hi im really worried about my dd#2 i was just wondering is anyone knows the symptoms of adhd? and how do they test to find out? thanks

I think 3 yrs old may be too early to diagnose.  Toddlers don't have long attention spans.  I wouldn't worry about it until school age at least. I know that didn't answer your ?, but I don't know the symptoms, just my thoughts.....I always worried about DS2, because he is full of energy, but once he started kindy, he was fine-very good at sitting still, paying attention and being quiet when he was supposed to be. 

She is still young but you could take her to an OT (Occupational Therapist) and mention your concerns. They will be able to tell you if her behaviour is age appropriate or needs attention.

I think you will need a referral from your GP to see an OT. My DD was referred by a nurse from a child health clinic when she was 18 months. Just tell your doctor you have some concerns about her behaviour and would like a second opinion.

When they go to the OT they basically just play with the child a bit and watch their reactions and ask you a bunch of questions. They will also make some suggestions about what you can do to help her if they feel her behaviour is developmentally innapropriate. I don't know about testing specifically for ADHD at 3 years. If further testing is needed they will direct you how to go about it. My DD tested below the norm for attention span - the OT offered me advice on how to improve it and then told me to return when she is older if I was still concerned.

I understand your concerns - I have read some of your other posts and your DD and mine sound very similar. I share your frustrations. People have been asking me if my DD has ADHD since she was 12 months old yet all the professionals have told me a million times she is normal (which I also believe - I prefer to think of her as strong willed and high spirited).

Twoperfectmiracles:

People have been asking me if my DD has ADHD

people ask me the same thing!!! thats what got me wondering but then other people say she is a normal 3 year old,  my 1st DD was such an angel i know you cant compare children but its such a shock when they are such opposites also im scared her behaviour will rub off on my 15month old she does seem to have a VERY short attention span you tell her not to do something she gets in big trouble i explain to her what she done and why it was wrong she then says sorry then 10mins later she does the exact same thing!!!!

i think i might get a referral for her it all started just before she was 2 and i thought it might be the terrible two's and she would grow out of it but no such luck!!!

Around age 6-7 is when they can assess for ADHD symptoms.  I empathize with how you're feeling.  I felt the same way about DD#1, but it turns out she is very creative and energetic.  She does have an incredibly hard time focusing, but I also have her at a Montessori school, which probably doesn't help.  Try multivitamins with DHA.  I read an article that fish oil/DHA can help with some of the hyperactivity.