Hyperactivity and children
Alternative Names
Children and hyperactivity
Information
Toddlers and young children often are very active. They also have a short attention span. This type of behavior is normal for their age. Providing lots of healthy active play for your child can sometimes help.
Parents may question whether the child is just more active than most children. They may also wonder if their child has hyperactivity that is part of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or another mental health condition.
It is always important to make sure that your child can see and hear well. Also, make sure there are no stressful events at home or school that may explain the behavior.
If your child has had troubling behaviors for a while, or the behaviors are getting worse, the first step is to see your child's health care provider. These behaviors include:
- Constant motion, which often seems to have no purpose
- Disruptive behavior at home or in school
- Moving around at an increased speed
- Problems sitting through class or finishing tasks that are typical for your child's age
- Wiggling or squirming all of the time
References
Ditmar MF. Behavior and development. In: Polin RA, Ditmar MF, eds. Pediatric Secrets. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 2.
Harstad EB. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 50.
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Review Date:
1/1/2025 Reviewed By: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. |
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