It used to be that no child under the age of 6 or 7 was diagnosed with ADHD or treated with prescription medications for this disorder.

Now children as young as 4 are receiving ADHD diagnosis and being placed on heavy duty prescription medications to control and mask the symptoms.

However, there are plenty of experts who feel that it is almost impossible to accurately diagnose ADHD in toddlers and even if a correct diagnosis can be made this early, prescription medications should not be given at this age.

The Problem With Diagnosing ADHD in Younger Children

One of the problems with diagnosing ADHD in younger children is that all the symptoms of ADHD are normal behaviors that are found to varying degrees in young children.

Since it is normal for individual children to develop at different ages when young, what may seem like over the top behaviors may simply be slower maturation and development for certain children.

While there is little doubt that ADHD symptoms do manifest themselves in chidren early there really is no way of knowing for sure if your child has ADHD or is simply being a toddler.

Therefore it is best, to deal with those symptoms of ADHD without medication until your child is old enough to be properly diagnosed. That doesn't mean that there aren't things you can do now to treat the possibility of ADHD, as there are some simple things that may help your child whether or not he or she has this condition.

Set Rules And Have Consequences For Not Following Them

Even very young children can understand simple basic rules such as not hitting siblings, picking up their toys (with help when very young) and following simple basic requests and commands.

Also, setting rules, following through on commands, and having apparent consequences for not obeying rules is just good parenting and provides the necessary structure for children whether they have ADHD or not.

Provide A Structured Environment

All toddlers respond better to a structured environment and children with ADHD need structure in order to function at their best. Sticking to set meal times, play times, and other activities will help children to feel more secure and less anxious.

Planning plenty of time to allow your toddler to expend all that energy will also help them to be calmer and more relaxed during other activities.

Make Simple Changes In Diet

Food sensitivities and undiagnosed allergies may well serve to make your child more hyperactive and less able to listen and follow directions.

You may want to make some changes in diet, serving foods that are organic and natural and eliminating processed foods in order to cut down on those chemical preservatives and synthetic colorings and flavorings that may well cause food sensitives in many children.

Adding a healthy dose of fish oil to your child's diet can also be a big help as children need omega-3 fatty acids for healthy brain function as well as overall good health. Try a lemonade flavored fish oil if your child has difficulty with regular fish oil tablets or capsules.

By providing a structured environment, clear rules, plenty of opportunity to exercise, and a healthy diet for your toddler you can manage those possible ADHD symptoms until your child is old enough to be accurately diagnosed.