Behavioral Success Blog

Attention problem

Q: I have a 3½-year-old son who is constantly on the go. We make him sleep in a crib at night to keep him from walking around. Even with that, we have found him in the kitchen in the middle of the night. Babysitters are good for one visit and never return. Daycare centers will no longer take him, even for an occasional half-day stay. He never plays with any one toy for longer than a few minutes. A couple of people have suggested he needs to be on a prescription such as Ritalin, but I hate to pump him full of drugs. What should I do?

A: A 3½-year-old boy is supposed to be active, interested and full of mischief. Sometimes we confuse activity with hyperactivity, especially when the parent is under some stress. If, however, any of the people who suggested he be put on a prescription is a physician, pediatrician or therapist, you may want to investigate this more. Children who show signs of distractibility and impulsiveness, beyond the threshold of normal, may be suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is more common in boys. Parents frequently dismiss ADHD as childhood energy or "a phase." Most adults do not realize how it differs from normal, active behavior. Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder are 10 times more likely than the average child to drop out of high school and have a higher incidence of drug abuse. ADHD is a neurological disorder, which means it is a disorder that can effectively be treated.

With the little information you give about your son's activities, he could be suffering from ADHD. However, it requires examination and assessment by a qualified counselor, therapist or physician to determine the correct diagnosis. There are also other things that could cause his behavior. Only through an assessment by a qualified professional can you be sure what is appropriate. You may want to begin by discussing the behavior issues and your concerns with your son's pediatrician. He may have the experience to test and treat your son or may refer him to a therapist, counselor or other doctor (such as psychologist or psychiatrist). If the diagnosis is ADHD, there are several options for treatment, including prescription medications such as Ritalin.

This is one of the hottest topics debated in pediatric medicine. Should a child this young be taking medication for behavior? There is ample evidence stating that prescription medication is effective for school-aged children with ADHD, and some evidence that it helps younger children. Like most medications for physical illnesses, care must be used when dispensing it to young children. The physician prescribing the medication must monitor its effects on the child and make adjustments whenever warranted. While it is understandable that you want to avoid giving your young child medication, ADHD is no different from asthma or diabetes. There are medications that can help children with all three disorders.