Normal behaviour for a toddler?

[rootootoot]

We have an 18 month old ds who just doesn’t stop!

Will not stop moving, running around, climbing etc. He has to grab and touch everything in sight. This boy has no fear and will jump off beds and other high things. Can’t stay sat in a high chair for more than a few minutes and will scream and scream. When he gets bored of something such as toys and food he will launch them across the room. When frustrated he will hit and kick. Very grabby and will have tantrums and bang his head if he can’t go somewhere or get something he wants. He’s adorable, funny and sociable too and loves being on the centre stage.

We made the mistake of a 4 hour flight recently and he screamed the whole time. Very difficult to settle to sleep and needs less sleep than his 6 year old brother.

Is this in the realms of normal or are these ADHD traits? I know he’s too young for a diagnosis.

He’s the complete opposite to his brother, who was a calm and sensible little baby! I think perhaps we were spoiled first time round?

Tbh it could be either. He could just be a very strong minded and wilful toddler. And also, he’s a toddler!

My eldest who has ASD was like this and I was fucking exhausted. However my other child who has adhd was my calmest most chilled baby. They are complete opposites.

My two were the other way round; I was prepared second time around and got a very laid back baby/toddler.

DS1 has AuDHD diagnosis - I knew from the minute he started charging around that he would struggle to follow instructions etc. He’s now 13 and super clever, doing really well at school. He is medicated.

My 2 year old is the same. Super high intensity and energy all day every day. Very wriggly and can't sit still at all. Zero patience and poor attention. I agree flights are a nightmere, or any sitution he is contained and can't run around.

I do highly suspect ADHD. I was diagnosed last year too. I just hope it will get easier one day as i'm beyond exhausted. Solidarity.

IME this is normal. Both my DSs were like this at that age, neither have ADHD (they are teens now).

Too early to say. Especially if it's your first the idea that you might have to have years of this without knowing if it's going to pass feels long but believe me... the days are long but the years are short!

In terms of normal / not normal, think of it like this.

Some people are born naturally more talented at maths, or music. Some people love cheese, others hate coriander. We're all different and accept these differences. Equally, some people are born 'good at' following rules, or sitting still. Some people take a bit longer to learn those skills, just like some people need a few attempts to pass their driving test.

Try not to worry x

My now 7 year old was always on the go as a toddler, and still cannot be still (although he does very well travelling for some reason). He was diagnosed with ADHD - Hyperactive/inattentive type a month ago.

He sounds like my ds at that stage - never stopped, never slowed down. Like a nuclear powered pingpong ball.

He is 17 now, doing A'levels. As "normal" as a 6'2" teen can be.

Yeah my second was like this (and still is), just completely feral. Nobody (teachers etc) has brought up concerns about ADHD. My oldest and youngest were/are much calmer