adhd in 17month olds

Ashley - posted on 06/03/2012

tagging onto what lynn said, my husband as a child and my oldest son were like that and my mother in law was told to put my husband on ridilin by her doctor because of it, however she saw all teh side affects and found out about the feingold diet. (in a nutshell eliminating artificial colors, flavors, carmel color, preservatives etc.) it changed his and her lives. within a week he was able to focus and listen yet still just as active. even the neighbors came up to joyce and asked ' what happened to kenny!' lol if anything try eliminating anything with red 40 in it for a few weeks. red 40 is some really nasty stuff, its made from petroleum, and it affects the chemicals in the brain of EVERYONE, just some people its stronger than others, especially kids. we took my oldest son ,now 4, off it and noticed a big change. still super active but able to pay attention and focus on things etc. now we can tell IMMEDIATLY whenever he gets something in it with red 40. becaue hisbehavior changes.
this doesn't replace teaching good behavior oblivously but it sure makes it a lot easier for you and your little one.

Claudia - posted on 10/26/2010

Hi Kerry,



Like most others mentioned, I think a lot of his behavior is normal (i.e. running, climbing, throwing). Toddlers are experimenting with the world around them and with their own bodies and voices (i.e. screaming). Toddlers need a loving, nurturing and patient environment where they can explore while feeling loved, safe and supported.



It is easy for us mom's to lose patience at this stage with the loudness and nonstop activity. It helped me so much to study and learn about a child's developmental stages so that I don't have unrealistic expectations and so that I can be more understanding and empathetic towards my 18mo old; it's made me uncover a level of patience within myself that I didn't realize I had.



You mentioned a few things that I feel need a little attention:

(1) Music - I think music is good for toddlers but it has to be appropriate; kid songs and real instruments like guitars, flutes. Songs they can eventually sing along to and perhaps do some finger-play to (i.e. itsy bitsy spider). I wouldn't expose my toddler to adult-type music with techno beats, bass, and strong emotions. I think this would certainly impact not only the energy level of the child, but the type of energy he/she exhibits.

(2) TV - The APA (American Pediatrics Association) recommends no TV for the first 2 years of life because a child learns best through human interaction. I personally don't believe in exposing a toddler to any TV at all. They are just too young; they can not control their sensory intake and it is overly stimulating for them. It is hard for us adults to understand this because we are better able to control our sensory intake (i.e. have TV in background while talking on phone and cooking). A child's nature is to be fully absorbed in one thing at a time (granted, even if it's only for a couple seconds); they are very impressionable for this reason. If you really need a break, limit it to 30 minutes a day and make it something soothing for him to watch - like the Discovery Channel when they show animals running in the wild or sea life in the ocean. I know some kids do fine with TV, but all kids are different and he is already dispositioned to be hyperactive, TV should be something you reconsider for him.

(3) You said, "When he gets told off...he doesn't make eye contact". - If I was 2 feet tall and getting yelled at by my parent who is more than twice my size; and in an already overstimulating environment (i.e. music, tv), I would have a hard time focusing or looking at my parents eyes. I would be scared, overwhelmed, frustrated that I am not being understood &/or not receiving love at the moment, unable to process all the complex emotions and confusion that I am experiencing at that very moment...looking at eyes would be the last of my concerns. I am not saying this isn't perhaps a symptom of ADHD, I'm just offering an alternative perspective. As hard as it may be at times to not yell, I strongly believe and have personally experienced that yelling creates the exact opposite result that we are going for. If I yell, he yells. If I'm frustrated or angry, he gets more frustrated and angry. It's amazing how much our personalities affect our vulnerable and impressionable toddlers. If I find myself at a place where I need a time-out before responding to a situation, I literally take 5 deep breaths; sometimes I go into another room for just a few seconds while I breathe. I remind myself to relate to my son before blaming him for being a completely normal toddler. I bring myself back to a place of love and patience. Then I get down on my knee so that I am at his level (if necessary, beforehand, I remove him from any distractions - if we're at a play group, we leave the room or area and find a quiet spot - if at home, music/distractions must be turned off). Then I calmly look at him and explain why his behavior is not acceptable or why he can't do/have what he's wanting (Ex. "I understand you want xyz and it makes you very angry that you can't have it. It's okay to be angry. You can have "abc" or "def", but "xyz" is not allowed. Which do you want? Okay, you're still angry and want to cry. Can Mommy hold you? No? Okay. You stay here and cry, that's okay. When you are done, Mommy will be in the kitchen waiting to give you a big hug."

(5) You said, "simple things such as come here and stop and put it bk he carnt do". - How are you showing him and asking him to do these things?



Ginger, above, recommended a website called Love and Logic. I never heard of it but I quickly Googled it and I agree with what I see so far. I would recommend it also. Here is the website: http://www.loveandlogic.com/



I really resonate with Dr. Laura Markham's advice at http://www.ahaparenting.com/ and I sign up for her weekly email advice; it's very helpful.



There is also a great book that I just started reading called, "How to Talk so Kids Will Listen and Listen so Kids Will Talk". I highly recommend it.



I hope I am not overstepping boundaries with my above advice/comments. I just have seen the importance of leading by example and modeling the kind of behavior we want our little ones to have. If we are calm and don't yell when they yell, and instead model for them how to handle anger by the way we respond to them compassionately, they are more likely to change. If we are aggressive with them, they will learn that the way to behave is aggressively. Example: My best friend has a son the same age as mine. She is a wonderful mom. Her son was exhibiting a lot of aggressive behavior towards other toddlers (i.e. pushing, shoving, hitting on head). She recently told me that her and her husband tend to have impatient personalities and get frustrated easily. I thought it was very insightful and mature of her to see this. They started to get down to their sons level whenever speaking to him, and being very calm whenever addressing him about whatever behavior he's exhibiting inappropriately; it has worked miracles.



In addition to the above, I would also look at his diet. We truly are what we eat. Everyone mentioned food coloring, especially red dye and I couldn't agree more. In addition, I would remove sugar...especially juice and candy. I personally have restrained from giving my son juice or candy at all; I just see him as being to young to start a sugar addiction; once they have it they will always want it; so delay it as much as possible. Furthermore, food coloring is nothing but cancer-causing chemicals, and when combined with sugar, it truly is poison. -- Water is really the only beverage they need aside from milk. If need be, freshly squeeze an orange and fill a sippy cup with half orange half water.



Sending you love and well wishes for you and your little blessing.

Romy - posted on 10/26/2010

Most schools do not evaluate until 7 or 8 years old. I have known many super active kids who were not ADHD, just exploring and learning along the way.

Laura Zoey - posted on 10/25/2010

I think there's just a big variable between child to child and what's normal behavior. My son is so calm and passive, he has attention span of like 30minutes playing with his cars or his toy house. He will look through his books for a long time alone and quiet. He is a snuggler too and he will cuddle on the couch with me as we watch tv for an hour or so in the late afternoon. He's saying so many words now and sentences too.

But that's just one side of normal. My friends son is a year old and barely walking, no words, no real obeying, he screams for no reason, he eats everything he can get his hands on, and even sucks on chair legs or the carpet if he wants too. He is like night and day from my son at that age. But I don't think there's anything wrong with him, he just isn't being taught much by his mom, she just let's nature take it's course as where I made it my job to be erics teacher and to expose him to new ideas and challenge him to learn. So yes I think there's a big difference normal one kid to another but most ofit is in fact normal

But as I said before, the part about your son not making eye contact makes me think autism. Is he ever cuddly and giving hugs? Because if a commercial with singing is on my son too won't look away :) but I think that's normal, but the eye contact worries me of autism. And the lack of words makes me think speech delay but maybe you are just more like my friend who is letting him grow as he does without really pushing him to learn new things. Not wrong but it will take longer for him to communicate that way.

Ginger - posted on 10/24/2010

oh yeah and for the record I have an 18 month old son right now that is nothing like my oldest he will sit and read books and everything it's only when his brother gets home from school that he starts acting all crazy. My oldest son never had any problems learning until he got to age 2 and then he started trying to do back flips off the highest point of stuff in my house head first so I really don't think that it is a normal thing for kids that age and I've been babysitting kids sense I was 10 and I'm now almost 24 and I'm telling you the way he is acting is not something that all kids do it could be something of a spoiled child which I'm sure your child is not my niece sometimes acted like that and but she always got her way unless I was watching her not saying that you all spoil your kids I'm just saying telling her it's normal for kids that age to do that although I agree that the running wild can be an age thing there are just somethings that she is saying that aren't that of a normal child that age I'd talk to a doctor

Ginger - posted on 10/24/2010

I knew by the age of 2 that my son had adhd and at 4 I was told by a doctor that he had it and he was doing almost the exact same things that your son is doing and he still does it even with meds that I put him on almost a year ago it is really hard for doctors to want to make a diagnoses on a child and they do usually wait til they are around 4-5 to make it but from what you are saying I would say there is a good chance that he has it I've found giving my son something like a banana or a bowl of grapes in the morning along with omega-3 gummies and his regular multi. vitamins helps sometimes and when that doesn't work and I know people would frown on my for it I give him a little bit of soda with caffeine in it cause he is to picky of an eater to do the date that they have for adhd and thats what I have found works even with the meds. Although my son has a really bad case of adhd and some other things as well but I would say he may have a form of it but you may have to ride it out til he is older and the doctors diagnose him with it.

Maeghan - posted on 10/24/2010

honey my 18 month old does most of that stuff. theyre babies. they have very very very very short attention spans. they have to be constantly entertained.
as far as the talking..when you figure out what he wants try to teach him the word by saying "this is your truck" or "would you like to eat the apple?"
he seems fine for a baby his age. teach him to be nice with playmates by stroking his hand on your face and saying "be nice, play gently" and he will understand if you keep doing that.
help him come, stop, and put it back so he knows what youre talking about.
and dont worry, im sure he will be fine just be patient :)

GInger - posted on 10/24/2010

Look up "Love and Logic" they have so many things available. There's no way he has ADHD... my son is very similar, he is everywhere!! He is very wild and it has been hard trying to get him to listen to the simplest things. Love and Logic is a type of parenting/educating to make life easy. It's an approach to guiding children in the right direction so that you don't have to stress and worry constantly and they learn how to do the right thing based on consequences, and empathy. It's really the best approach I've come across. You can go to your local library and check out a book, I don't have much time for leizure reading being a single mother of two little boys and a full time student. So I got the books on tape and listen to them when I'm driving or cleaning. You really have to put time and energy into it and be ready to make changes for the better. But if you do want the best for you and your children, I highly recommend you looking into Love and Logic by Jim and Charles Fay(e)

Aimee - posted on 10/23/2010

This sounds a lot like my son was at 18 months.
In my situation my son ended up with a diagnosis of ASD when he was 2 1/2.
I think as parents we know our kids so if you believe your son's behavior is a worry then get a medical opinion.
I had to push hard to get my son diagnoses but i'm so glad i did cos he has come so far in the last 18mth since.

Laura Zoey - posted on 10/21/2010

My cousin had that red dye reaction too! Took them forever to find it out but it made him a new boy! Now as a teen he's outgrowing the symptoms.

Jamie - posted on 10/21/2010

Also, get his ears checked by a ENT. My family doctor thought he was fine when he didn't talk at 2 yrs. When I final took it my own hands and went to ENT. They pulled tons of ear wax out of his ears and NOT KIDDING...he was talking within days. The ENT stated when we talked it was like we were talking under water.

Jamie - posted on 10/21/2010

My son was the same. When my mother brought up that I could not tolerate sugar and Red dye when I was younger. She said I would act out shortly after eating these things. We cut almost all sugar from Orrin's diet (including Grapes) which are full of natural sugar and all red dye (kool aid to pain relief). It took a few weeks and some hard work to get things right but he is total different. His daycare and preschool couldn't believe the difference. I can't believe food could effect him that way. Good thing my mother to note of me. Just remember Red dye is almost everything. It's hard to find thing with out it but when you can sit down and read a book together in peace. It makes all the work worth it. Good luck

Laura Zoey - posted on 10/21/2010

He sounds autistic and maybe speech delayed.

Marlene - posted on 10/20/2010

Agree with most of these posted, yet can feel your frustration and concern. If you have any concerns it's obviously best to consult a doctor. While a lot of the behaviors are normal for his age i so see some red flags. My son did a lot of the same things. He had a speech delay but later I found out he also has a Sensory Integration Disorder. Look it up- there are check lists you can do to see if he/where he fits. I'm not diagnosing but have worked with young children for over 12 years and have struggled with my own child. Best Wishes to you. Feel free to reply, contact me should you have any more questions.

Billie - posted on 10/20/2010

my son is showing some of the same things ive read up on it and with adhd they also love motorised things e.g a remote control car or sometihng like that and things that move they obsese over i went to his 18month development check up and even the midwife said that theres certainly something not quite right.my son isnt talking either so he yells and screams at the top of his voice. he gets real fustrated if he isnt doing anything and he always has to be on the move otherwise the tantrum starts. some people might say hes just playing up but i know in myself that theres something more to it i know this isnt answering any of your questions but maybe it might make you feel more at ease that your not the only 1 that is experiancing this behavour. since the midwife said that to me im feel more certain that i am going to find out if it is anything than just playing up,.. oh and he also throws his toys all around the room as if its a game... maybe you should try reading up on the condition and getting advice from someone that knows more about it :)

Michelle - posted on 10/19/2010

also in case you are needing more info, i was adhd as a child and i slept very well, and i also was very successful in school, drs tend to think a child with adhd, aspergers and mental health issues like that children are exceptionally well learners and well advanced!

Michelle - posted on 10/19/2010

i think its rediculous if anyone has put that into your head about a 17 month old, i have raised 4 children and all are like that @ 17 months, i think it would be a good idea to talk to your sons pediatrician and see what options you have, however, from experience, im pretty positive this is 17 month old being a 17 month old, i have a 4 yr old that may be bipolar and when i was a child i was said to be adhd and then a bipolar adult, i dont take any meds and i have a wonderful life, alot of these drs want to label children as well as other parents, i would definatly look into anything you can and be familiar with the disease before you jump to any conclusions especially since these drugs have awful side effects. good luck and i hope i was helpful to you!

Margaret - posted on 10/19/2010

I don't like labels for children, no child should be labeled, no one can know how 1 child can develope when given the right tools and encouragement. I think that taking a look at his diet is a good first step. I have a friend who's daughter was allergic to additives like colors and flavors and preservitives, she would bounce off the walls, also check for other food allergies like soy and gluten and nuts, not all allergic reactions are visible like hives or shortness of breath, some can affect behavior. Ask your doctor to arrange allergy tests, or just track his meals and behaviors and you might find the trigger, then go to your doctor and tell him what you found. He may suggest a diet that will help.

Kerry - posted on 10/19/2010

i think speech plays a big part in it he is tongue tied aswell realy bad but docs said that they dont realy cut them until they r at least 5. neva heard ov doing sign language but sounds realy gud def going 2 give it ago. x

Gina - posted on 10/19/2010

Honestly, I think ADHD is diagnosed too much. I was told I had that as a child, but my mom did not believe it she did not put me on medicine, just taught me how to use all my excess energy. After I got older we found out that she was right and the person diagnosing me was attributing my energy and excitement to the wrong thing. So just be careful. Your child sounds normal for his age. The only thing that I would worry about is the lack of eye contact, but as long as he does do it at times you are probably ok. If you are really concerned ask you pediatrician what is normal.

Drusilla - posted on 10/19/2010

Wow, that has to be exausting:( I know for us, (we have 1 yr old twins) we try an sit with them and make them hold still, they can look at a book but as far as standing up, wiggling around , we dont let them for maybe 15-20 minutes a day, we could tell a HUGE differance in them, hope this helps! hang in there, :)

Katie - posted on 10/18/2010

maybe he is autistic... Check with his primary care physician

Christi - posted on 10/18/2010

If he is frustrated with not talking you could try the Baby Signs program. My son learned how to say milk, eat, and more with it, which was very helpful. Also, how much sugar is he eating? Sugar can make kids bounce off the walls sometimes. Toddlers can be very difficult in general. Maybe you can do something for yourself at least to make YOU feel better - everyone needs a break sometimes. Good luck.

Kerry - posted on 10/18/2010

thank u all i think speech therapy sounds a gud way forward then maybe i no what he wants be4 haveing a full blown melt down thanx again

Katie - posted on 10/17/2010

anytime you are worried about anything seek help. My pediatrician told me that my son was a little delayed in speech but to wait 3 months and have another appointment, in the mean time read to him more and no tv. well me not liking that response from her I went to the local reginal center and had him assessed. He is very delayed in both speech and understanding language so he qualifies for early intervention speech therapy. Some of the things you described sound like red flags for Autism. Get him assessed! If it is a delay, ADHD or Autism the key to these things is Early intervention.

Kristin - posted on 10/16/2010

First and foremost, I would talk to your pediatrician about getting him assessed for speech delay. My 18 month old twins will most likely be starting at the end of the month because they have no words and their form of communication is pointing and crying/screaming when we can't figure out what it is they want. We are also teaching them sign language and I wish I had started it way earlier because it helps end the meltdowns so much faster! Even though they sign "banana" every time they are hungry and need a snack, at least now I know that is what they want! Secondly, I think the suggestion of needing more sleep is a valid one, my boys get crazy and silly when they get tired and run around until they meltdown and it is SOO not fun!
I wouldn't expect an 18 month old to sit for a book either... my kids never make it through a book, they will look at a page or two and then go play and then come back... the attention span of the average child is 1 minute for every year of life.
I would talk to your ped about all of this and see what s/he says and definitely keep your patience and calm. :)

Linda - posted on 10/16/2010

Honestly I don't think that can be determined yet. I wouldn't worry too much, because your son sounds like every other child at his age right now. I did worry the same about my daughter until I started reading about it. Most small children have those characteristics, but the reason for this think for a second have you ever found a child where you could actually keep their attention for more than 5 minutes? I know that when I'm reading a book to my daughter we don't make it past the second page before she wants to do something else. You will know when your child is older if he does have adhd.

Terri - posted on 10/15/2010

i am going to have to respectfully disagree w/ Louise and Joanna. not sleeping is NOT the main symptom of ADHD!! while my son who has it does have trouble sleeping and has to take a supplement to help him sleep, i know plenty of people w/ ADHD who love to sleep and have no trouble at all doing so! the main symptoms are difficulty concentrating and an inability to stay still. also, and maybe my baby is just advanced...idk...but she can certainly say more than 5 words that only her parents can understand. in fact, she's up to about 30 words and very clearly speaks to people when we're out in public...such as telling them hi, bye, please, thank you and such.

Michelle - posted on 10/15/2010

Kerry your son sounds like a normal toddler,and no most psychiatrists will not diagnose adhd before the age of 4. If you are concerned go talk to your ped it could something as simple as a speech delay that is effecting his behavior to other issues like allergies. Get him checked out it won't hurt and it will ease your mind.

Nancy - posted on 10/15/2010

Um, he is only 18 months old...I agree with everything Diane B. suggested. I think he's too young to determine ADHD, but if you're really concerned, talk to your pediatrician. I have an 18 month old who does all of the same things yours does. Do you have any other children or is he your first child? Both of my sons were/are like this. Discipline, boundaries, rules, and lots of patience...good luck!!!

Barbara - posted on 10/15/2010

my daughter is 18mo old now and she does the samething there is nothing wrong with ur baby it is normal no baby can have adhd 2 early let ur baby be a baby i have 2 kids and yes my son also has adhd starded in pre-k and now he is 11 years old....

Danielle Setzer - posted on 10/15/2010

I would seperate everything into smaller bins - get everything organized, balls in 1 thing, kitchen stuff all together, etc. Teach and show sign language and you and him can make up your own if need be. You can get lots of help on that from youtube. He justs needs focus and direction and one on one time it sounds like. ADD and ADHD are genetically linked (so I am told) so either you are your partner may have it or have signs of it for him to have it. Good Luck, hope this helps!

Louise - posted on 10/15/2010

I totally agree with joanna! I've had doctors from the age of 18 months asking me I I'm sure he's not ADHD. My mom I a psychologist so she assessed him without him knowing and he's definitely not. He hits the ground running at 6:30 and doesn't stop till bed at 7. We've started putting his food on the table and leaving it as it takes him 2 or 3 sittings to eat it. He was always the one who wouldn't sit for story time and was always in trouble for that. But he is a fabulous well adjusted child now. He's still totally active and has his mom exhausted from trying to keep up but we love him to bits bs wouldn't change him for the world. He also developed a biting habit for 2 years from the age of 1 and at times I was tearing my hair out with frustration but stick with it.

Joanna - posted on 10/15/2010

My son does most of the things you wrote down and the doctor has not seemed to have any issues with it. The only thing Ive been told is to expect to be in the ER often! He is up from 7 to 8 and hits the ground running. He throws his tantrums - which actually is a developmental milestone for this age! Tantrums come from frustration. They know what they want to say and do, but they don't have the ability to do or say it yet. With this, being supportive and understanding has helped my son calm down very quickly. Plus I try to tell him that he needs to ask for help (we do some sign language which has helped with the frustration a ton!!) Not to say it always works and he doesn't get time outs frequently. He doesn't always listen - on purpose. He will look at you with as cute as a face he can muster up and stare at you hten run the other way or stand his ground. He throws things like crazy, and music will stop him in his tracks. Music is actually a great thing to be interested in at this age. Encourage the music by interacting with him, dancing, clapping, being silly. but if it's too distracting, set certain times that the music or TV is on. They aren't going to listen all the time. THey have to be taught. they have to be disciplined. And by disciplined I mean taught the correct way. If he doesn't move from the tv, walk over to him and take him away from the tv, tantrum or not. He has to learn that he needs to listen to him. Don't talk down to him, use respectul speech. it really makes a difference when I talk with him that way or I yell at him. My son doesn't talk yet. well, i don't call having 5 words that are only intelligible to his parents as talking yet. that's why they scream and point. the pointing is ok, the screaming you have to teach them not to do. to get your attention in a better way. Sleeping is a key thing. if I didn't put my son down, most of hte time he'd keep going past the point of exhaustion. That's not healthy. I put him down around hte same time most days and he sleeps for about 1 1/2 hrs. He fights going down, but I tell him it's time for sleeping. and that it's ok to sleep. and after a couple of minutes (that seems like hours) he'll let himself go to sleep. a lot of behavioral problems stem from the lack of sleep. I'm not saying that your son doesn't have a problem, what I'm saying is htat many of hte things you listed are completely normal for an 18 month old. If he is sleeping, if you do all those things we've all suggested that ahve worked for us, and he's still having issues, especially with the play group trouble, by all means talk with your pediatrician. They are there to help you through this, at least they should be. They shou;ld be able to direct you in the right direction if you want more support on these issues. Find a MOMs group in your area, I"m sure other mom's in your area could help you out too. I didn't think you could diagnose this early for adhd but I wouldn't know, so I'mnot going to say get him tested or you are crazy for thinking that. You know him best, and if htere is any doubt in your mind, make an appt. and like someone said, if you are not satisfied iwth their answer, get a 2nd opinion. at the same time, don't worry yourself to death just because other people are asking you and putting it into your head that your son has issues. THis is a very trying time. The beginning of the terrible twos! and they last way beyond that from what I hear! :) Good LUck and we are here foryou!

Rosie - posted on 10/15/2010

There is a difference between can't do and won't do. Many children (especially boys) are very rambuctious at this age. They are still working on developing a vocabulary and do get frustrated when their words can't catch up with their thoughts to articulate what they want/need. If you are concerned, the best thing to do is consult your pediatrician. If there are any milemarkers that he is substantially behind on the doctor will put you in touch with resources to assist in catching him up. There are many programs that can assist parents with making sure their kids are on track. In my community, there are agencies such as First Steps, Headstart, Success by Six, etc. You may google these options in your community for further assistance. Also, when a child is this age they are beginning to test their boundaries more and more. It is important for you (and any adult that regularly cares for your child) to offer consistent and age appropriate expectations. Parenting curriculum, such as 1-2-3 Magic can be very helpful in equipping you with skills and knowledge on how to do this. The curriculum is targeted towards children 2-12 years of age, but I have found much success using it with my 17 month old. Good Luck!

Louise - posted on 10/15/2010

First thing to do is calm down. My son is now 5 does not have ADHD and is still doing everything you just described. Some children are just extremely active. The main symptom of ADHD is a child that doesn't sleep. But if you are worried you should speak to a paediatrician if only to put your mind at ease!

Sandi - posted on 10/15/2010

I wish i had listened to people who told me to have my son checked. He was doing the same things your son is doing. I was told by my pediatrician that he is perfectly normal just a child that is very active. Well when my son started school the school told me he was unteachable. I took him to mental health and the psychiatrist basically told me off that I did not get help when he was in preschool because I could have gotten him help like speech therapy and social behavioral therapy. My point is this don't care what people tell you get him checked and if he is normal thank God. I wasnt so lucky and his behavior was NOT NORMAL. He has since been diagnosed with Autism. If I had known I would have gotten him over to Mental health when he was 2. I did go to two other psychiatrist to get second opinions and was told the same thing, I should have gotten him help sooner. If you are concerned do not give a hoot about what people think about getting help, DO IT. I cried when I found out I could have helped him sooner. YOU KNOW YOUR SON, so get him checked. I did not put my son on medication I choose therapy over medication. I feel a child that young should never start medication but THERAPY, YES. I hope this helps you. Take Care.

Terri - posted on 10/14/2010

i have 4 children ranging from 16 yrs to 18 months...all of my older kids have ADHD and my 7 yr old has severe ADHD and Asperger's. i have never been diagnosed, but after all my research have absolutely no doubt that i did, and still do, have ADHD myself. it is something that runs in my family...even extended family such as aunts, uncles, and cousins have it, some very severely. my cousin who is now in her late 20's was diagnosed and started on meds when she was only 2 yrs old...so NO, it is NOT crazy to question or think a child that young might be exhibiting symptoms. after dealing w/ 3 older children w/ severe ADHD and having lived w/ it for 37 yrs myself, i am fairly comfortable in saying that my 18 mo old is exhibiting very clear symptoms already....i will not be the least bit surprised if she is diagnosed in a few yrs. i have tried the diet changes, including removing all dyes and such from my kids foods (at least insofar as is possible) w/ very little result. i do think we are too quick to label kids these days...kids are kids after all and as kids have boundless energy and curiosity...but ADHD is a REAL problem!! some of the things you listed stick out to me as possible symptoms of ADHD, but at that age there are lots of things it could be. if you're really concerned w/ your little one's development or behaviors then by all means discuss it w/ your pediatrician! if they dismiss your concerns or you don't feel satisfied w/ the answers you get then seek a 2nd opinion. you could also do some research yourself online. it's always best to be as well informed as possible when regarding yours or your childs health...dont just listen to others...find things out on your own!! good luck to you my dear! :)

Niki - posted on 10/14/2010

Hi do you think your boy is getting enough sleep? I know when my son (18months old) is tired he is seems like he may have adhd, he doesn't sleep well sometimes as it a light sleeper and me just going to the loo wake him up, does you son have a nap during the day? u don't mention one, mine has a 2hr - 2 1/2 in the middle of the day. So you may want to look into what your son is eating and sleeping they need average 12-14hrs sleep in 24hrs. Hope this helps

Lynn - posted on 10/14/2010

There is no harm in getting your child checked, but these days it does seem that we are too quick to label children and their behaviour.
My son is 18 months old tomorrow, he does almost everything your child does, Am I worried? No.He is a toddler, he is learning about his world every day and has a thirst for finding new things to challenge him.My son used to speak,but stopped after his MMR,same as my older son (who has Aspergers) but still I do not worry because the baby is healthy,he is happy and as much as I feel like curling up in a corner with embarrassment at things he does, I know with boundaries and discipline,most of it will sort itself out,the rest will be dealt with later.
Have you looked closely at diet? My son yelled and growled all day long while on Hienz baby juice, I took him off it, different child in 24 hours.
Try writing down his diet and is behaviour over a couple of days, then see if there is something triggering his behaviour,it may be something you do not see at the time. If you seriously think it is ADD, put him on a wheat free,dairy free diet and restrict additives to see if you have a huge change.
Good luck, but if you are worried, go get him looked at, it can't hurt.

Jennifer - posted on 10/13/2010

Sounds like a very normal, very active boy. A friend of mine has a little girl that acts very similiar except for the screaming every hours. There are just some kids that are more active then others. Keep him running and going. Try play groups, gymboree, swimming, some activity where he can be active.

Talk to Ped. but I would be very cautious. I believe (and have personally seen) a "hyper-active" child grow to be a fine man, being taught to control himself without drugs.

Diane - posted on 10/13/2010

I don't think you can determine it yet, too young, but if you are really concerned you should ask your pediatrician. At this age they have very little attention span, but you also need to help them learn how to behave, as much as can be accomplished at such a young age, but obviously you teach him more & more as he grows up. You can't just let him do whatever he wants when he wants, you must set rules & boundaries & discipline when he doesn't follow it. He will learn, trust me. My son clearly knows right from wrong, even though he sometimes deliberately does what he knows is wrong. When you speak to him, if it's something important, you need to gently turn his little face to look at you, teach him to respect you or you will be in serious trouble later on. Above all else children must honor & obey their parents & it's our job to teach them that.