Academic Symptoms

• Preschoolers with ADHD will not be able to sit for a period of time longer than five minutes. Although no child who is three or four is expected to remain seated for a long time, they should be able to listen to a story or participate in a group activity and retain focused attention for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
  
  

Physical Symptoms

• Preschoolers with ADHD may have seemingly normal maladies more often than other children. If they complain of a persistent stomach or head ache, be sure that they get examined by the school nurse or a doctor to rule out other medical problems.
  
  

Emotional Symptoms

• Preschoolers with ADHD are more prone to cry and whine because a situation is not going their way. Although this behavior may seem normal for all children at this age, ADHD may be present when they will not stop crying or cannot be comforted. If a discipline like a "time out" has been administered, they may stay mad and cry or whine the rest of the day. This is a manifestation of the internal turmoil going on in their mind because of feelings they cannot explain.
  
  

Social Symptoms

• Preschoolers with ADHD may get along fine with other children until there is a conflict within the group. They may feel that they are being picked on or ignored. Children who have ADHD will often try so hard to be a part of the group that they become too physically aggressive.
  
  

Caution

• The above symptoms may have other explanations other than being an ADHD indicator. As the teacher, find out all you can about any medical problems that may exist, or talk with their parents. There may be a recent family event, like a death or divorce that can explain the behavior. Do not just make the assumption that ADHD is the reason.