| Children are like endless balls of energy. We often find | | | | games for extended periods of time. This is because |
| them playing, talking, laughing, climbing, running. It is very | | | | cartoon shows and video games offer fast-paced |
| seldom that we can see a child in repose. It is like | | | | distraction which their attention span could keep up |
| some hidden force is exhorting him to do more, talk | | | | with. But notice that while watching television, these |
| more, be more. Thus it is difficult to detect | | | | kids would constantly be fidgeting with their hands and |
| hyperactivity in children. | | | | feet. |
| Hyperactivity, or the frenzied state that children are | | | | Can my child finish a task or project he started? |
| usually in, may be a phase. It could be just a result of a | | | | Children with hyperactivity have difficulty at keeping at |
| promised reward which leaves them quivering in | | | | tasks. They lack the ability to concentrate on a |
| anticipation. I remember a trip to the Ocean Park | | | | particular task. They may take up an activity, but not |
| where my 2 sons could barely contain their | | | | be patient enough to see it through. They often leave |
| excitement. On the night before this much-awaited trip, | | | | a trail of unfinished games and projects as his attention |
| they had difficulty falling to sleep. And on the way to | | | | shifts from one to another and another. |
| the park, they were practically skipping as they walk. | | | | Other traits which point to a possible hyperactivity in |
| But hyperactivity, when prolonged and persistent, may | | | | children are being unusually aggressive, not being |
| be a sign of an underlying behavioral disorder. | | | | aware of physical danger, and being emotionally and |
| To distinguish hyperactivity in children and normal | | | | intellectually immature. These traits usually appear |
| childhood behavior, we must ask ourselves the | | | | when a child reaches ages 3 or 4, partly because this |
| following questions. | | | | is the age when kids start interacting with each other. |
| Is my child too active? Parents with hyperactive | | | | Also, boys are five times more likely than girls to be |
| children often find themselves on the verge of | | | | affected. |
| exasperation. The phrase "Will you please quiet down" | | | | When you are considering that your child might have a |
| or "Please sit still" is a constant refrain. Parents should | | | | hyperactivity disorder, it is advised that you seek the |
| also note if the child is willfully misbehaving. Children | | | | opinion of your pediatrician. Diagnosing a hyperactivity |
| who misbehave on purpose usually look over to their | | | | disorder is difficult. A child may be exhibiting these |
| parents to check for their reactions. Hyperactive | | | | behaviors because of an unhealthy home or school |
| children, on the other hand, act as if they are not in | | | | environment. The child may just be "acting out" his |
| control of their hyperactive, impulsive behavior. | | | | frustrations at home or in school. Other disorders, such |
| Does my child have a short attention span? | | | | as partial hearing loss and autism, may mimic |
| Hyperactivity among children is difficult to detect | | | | hyperactivity. It is important that a child psychiatrist |
| because they vary in manifestations and intensity. | | | | make a proper assessment and provide treatment |
| Inattentiveness, another hallmark of hyperactivity | | | | based on the diagnosis. Medications and behavioral |
| disorder, may be more difficult to notice. A child with a | | | | strategies are available to help children, and their family, |
| short attention span can watch cartoons or play video | | | | cope with hyperactivity disorder. |