ADHD and Parental Puzzle: What Counts as Normal Child Development

Amid rise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses, parents are puzzled with normal child development, revealed by Taylor & Francis group. Experts including a pediatrician, social worker, and occupational therapist say parents not to immediately determine about ADHD, if the child is highly energetic or fidgety.(1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Developmental and Behavioral Complexities in Children

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The new book, Developmental and Behavioral Complexities in Children, aims to resolve parental confusion regarding developmental differences in kids. The book clarifies that rise in pediatric mental health diagnoses may be due to increased awareness, which lead many parents to unnecessarily doubt on their child's behavior.

Jo-Ann Blaymore Bier, a retired developmental-behavioral pediatrician from Boston Children’s Hospital, occupational therapist Theresa A.

Intended Audience: Students, Professionals, and Parents

Johnson, and Ellen Mullane who is a social worker, also say that opinions can differ among professionals which adds to the uncertainty for people who have children.

“The field of child development is not always a ‘black and white’ science,” they add.

“The way that children behave varies under different conditions and settings. Professionals may have varying thresholds for recommending intervention.

For example, they say: “Being energetic does not necessarily mean that a child has ADHD. Most children enjoy movement, and young children have limited attention spans.

Based on latest research and clinical experience, the experts offer strategies to manage problematic behaviors and examine the evidence behind available treatments.

The book is intended for advanced level students and professionals working in the field of child development, but may also be beneficial for parents and other caregivers who may have concerns.

Distinguishing Personality from Disorder, the Book Covers

The book also answers questions that caregivers often ask such as is it my child’s personality or something more serious?

The authors, who have helped thousands of children, document a range of ‘typical’ behaviors as well as those likely to be symptoms of specific diagnoses, including autism, ADHD, and oppositional defiant disorder.

In the book, they emphasize that no one demonstrates what others consider acceptable behavior all the time, and that all children are ‘wired’ differently.

ADHD is the most common childhood neuro-behavioral disorder, with some data sources indicating that about a million more children and adolescents in the US were diagnosed with ADHD in 2022 compared to 2016.

Increased awareness, changes in diagnostic criteria and in social norms are among many factors which the authors of Developmental and Behavioral Complexities in Children suggest may have contributed to the rise in cases.

Prioritizing Functioning and Quality of Life

However, no single specific medical test exists for ADHD. Clinicians make an assessment based on the child’s clinical presentation and on information from people who have observed the child’s behavior.

For instance, children who are more energetic than their peers but also ‘function in group activities’ may not necessarily have ADHD, according to the authors.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is also on the rise and is examined in detail in the book. The authors say the ASD diagnosis may have become even more complex – instead of easier – to understand.

The term ‘neurodiversity’ has also become increasingly used. In the book, the authors say:
“Accepting and encouraging individuality can be positive goals. But if an individual’s differences are having a negative impact on their functioning, providing supports to improve their quality of life can be beneficial.”

Reference:

1. Developmental and Behavioral Complexities in Children - (https://www.routledge.com/Developmental-and-Behavioral-Complexities-in-Children-A-Guide-for-Stud/Bier-Johnson-Mullane/p/book/9781041071549)

Source-Eurekalert