What is the difference between an active child and adhd?

[Sallyssss]

I know there are differences, but please help me if you can as I am worried about my toddler (2.6)?

He is active and very physical. My worry is at times (and it is not always) he gets very hyper - throwing things/running into things/hitting out. I must stress he is not always like this, but can be like it a few times a day for about 30 mins.

He is very very boisterous all of the time, but can sit and read books and plays with his toys, but will flitter from one to toy to the next quite frequently. But will play with one toy for about 5 mins.

Its this hyper behaviour that is worrying? Does anyone with experience in this have any thoughts? I am really concerned and really struggling to cope with him.

He sounds well within the normal spectrum (imho). I have 3 DC age 5-10, including 2 boys. Toddler boys get into things like you wouldn't believe!

I agree... and toddler girls get up to some pretty wild antics too!!

My son was diagnosed during the week with ASD. I felt there may be some traits of ADHD too. The Paediatrician told me he wasn't presenting signs of ADHD-he is merely boistourous and should grow out of it aged 5-6. If he can play with a toy for 5 mins then I think you are ok. Take him to a docs though if its worrying you

sounds like a normal 2 year old behaviour to me. Does he sleep well?
They have so much engry, i ahve no idea where it comes from
good luck and enjoy him, we'll be moaning when they are teens and we have to drag them out of bed

Thank you so much for replying.

He has always slept and eaten really well. We have had a good day today, much calmer than normal. I am going to talk to a HV, mainly because I am struggling to cope so it would be nice to get some advice.

Just a thought-I know kids that go a bit wild after eating certain foods. Could be he is having a reaction or he could just be a typical 2 year old!

Its hard to tell the difference between ADHD and an extremely active 2 year old i should imagine.

Especially during the cold weather when they cant get rid of surplus energy in the same way they can in Summer.

Have you tried doing 30 minute exercise a day with your ds, running on the spot, tickling games, marching round the house, jumping etc, etc?

Good idea speaking to your HV if you are worried.

The difference (and I say this from bitter experience) is when the child is more hyper than other children their own age and does not adapt to settings where being quiet/ calm is appropriate, even with encouragement when other children that age can do so. It's when it seems beyond their control iyswim.

The playing with the toy - sounds like good concentration to me, given that J, at age 5, had a target of sitting for 2 minutes at a time

TBH, dxing ADHD in this country before the age of about 5/6 is not encouraged. J was 4 but also very violent so there was a reason why the paed wanted him dx by CAMHS, iyswim.

Still worth a visit to a paed if you still are worried - the worst that can happen is you're sent away relieved that nothing's wrong! Ask GP for referral if you want to.

HTH.