ADHD in toddler girl

My DD has ADHD. She wasn't diagnosed until the end of year 3, but it was suggested from year 1, when education becomes more formalised. When I look back at her as a toddler/preschooler, there were bits of adhd showing, but certainly not diagnosable at that age as children develop so variably. The things that stand out were her ability to hyperfocus - I worried she didn't have a secure attachment to me as she wouldn't look round for me when she was focused on something. She also much preferred unstructured environments, she wouldn't join in at music group.

It also seems to be inherited from my DH. But it obviously isn't always inherited. My other DD is really good at paying attention, irrespective of how dull her lessons are.

Yes it is genetically linked.

But I put to you that your perception of ADHD and how it manifests is pretty narrow. I had a daughter who was intelligent, academically streets ahead in all areas, diverse interests, interested in the world, social, kind, all sorts of things. She has her challenges because of it but is able to live an entirely normal and successful life now as an adult. There is no reason to overly concern yourself with this issue.

Are you the person who timed how long your child’s attention span was for various activities?

If so I agree that this is becoming an obsession. Even if she does have autism or ADHD or whatever, posting on here about it won’t change or solve anything. She sounds like a standard toddler, but nothing anyone here can say will placate you.

You need help with your mental health and obsession over this.

Please try to relax. You won't ever get this time back. Try to enjoy it.

Circle time is an invention of over formal education systems that even some 4 year olds struggle with

I wouldn't even expect many 3 year olds to be able to sit still and focus long enough

Not my experience.

Not necessarily. I thought mine didn't have ADHD for ages because she could focus very well. I didn't understand at the time that children with ADHD can hyperfocus on interesting things to them, so the focus/not focus thing can be misleading.

She sounds completely typical to me.

Just google toddler attention span by age. I think you will find your little girl is quite normal!

It's normal for a toddler to move around activities and be on the go. I have one with ADHD and none of what you have described resonates with me.

The things I remember from that age that were a bit different were academic giftedness, a tendency to climb everywhere, anything and everything. But too early to tell as a lot of behaviours are typical for the age group anyway.

Sounds like a toddler. Do you want her to have adhd so is looking for something?

You, OP need therapy to address your anxiety.

My worry is that she doesn’t tend to sit still for more than a few minutes
Sitting still, concentration, focusing are not inate skills but learnt skills. Some children learn them quicker and easier than others. Children with adhd are those who still can't do these despite dedicated and committed teaching dor quite some time.

I think this is where society are experiencing issues with diagnosis. Patents don't teach their kids these skills and by the time they start school and continue through primary, it becomes harder and harder to do so.

Your child is much to young for a diagnosis. She might more naturally drown to physical stimuli but that doesn't mean she has adhd and can't learn to adapt. Continue to be firm and consistent with your disciplining and make sure you give her plenty of attention to get her used to focus on one activity at a time.

There is a reason toddlers can’t be diagnosed with ADHD. That’s because a standard toddler is pretty much the definition of ADHD. No idea why you are worried with your child’s age and what you describe.

You have posted about this several times. I feel for you, really, because you're unhealthily fixated and that must be so detrimental to your mental health.

However, you're the parent, and this obsession must be damaging your daughter, so you do have a responsibility to seek help to move past this obsession.

It's starting to sound like you actually want your daughter to have ADHD.

Also, as the friend of an amazing woman who's Mum was similarly convinced that my friend had a certain health issue, I can tell you, it has done so much damage to her, she's traumatised. Please listen to what people are saying, and please, please for your daughters sake, don't do this to her.

Agree. You seem to want her to be Autistic.

Is this the poster who keeps starting threads about autism,despite no evidence?
She's a toddler most of them are on the go all the time and are not able to concentrate for long .

OP, you seem determined to have her labelled as either being Autistic or having ADHD.
Why is this?

Things that could be considered signs of ADHD is normal toddler behavior. That's why it's not usually diagnosed until around six.

Also, one of her sentences you referenced is six words, which is quite good.

Why on earth would you assume adhd though. She's just being a toddler. They have attention span of a pea