ADHD symptoms: Tips to help your kids

(FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) - For a lot of parents, it can be hard to decipher whether what they believe to be impulsive and energetic behavior is simply "kids being kids" or something more.

If parents are concerned their child may have ADHD, there are some warning signs. Pay attention to lack of eye contact, extreme impulsivity or hyperactivity after the age of 4 or 5, especially compared to other children.

Often the best way to know is to talk with preschool or elementary school teachers and get their opinion. But the earliest signs often revolve around things parents don't usually think of which is early motor milestone delays, such as delays in rolling over, crawling and walking, clumsiness or awkward gait and poor balance, or extremely picky eaters or food sensitivities.

There are many things that parents can do at home to help change their child's behavior, such as avoid TV, computers, and get the child to play more. Also helpful are changes in diet and the use of vitamins. Specific right-brain stimulating activities can also help overcome ADHD.

Dr. Robert Melillo is the author of " Disconnected Kids: The Groundbreaking Brain Balance Program for Children with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Neurological Disorders." He's also an expert with the brain balance achievement center, which looks to diagnose and treat children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Watch his interview with FOX25's Elizabeth Hopkins for more.