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Hi, I'm Dr. Beth Onufrak!

Think your child has ADHD?

Published almost 2 years ago • 1 min read

COULD IT BE ...

If you think it's ADHD, here are 3 foolers.

Hi Reader,

Many parents, teachers, daycares and docs suspect ADHD in young kids.

Maybe it is, maybe not. It’s hard to tell under age 7.

Here are 3 big “foolers” which produce symptoms that mimic ADHD.

girl in pink pajamas sprinting through kitchen

Foods

Such a sore topic for weary moms of picky eaters. 😫

Kids who “eat 5 things” may be fine on height and weight charts. But they may not get enough brain nutrients for focus and calm.

In my experience, 3 things masquerade as ADHD:

  • Too much sugar (even in yogurt, milk and fruit)
  • Not enough quality protein
  • Too few good fats (like omega 3’s)

I’ve been humbled. Many kids no longer meet criteria for ADHD after basic dietary tweaks.

And don’t need me either.

Diet is my #1 rule-out for diagnosing ADHD.

Anxiety

Anxiety in young kids can masquerade as ADHD.

Overwhelm and worry compete with focus. And it’s hard to sit still when you’re nervous.

On the outside, anxiety often looks like:

  • Not listening
  • Can't pay attention
  • Can't sit still

Anxiety scatters focus and activates bodies. That can look like ADHD.

Over-busy-ness

Fast-paced, adult-driven schedules leave many young kids scattered. Distracted. And uncooperative.

Children as young as 4 have told my puppets:

I have no "me" time.

Reducing daily transitions and activities can improve behavior. I learned that in “real school" with young-child families.

Reducing busy-ness can help with focus and activity level.

If I rule out these factors and about 12 more ...

then mayyybe we’re talking ADHD in the under-7 crowd.


Developmental POV. Cool-head behavior tools. Attachment. Executive function. That's my ADHD approach in young kids.

That's also the Cool the Tantrums curriculum. Take a look. Sign up!


COMING SOON: Connect live with me in the new ChildSightTools® Membership Community.

Sign up for news and stay in the loop.


See ya next time.

And remember ... Looking through your child's eyes changes everything.

Cheers!

Dr. Beth

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Hi, I'm Dr. Beth Onufrak!

I'm a child psychologist and parent educator. My ChildSightTools® courses help parents see through kids eyes. Sign up for my weekly Newsletter!

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