The Difference Between an ADHD Child and a Non ADHD Child

As any parent knows a kid will be a kid. Kids are naturally a bit rebellious, and on the go. IS there really a big difference between a "normal" kid, and a kid who has ADHD? In many ways that answer is YES. Here are five ways to recognize the difference between a child without ADHD, and a child with ADHD.

1. Firstly, the most obvious symptom of ADHD is the hyperactivity. A child without ADHD will sometimes be in high gear. A child with ADHD is always in high gear. A child without ADHD may have a bit of trouble settling down when asked to do so. A child with ADHD finds in nearly impossible, or at the least, VERY difficult to settle down when asked. The child without ADHD may have to be asked a couple of times, usually listening by the third time. A child with ADHD may start to realize and comprehend that he needs to settle down by the fourth or fifth time asked.

2. This leads us to following directions. A child without ADHD should have the ability to listen to, comprehend, and follow through with two or three step directions by age five or six. A child at that age with ADHD can barely get through one step, simple, directions. They seem to not have the ability to fully register the directions in part, and the task of following through becomes affected by their lack of focus. A child without ADHD may not like to take directions or do a task, but they are able. The difference with children that do have ADHD is that the conditions impairs their abilities to comprehend what the task at hand is and to follow through with that said task.

3. Lack of focus. A child without ADHD may not always want to focus on their school work, but a little gentle redirection always seems to do the trick. A child with ADHD, on the other hand, of requires one on one tutoring and supervision in order for them to focus on their schoolwork. WHereas a child without ADHD just may not like or want to, a child with ADHD has to work to be able to focus. That's not to say that they cannot focus, they can. It is just much, much more difficult for an ADHD child to concentrate, focus, or pay attention. In the classroom this is very noticeable. ADHD children are likely to get out pencils when asked to get out crayons. The are likely to add when asked to subtract. ADHD presents a whole host of symptoms. Many are cause by inability to focus as a non ADHD child is able to.

4. Behavior in non ADHD child is usually good and sometimes not so great. Children without ADHD have the ability to measure action against consequence and make good choices. A child with ADHD may find these things very difficult. They tend to be very impulsive, not thinking before acting or speaking. When an ADHD child misbehaves the behaviors tend to be much more extreme than those of a non ADHD child. For example if you have a non ADHD child who is frustrated with a worksheet in the classroom they may express that frustration by goofing around and avoiding the work. A child with ADHD was frustrated with a worksheet in the classroom setting and broke his pencil then flipped over his desk. See the difference?

5. Parenting the two types of children is much different as well. A non ADHD child requires care and supervision, of course. AN ADHD child require CONSTANT care and EXTREME supervision in most cases. Parents need to understand that the impulsive qualities of this condition prevent your child from exercising self control and good judgement. ADHD children are much more likely to hit or hurt others, or wander off.

ADHD children do not have life as easy as those without ADHD. Each day is a struggle for them. They are constantly trying to battle the symptoms of their condition. We as parents can help by watching them closely, following doctors orders, and offering nurturing guidance at all times. With the love and help of parents, doctors, therapy, and the school all working together your child can overcome anything, even ADHD.