Early Intervention for ADHD | Cadabam’s Child Development Center
When your three- or four-year-old is more active, impulsive, or distracted than peers, it’s natural to wonder whether the behaviour is “just a phase.” Research shows that early intervention for ADHD can change the trajectory of a child’s learning, friendships, and self-esteem—especially when support begins before formal schooling. At Cadabams CDC, we partner with parents across Bangalore to identify and treat ADHD in preschoolers using gentle, evidence-based methods that fit each child’s pace and family’s lifestyle.
Why Early Intervention for ADHD Matters
Understanding ADHD in Preschoolers and Toddlers
ADHD is not only a school-age condition; signs can appear as early as the toddler years. In very young children, ADHD looks like:
- Extreme difficulty staying seated during meals or story time
- Frequent climbing or running in unsafe situations
- Impatience waiting for a turn, leading to toy-grabbing or tantrums
- Short attention span for age-appropriate activities, even when the task is fun Because toddlers are naturally energetic, clinicians rely on patterns—behaviour that is more intense, frequent, or disruptive than expected for the child’s developmental stage.
Key Benefits of Early Diagnosis and Treatment
Starting support at ages 3–6 yields measurable advantages:
- Brain plasticity: Young brains adapt faster to structured routines and behavioural cues.
- School readiness: Children enter kindergarten with stronger self-regulation skills, reducing academic struggles.
- Family harmony: Parent training lowers household stress and improves sibling relationships.
- Long-term outcomes: Early care lessens the risk of secondary issues like anxiety, low self-esteem, or oppositional behaviour.
Is It Ever 'Too Early' to Diagnose ADHD?
Diagnosing ADHD in children under four is controversial, because many behaviours overlap with typical development. At Cadabams CDC, we do not rush labels. Instead, we:
- Use developmental screening tools designed for ages 3–6.
- Observe the child in clinic and home settings.
- Re-assess every six months to confirm patterns over time. A “watchful support” approach ensures we provide help without over-pathologising normal toddler energy.
Signs Your Child May Be At Risk for ADHD
Attention and Focus Red Flags
Watch for consistent patterns (six months or longer):
- Starts activities but quickly abandons them, even puzzles or games they chose
- Appears not to hear when spoken to directly
- Needs constant adult redirection to finish simple tasks like hand-washing
- Finds it unusually hard to follow two-step instructions (“Pick up the toy and put it in the box”)
Hyperactivity and Impulsivity Behaviours
These signs go beyond “busy”:
- Runs or climbs in situations where it’s inappropriate—stores, waiting rooms, religious services
- Talks excessively, interrupting others mid-sentence
- Blurts answers before questions are completed
- Struggles to wait in line for the slide or swings, leading to safety concerns
When to Seek a Professional Evaluation
Consider booking an appointment at Cadabams CDC if:
- Teachers or daycare staff voice concerns across multiple settings
- You avoid public outings due to your child’s behaviour
- Sleep, appetite, or parent-child bonding is suffering
- Strategies like visual schedules or calm-down corners are no longer effective
Evidence-Based Early Intervention Approaches
Behavioral Parent Training (BPT)
BPT is the gold standard for preschool ADHD. Over 8–12 sessions, parents learn:
- How to give clear, concise instructions
- When to use positive reinforcement versus gentle correction
- Ways to create predictable routines that reduce overstimulation Sessions are short (30–45 minutes) and include video modelling and role-play so parents leave with ready-to-use scripts.
School-Based Interventions for Preschoolers
We collaborate with Bangalore preschools to introduce:
- Environmental tweaks: Quieter corners for circle time, visual countdown clocks
- Social stories: Short picture books that preview transitions (“First we sing, then we wash hands”)
- Peer buddies: Pairing your child with a calm classmate during free play These low-disruption strategies help teachers manage the whole classroom while supporting your child.
Play Therapy & Social Skills Coaching
For children who struggle with impulse control, we offer:
- Child-led play therapy: Builds frustration tolerance through structured games
- Social skills groups: 3–4 children practise turn-taking and cooperative play under clinician guidance
- Emotion-coaching scripts: Simple phrases parents can use at home (“I see you’re upset—let’s squeeze this ball together”)
Medication Considerations for Young Children
Medication is rarely the first line for preschool ADHD, but it may be discussed when:
- Behavioural strategies have been fully tried for at least three months
- Safety risks (e.g., running into traffic) remain high
- Comorbid conditions such as severe sleep disruption are present All medication decisions are made jointly with parents and your paediatrician, starting with the lowest possible dose.
How Cadabam’s Child Development Center Can Help
Comprehensive ADHD Screening for Ages 3-6
Our multi-disciplinary team conducts:
- Parent interview: 45-minute structured questionnaire covering behaviour across settings
- Play-based observation: 30-minute clinic session with toys and tasks designed to measure attention span
- Teacher/day-care feedback forms: Quick checklists to confirm patterns outside the home Results are shared within a week, and we never proceed without parental consent.
Individualized Early Intervention Plans
Each plan blends at-home, school, and clinic strategies:
- Weekly parent coaching via secure video or in-person sessions
- Monthly classroom observation and teacher feedback
- Optional play therapy for the child every fortnight Goals are broken into 6-week sprints, making progress easy to track.
Ongoing Progress Monitoring & Family Support
We stay with you beyond the first few months:
- Quarterly review meetings: Adjust goals as your child grows
- Parent support circles: Small groups where caregivers share tips and reduce isolation
- 24-hour parent helpline: Speak to a clinician when meltdowns strike at 7 p.m.
What to Expect During the Early Intervention Process
Step-by-Step Evaluation Timeline
- Initial call (Day 0): Brief phone screen to confirm appropriateness
- Intake appointment (Day 3–5): Parent interview and consent
- Child observation (Day 7–10): Play-based assessment
- Feedback session (Day 14): Receive diagnosis or watchful waiting plan
- Intervention start (Day 21): Begin parent training or therapy sessions
Role of Parents and Caregivers
Parents are co-therapists. You will:
- Practise new skills daily—most take less than 5 minutes each
- Keep a simple behaviour log (we provide templates)
- Attend at least 80 % of sessions so progress is consistent
Collaborating with Preschools & Pediatricians
We send concise one-page summaries (with your permission) that include:
- Classroom strategies teachers can try immediately
- Medication updates, if any
- Next review date so everyone stays aligned