ADHD 3 yr old

[Abbsjc]

Hi,

daughter is three years old. she’s an extremely bright little girl, i always say she’s lived on earth before! but I’m convinced she’s showing signs she could potentially have ADHD? She was an angry baby too so she’s always been emotionally unbalanced I guess.

• cannot regulate emotions, can go from 0-100 in seconds. Sometimes no reasoning just anger, screaming crying etc multiple times a day.
• sleep is awful most nights she wakes, or is a pain to get down to sleep in the evening. Like she doesn’t need much bloody sleep!!! Even when she’s on the go constantly! 😂 I find the busier our day the worse the sleep is. It’s like her brain just cannot shut off, fidgets lots too when she finally falls asleep.
• Constantly wants food, always hungry and if she isn’t given tons of snacks on demand it’s a major temper tantrum.
• very fleeting with activities doesn’t concentrate for very long.
• Talks constantly, at a loud volume level
• impusive with her actions, lobbing items, lashing out.

We have three children. Her being the middle child, we do not let them walk all over us. We’re just trying our best. My mum would always say. Firm but fair.

I totally get that all young children test boundaries. But she just seems on the more extreme side compared to other people’s children. It just takes its toll when it feels like a constant battle with her for a simplest of things day to day.

Thanks, sometimes it’s nice to have a little rant and feel like I’m hopefully not the only one that feels like this.

I didn't want to read and run as I have SEN kids and know how difficult it is!
It is very hard to say what is SEN and not at that age - which is supremely unhelpful. Three year olds can just be tough AF (mine were), and they can calm down. I have definitely seen it, when a parent of a child drifts out of a SEN group - it is typically because that child has calmed down and they no longer feel there is a SEN issue.
But I am not looking to invalidate your worries - you know your kid. The first step for you is to speak to a SENCo if she goes to preschool. Always, always get help and shout as loud as you can to get it.
Re food - my ADHD kid is also a snack demander - cut them. Its a constant glucose spike that creates a never ending cycle of need. Create a strict food schedule, really tailored to meet nutritional need throughout the day. The tantrums are extreme at the start but it settles.
Sleep is the big killer - I haven't had a night's sleep in 6 years. People think I am exaggerating but I really am not. I guess you have a routine so if you haven't added it, then look into weighted blankets. Absolutely amazing things. Also very loose night clothing. I am the same actually (I wonder where my kid gets it from?!)
And find local parent groups. My advice above is only going to help a little bit - if at all. Find support before you go mad. The tears I've shed, feeling isolated, is insane. You need support too - it will help. Good luck, whether you just have a highly strung toddler or an ADHD kid. And take care of yourself