare or preschool setting and you are able to compare their behavior to other kids’ behavior.

For example, you may notice that your toddler:

• Seems to daydream more than other children, and has trouble paying attention to conversations
• Has difficulty following through with simple instructions, like going to get their shoes when it’s time to leave, even when you know they understand what the instructions mean
• Has trouble settling down, even when it’s time to sit still, such as during meals
• Seems to have a more active mind and body than other children: seems to be constantly talking, constantly moving
• May have trouble respecting the personal space of others and may make impulsive movements with their body
  

Risk Factors for ADHD in Children

ADHD isn’t caused by bad parenting or something you did while pregnant. In fact, most experts believe it’s caused by factors that are out of your control, such as genetics.

Nevertheless, there are some risk factors that may make a toddler more likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis down the road:

• Having a birthing parent of advanced age
• Having a birthing parent with fewer years of education
• Having a family member with ADHD
• Experiencing language and motor delays between 3 months and 18 months of age
• Being born with a “difficult” temperament
  

Getting Your Toddler an ADHD Diagnosis

If you notice that your toddler's impulsive, inattentive, and hyperactive behavior continues even once they start elementary school, it might be time to seek a diagnosis. To do this, you would need to visit your pediatrician, who may refer you to a child development professional.

The earliest ADHD is diagnosed is usually at four years old, but it’s often not diagnosed till after elementary school. To be diagnosed with ADHD, your child must:

• Have symptoms that occur in two or more settings (school, home, social settings)
• Have at least 6 symptoms of ADHD
• Have symptoms that impact your child’s ability to function normally at home, in school, and in social settings
• Have symptoms that have lasted at least six months

Supporting Your Toddler's Needs

ADHD is a different neurotype from neurotypical. Children with the condition often face challenges related to their symptoms, but they also possess strengths as well. It is important to understand these challenges and find ways to manage them effectively, but it is just as important to help kids to recognize and effectively utilize their strengths by offering accommodations, support, and encouragement. 

Some ways you can support your toddler's development:

• Develop routines and help your child stick to a schedule. Provide clear signals to help children transition between tasks.
• Use praise and rewards to help encourage positive behaviors.
• Build health habits such as getting adequate sleep and following a well-balanced, nutritious diet.
• Make sure your child gets plenty of physical activity during the day. Staying active can help combat symptoms of hyperactivity and may help improve focus.
• Spend time with your child. Model appropriate behaviors and use praise and encouragement to help your child develop good social skills. 
• Request accommodations in school settings and talk to your child's teacher about ways to communicate with your child more effectively.