If your young child demonstrates impulsive behaviors, poor self-control, and a limited attention span, you may assume he or she is being a typical toddler or preschooler. However, these symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can begin to manifest themselves much earlier than previously believed, with some children diagnosed with ADHD as young as age two or three. How can you tell whether your child's behaviors are a normal transition between stages of development or an indication of long-term attention deficit issues? Read on to learn more about how ADHD can be diagnosed in young children, as well as when you may want to have your own child evaluated. 

How can medical professionals discern between normal toddler impulsivity and ADHD?

All toddlers go through stages of development at their own rate -- and just because your child seems less mature than his or her peers or frequently tests boundaries doesn't mean that he or she won't go through a sudden maturity spurt become more compliant in just a few short months. In most cases, a physician won't diagnose any child with ADHD (no matter how old or young) until symptoms have been regularly displayed for at least six months. 

However, there are a few behaviors that often begin to manifest during the toddler years and can clearly point to ADHD as the root cause. Frequent fidgeting, squirming, or blurting out words at inappropriate times combined with very loud play and impulsive, nearly fearless behavior may be a sign that your child has ADHD. Other common symptoms include a nearly literal inability to sit down, with your child seeming to be constantly on the move from the time he or she wakes up until the bedtime crash; difficulty controlling strong emotions (positive or negative); and being too impatient with other children to calmly play with them.  

Should you have your child evaluated for ADHD?

If your child displays several symptoms of ADHD and has demonstrated these behaviors for six months or more, it may be worthwhile to have his or her behavior evaluated by a pediatrician (such as one from Rainbow Pediatrics) to determine whether further intervention may be beneficial. You may be reluctant to begin medicating your toddler to help him or her better control impulsive behaviors, but in most cases, medication won't be diagnosed until your child is older -- instead, he or she may benefit from one-on-one therapy or instruction to help lengthen his or her attention span and control unwelcome behaviors. Early intervention can often be the key to successful long-term ADHD management and may eliminate the need for medication in your child's future.