High-Energy Child Vs. ADHD: Which One Is It?

High energy can signal attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, though not always. If you have an energetic child, you might wonder, "is it high energy or ADHD?" In this article, we'll discuss the signs of ADHD, differences between a high-energy child and one with ADHD, and how to manage high energy levels in kids. Then, we'll talk about when to seek help and how Joon can benefit children with ADHD.

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Can a child be hyperactive and not have ADHD?

It is possible for a child to be hyperactive without ADHD, though hyperactivity can be indicative of ADHD. If a child is high-energy but does not meet the criteria for ADHD, they may just be hyperactive. However, if signs of ADHD impact a child’s functioning or lead to distress, it is crucial to take note. Noticing the signs of ADHD can be the first step to getting your child a diagnosis.

What Are the Signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

How do you know if your child's behaviors could indicate ADHD? There are two categories of ADHD symptoms, which include inattentive symptoms and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms.

Inattentive symptoms

Inattentive (or inattention) symptoms include:

• Failing to pay close attention to detail, or making seemingly careless mistakes at school, work, home, or during other activities.
• Difficulty holding attention on tasks or during play activities.
• Seeming as though one's not listening when spoken to directly.
• Trouble following through on instructions and failing to finish school assignments, chores, or other duties.
• Disliking, avoiding, or reluctance to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (like homework or paperwork).
• Struggling to organize tasks and activities.
• Misplacing necessary items for tasks and activities, like school materials, books, or eyeglasses.
• Being distracted easily.
• Forgetfulness.

Hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms

Hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms include:

• Fidgeting with or tapping hands or feet (or squirming in one's seat). 
• Climbing or running around in situations where it’s not appropriate (can be limited to feeling restless in adolescents or adults). 
• Trouble playing or taking part in leisure activities quietly.
• Leaving one's seat in situations when staying seated is expected (e.g., in class).
• Intruding on or interrupting others (for example, butting into other people's conversations or games). 
• Appearing “on the go,” acting as though one is “driven by a motor.”
• Blurting out answers before the other person finishes asking a question. 
• Difficulty waiting for one's turn.
• Excessive talking.

If a child under seventeen experiences six or more symptoms of either inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity for more than six months, they could have ADHD. For those aged seventeen and above, five or more symptoms must be present. ADHD symptoms always begin before age twelve, even if it’s diagnosed in adulthood.

How can you tell the difference between ADHD and normal child behavior?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, and it's more than just hyperactivity. If a child is just high-energy, they may not face the other challenges children with ADHD will. That said, ADHD isn't uncommon. According to the American Psychiatric Association, around 8.4% of children have ADHD.

Main differences

Resonating with some ADHD behaviors doesn't necessarily mean a child will have ADHD.

Many kids have trouble paying attention, waiting their turn, or sitting still for a long period. Similarly, many children fidget. However, a child who fits the diagnostic criteria for ADHD differs because their symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and/or inattention are more severe than what’s expected for their age or developmental stage. 

For kids with the disorder, ADHD symptoms may cause distress and lead to problems at school, home, social situations, or other areas. 

Most people diagnosed with ADHD continue to meet the criteria for the condition in adulthood and see the effects of the disorder in their lives as adults, but management is possible, and people with ADHD can thrive.

Note: Joon is a new game created specifically for kids with ADHD and their parents. Geared toward children aged 6-12, Joon can act as a to-do or chore app for kids with ADHD. It promotes executive function, positive behaviors, and independence. Click here to try the app free for 7 days.

How to Manage High Energy

Whether a child is diagnosed with ADHD or is just high-energy, it can be hard to keep up. With that in mind, here are some tips for managing high-energy children: 

• Ensure that the child has an outlet for their energy. Active hobbies do wonders for many high-energy children. 
• Teach relaxation techniques. Relaxation or calming techniques, like breathing exercises, can be helpful for kids who have trouble winding down.
• Set clear boundaries. If a child's behavior can be disruptive, let them know what is and isn’t okay in specific situations. Make sure they’re occupied at times when hyperactivity could be disruptive, especially if you have a young child.
• Look out for other symptoms. That way, if a child could have a condition like ADHD, you can seek help. 
• If a child has ADHD, get treatment. 

Does ADHD Always Look Like High Energy?

Despite the name, ADHD doesn't always look like high energy. There are three potential presentations of ADHD, which include:

• Primarily inattentive ADHD.
• Primarily hyperactive/impulsive ADHD.
• Combined type ADHD.

If children with ADHD have a primarily inattentive presentation, they may not display hyperactive or impulsive behavior. That said, all subtypes of ADHD can still have a profound effect on a person's life.

When To Seek Help

Early diagnosis lets kids get the help they need faster. If your child's symptoms impede functioning in a way that’s consistent with ADHD, ask their pediatrician about getting an evaluation. Pediatricians, psychiatrists, and other medical professionals can diagnose ADHD. If a provider can't conduct an evaluation themselves, they should refer you to someone who can.

ADHD treatment can include a combination of different treatments, and parents are in full control of the options they choose for their children. Most of the time, ADHD treatment consists of medication (whether stimulants or non-stimulants) and therapy. 

Other resources and tools, like an IEP or 504 plan, occupational therapy, physical activity, routines, and games like Joon can also benefit children with ADHD. 

How Joon Helps Kids With ADHD

Joon is a to-do app for kids that doubles as a game. Parents create a list of tasks for their child to complete in real life, and when the child completes these tasks, they get rewards that allow them to care for a virtual pet. 

Designed with the ADHD brain in mind, 90% of kids who use Joon complete all the tasks their parents assign. Many parents say Joon has improved their parent-child relationship, and the app is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Click here to try Joon for free.