Symptoms of Hyperactivity in Children and the Challenges They Face

Learn about the symptoms of hyperactivity in children and the difficulties children with hyperactivity may experience, such as poor concentration and communication challenges, as well as the best behavioral and medication-based treatment approaches to help improve their condition.

Symptoms of Hyperactivity in Children

Some children develop a brain-based condition known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) for reasons that are not fully understood. However, it is often linked to genetic factors and may continue throughout life, creating ongoing challenges for the child and family.

Many parents ask how they can tell if their child has ADHD (hyperactivity and inattention). The answer is not always simple, because ADHD shares symptoms with other conditions, and some behaviors may also be common in typically developing children.

For that reason, only qualified specialists can diagnose ADHD in children, using structured assessment methods and by observing the child’s behavior for at least six months. Still, there are several signs that parents may notice, which can cause difficulties for the child, including:

Difficulty Focusing (Inattention)

A child with ADHD may show poor attention and concentration, such as:

Not listening carefully when spoken to.
Struggling to learn new concepts and skills.
Having difficulty staying focused on one task and becoming distracted easily.

Hyperactivity

A child with hyperactivity often:

Tries to do multiple activities at the same time.
Cannot stay seated or remain still.
Is constantly moving and appears “always on the go.”

Impulsivity

Impulsivity is also common in ADHD. The child may:

React quickly and emotionally.
Struggle to control reactions.
Act without thinking or pausing to consider consequences.

Speech Difficulties

Some children with ADHD can speak normally but may experience:

Pronunciation challenges or difficulty producing certain sounds.
Repeating words, which may lead to misunderstandings.
Rushing speech while trying to organize thoughts.

Communication and Social Challenges

Children with hyperactivity and inattention may struggle socially, especially in fast conversations or noisy environments such as classrooms. This can lead to:

Difficulty maintaining social interaction and friendships.
Withdrawal and a preference to stay away from others.
Speaking loudly or interrupting others, which increases communication problems.

Difficulty Regulating Emotions

Many children with ADHD have trouble managing emotions and stress. When they feel overwhelmed, they may:

Cry frequently and be difficult to calm down.
Experience severe tantrums.
Become more aggressive or irritable.

Common ADHD Symptoms by Age

ADHD symptoms often become more noticeable in school settings, and some sources note clearer recognition around late childhood. However, many parents observe signs even before school.

ADHD Symptoms in a 1-Year-Old

Signs may include:

Delayed language and motor development
Delayed speech (for example, speaking later than expected)

ADHD Symptoms in a 2-Year-Old

Possible signs:

Difficulty soothing the child
Strong mood swings and emotional instability

ADHD Symptoms in a 3-Year-Old

Some early signs may include:

Talking excessively compared to peers, causing noise, and interrupting others.
Excessive movement, high speed activity, and reckless behavior.
Frequent climbing and overly forceful behavior in nursery settings.
Lack of attention to details and early loss of interest in activities.
Difficulty following instructions or waiting for their turn.

The Link Between Sleep Problems and ADHD

Many children with ADHD experience sleep difficulties, such as:

Going to sleep late
Difficulty staying asleep
Frequent nightmares

However, doctors often recommend evaluating sleep problems carefully before confirming an ADHD diagnosis, because sleep disorders can mimic ADHD-like behaviors. In some cases, sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality can be a major reason behind symptoms that look similar to hyperactivity and inattention.

Children with ADHD may experience insomnia at night because the lack of distractions can increase overthinking and intense focus on thoughts. This may disrupt their biological clock, causing:

Daytime sleepiness
Difficulty completing school tasks
Reduced daytime performance and attention

Can ADHD Be Diagnosed in Newborns?

Doctors generally do not prefer diagnosing ADHD before the age of 5 or 6. Still, some early childhood signs may appear and could be associated with a higher risk later. Possible signs in newborns and infants may include:

Possible Early Signs (Infants)

Symptom	Explanation
Excessive crying	The baby cries continuously without a clear reason and is difficult to soothe, unlike typical crying that stops when needs are met (feeding, comfort, safety).
Short attention span	Difficulty focusing even on simple tasks; unusually limited ability to follow short stories compared to other children.
Severe tantrums	While crying is normal for babies, some may have very intense tantrums, such as head-banging or excessive rocking in bed.
Sleep problems (insomnia)	Some babies wake more often than usual and struggle to stay asleep. This can be temperament-related but may also indicate a concern that increases risk later.

Note: These signs can be normal for many babies and do not automatically mean ADHD. If you are concerned, observe, write down the behaviors, and discuss them with qualified specialists.

ADHD Treatment in Children

At Ehtwaa Medical Center, ADHD treatment for children is mainly based on behavioral therapy and medication.

Behavioral Therapy for ADHD

Treatment typically begins with training parents and caregivers to:

Manage and guide the child’s behavior
Monitor symptoms and triggers
Coordinate with the school and teachers for consistent support

Medication for ADHD (When Needed)

Specialists may prescribe medications to help manage symptoms of hyperactivity and inattention, including stimulant medications in some cases. This requires: