AGE-SPECIFIC FEATURES OF ADHD MANIFESTATIONS IN PRESCHOOL AND PRIMARY SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN

Abstract

The article examines attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurobehavioral disorder in childhood, affecting emotional-behavioral functioning and academic achievement. It manifests as a combination of attention deficits, excessive motor activity, and impulsivity. ADHD affects approximately 3.4–7.2% of children, more frequently in boys. Symptoms appear early: in preschoolers (3–6 years), hyperactivity and impulsivity dominate; in primary school (7–10 years), inattention affects learning and social functioning. Timely diagnosis is crucial, as interventions are most effective during preschool age, when the psyche is highly plastic and the neuropsychological structure is still forming. The study aimed to identify age-related features of ADHD symptoms in children aged 3–10 years. This age range covers the transition from play to learning, making it significant for analyzing behavioral and emotional changes. A combined approach was used: literature review and empirical methods (behavioral observation, projective tests, Luria pictograms, attention tests, and questionnaires for parents and teachers). This strategy allows a comprehensive assessment of ADHD in both behavioral and cognitive aspects. Findings indicate that in children 3–6 years, motor activity and impulsivity predominate, while adaptive difficulties minimally affect development. In children 7–10 years, symptoms acquire a functional character, affecting learning and interpersonal interaction. This reflects an age-related change in symptom structure, with attention deficits dominant, complicating complex cognitive tasks. The results support the hypothesis of age-dependent ADHD manifestations and emphasize the importance of early diagnosis, considering neuropsychological development.