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I have a 2 year old fd, and am wondering if it is too early to be diagnosed with ADD/ADHD? She has alot of trouble falling asleep at night, often times staying awake until 12am or later and then waking up as early as 4am. It is like she can't stop moving long enough to fall asleep. During the day she can be hyperactive, but not always. However, she can be very innatintave, never staying interested in anything for more than a few seconds to minute. Even if we are introducing a new toy to her, she will examine and play with it for 2 minutes tops, then it is on the floor with the other toys. She also can be very bothered by changes in her routine, she is a frequent tantrumer, and can be often times be very defiant. We have had her for five months, and the agency is just now refering us to a play therapist. I have adressed these issues with her pediatrician, but the doctor just dismisses this as normal behavior for a two year old. I'm just not so sure about this and would like some other opinions.
Thanks so much for your help and suggestions
Kelly
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Hi Kelly,
We have a 2 and 3 y.o. and they both are hyper active. Their pediatrician told me that they can't actually be diagnosed until they're older but it's pretty obvious they are. Our children were exposed to alcohol in the womb and that can be a contributing factor. Our 2 y.o. is just starting (this month) to sleep through the night (he turned 2 on 9/30) and that's still hit or miss with him.
These 2 have been with us for 2 yrs. and 3 months. My biological sons are 17 and 20 and there are MANY days I sit here and wonder what I'm doing different with these 2 than I did with my first 2! They don't have an "inside voice"; are destructive; and little bundles of energy. Your pediatrician is right, a lot of this behavior is typical for a 2 year old, however, your doctor should also be open to that possibility. It wouldn't hurt to get a 2nd opinion. You could even tape your child and give it to the doctor so he/she can see what you're talking about. Also, keep a log of just how much sleep this child gets each day and share that info with the doctor.
Only advice I can give you is to dig down deep for patience. Kids that are hyperactive and/or ADHD need LOTS of patience!
Michelle
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Yes, you can make a diagnosis as early at two or three years of age. However, from what you've described, there may be other issues causing the behavior such as:a. Sensory-Integration Disordersb. Effects of traumac. Anxious Attachmentetc. You'd do best to have her evauated by a competant trained professional since the cause of the behaviors determines what interventions you will need to put in place. The best treatment in the world for the wrong condition will be ineffective. (Treating sweating, thirst, and fatigue with bed rest and increased water intake might work if you are dehydrated, but not work if you have Diabetus). regards