The Signs, Types and Treatment of ADHD in Preschoolers
When your preschooler struggles with focus, is so full of energy they never seem to stop moving and exhibits impulsive behaviour that turns seemingly simple tasks into battles, it's natural to wonder if something deeper—maybe attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)—is going on.
ADHD is often associated with older kids, but its symptoms can appear even in children under five. This is why the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) has expanded its ADHD clinical practice guideline to include preschool-aged children four years and older.
Before exploring treatment strategies, including behavioural therapy and ADHD supplements, you must first understand what ADHD is. In this article, you can learn how ADHD typically manifests in preschool-aged children, how it’s diagnosed, and what treatment strategies (including supplements like GcMAF) can make a difference.
What Does ADHD Look Like in Preschoolers?
ADHD doesn't fit neatly into one box. It presents in three distinct ways:
The Inattentive Child
Daydreaming, losing track of toys, forgetting simple tasks—children with a predominantly inattentive presentation struggle to stay engaged. For example, during playtime, they may start one activity only to abandon it halfway through for another that caught their attention.
The Overactive Dynamo
The children who run when others walk, talk unceasingly, interrupt conversations, or won't stay still or seated may be predominantly hyperactive/impulsive. They can leave parents and caregivers unable to catch up and feel like they're completely drained of energy.
The Inattentive, Overactive Dynamo
Preschoolers can be both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive when they have the combined ADHD presentation. In this case, the children typically have exceptionally high energy levels and are unable to focus.
Important: It’s difficult to assess ADHD in toddlers or children younger than four, so it’s important to get a professional evaluation. Just because you think your child is inattentive or exceptionally energetic, that doesn't automatically indicate ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD in Preschoolers
Diagnosing ADHD, particularly distinguishing ADHD signs from typical preschooler behaviour, is tricky because kids this age naturally enjoy testing their limits. However, it is possible if done by an expert and when symptoms are evaluated in the context of genetics, lifestyle, developmental delays, and family history, among other factors.
To diagnose ADHD, doctors assess children’s behaviour and try to rule out other possible causes for such behaviour:
Behavioural History
The doctor asks the child's parents and caregivers to describe the child's typical behaviour, asking for insight into how the child usually acts around classmates, handles routines, and manages transitions.
Observations Across Settings
Specialists assess children, particularly how they behave in different situations and settings. They look for consistency in symptoms at home, in daycare or preschool, and during structured activities.
Ruling Out Conditions
Sleep issues, anxiety, or sensory disorders may lead to ADHD-like symptoms, so these need to be excluded.
While a short attention span is typical among toddlers, a child with ADHD may find even a two-minute task overwhelming and abandon it entirely. Children may whine and complain when they are made to wait for a promised reward, but young children with ADHD may be incapable of waiting even a minute for a treat.
Treatment Approaches for ADHD in Preschoolers
ADHD management in young children requires evidence-based strategies tailored to young children, combining behavioural interventions, medication (or supplementation), and educational support.
Behavioural Therapy
Behavioural therapy is a strategy focused on building better habits through clear guidance and positive reinforcement. Parents play a key role in this process. If you are a parent of a child with ADHD, you may need to learn to establish routines, reward good behaviour with immediate praise and minimise distractions in the environment.
Using visual aids like charts or timers can help your child transition between activities, so you may have to incorporate them into your routines. If your child struggles to stay seated during meals, breaking mealtimes into smaller manageable steps may help them improve focus.
Supplements Like GcMAF
Parents may also explore the possibility of using supplements to manage ADHD symptoms. One option gaining interest is GcMAF (the macrophage activating factor derived from the Gc protein), which supports immune function and neurological health.
Consult a healthcare provider before incorporating supplements like GcMAf into your child's routine. Supplements can come in liquid or capsule form, and dosage should be tailored to individual requirements, so it's essential to follow professional guidance on dosing and how to use GcMAF supplements for maximum effectiveness.
Educational Adjustments
In preschool, simple accommodations like frequent breaks, clear instructions, or activity rotations can help children with ADHD thrive. Teachers trained in behavioural strategies can work with you (the parent) and, together, you can create a supportive environment for your child.
Everyday Strategies for Parents
Helping a preschooler with ADHD means thinking creatively and staying patient. Start with small, actionable changes:
* Encourage movement: Active play is not only fun but necessary. Create spaces where your child can climb, run, and explore his environment safely. Physical activity helps channel hyperactivity and improves focus afterward.
* Break tasks into smaller steps: Long instructions won't work. Instead of saying, "Put on your shoes, grab your coat, and get your bag," try, "Get your shoes, then come back." You can provide the next step once they're wearing their shoes.
* Be consistent: Predictability makes life easier for everyone. Stick to routines whenever possible—wake-up times, mealtimes, and bedtimes should follow a steady rhythm.
* Create quiet zones: Create a calm space with minimal distractions in your home (as well as in school) where your child can unwind and regain focus after overstimulation and other challenging moments. You can help your child develop the habit of going to their quiet zone when they feel overwhelmed or need rest from their emotions.
* Limit screen time: Spending too much time on YouTube, playing video games, or watching television can be overstimulating. Try to limit screen time and, instead, focus on hands-on activities like building blocks, puzzles, or sensory play as well as games that involve running, walking, and other physical exertions.
* Stay positive: Praise effort and small wins (e.g., not complaining, focusing even for a bit, waiting), even if the outcome is not perfect.
Moving Forward
ADHD is challenging, but the right tools and strategies will help you navigate its challenges and unlock your child's potential. Seek professional help, employ behavioural therapy, consider ADHD supplements like GcMAF, and create a supportive learning environment to help a child with ADHD grow, thrive, and shine. Every child is unique, and finding the right balance may take time, but putting in the effort is definitely worth it.