How to Explain ADHD to a Child – If your child was just diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, it’s important to remember that ADHD isn’t a death sentence. In fact, it’s a condition that can bring incredible gifts.

Children with ADHD experience insomnia because they cannot turn off their overcharged nervous systems. They report feeling unpleasantly buzzed, but they do not experience flight of ideas, or rapid verbal production. They simply can’t relax enough to drop into sleep or may sleep fitfully once they do drop off.

Symptoms of ADHD can have some overlap with symptoms of bipolar disorder. With ADHD, a child or teen may have rapid or impulsive speech, physical restlessness, trouble focusing, irritability, and, sometimes, defiant or oppositional behavior.

Adults with ADHD tend to bore easily, have racing thoughts (which often lead to insomnia), feel restless and tend to take risks (driving too fast, for instance, is a common problem).

Manic episodes are not a symptom of ADHD, but a person with ADHD may experience some of the symptoms of a hypomanic episode. Although there may be some symptom similarities, the underlying causes of bipolar disorder and ADHD are different.

ADHD: Tips to Try

1. Sit in the front of class to limit distractions.
2. Turn off your phone when doing homework.
3. Talk with your teacher about your ADHD.
4. Let friends know what’s going on.
5. Use tools that help you stay organized.
6. Get plenty of exercise.
7. Practice relaxation and meditation.
8. Take pride in the things you do well.

symptoms of bipolar disorder tend to be more severe than those of ADHD. ADHD behavior is ongoing, while symptoms of bipolar disorder occur during distinct episodes. a child with bipolar disorder may experience both high and low moods (depending on the type of bipolar disorder)

Conditions That Mimic ADHD

• Bipolar disorder.
• Autism.
• Low blood sugar levels.
• Sensory processing disorder.
• Sleep disorders.
• Hearing problems.
• Kids being kids.

Because your brain works faster than people without ADHD, you can do more thinking loops than your non-ADHD peers. This means you experience more of these negative feelings.

5 common problems that can mimic ADHD

• Hearing problems. If you can’t hear well, it’s hard to pay attention — and easy to get distracted.
• Learning or cognitive disabilities.
• Sleep problems.
• Depression or anxiety.
• Substance abuse.