2025.03.04ブログ
小学校就学後に、ASDやADHDは邪魔になることが多い、神奈川県厚木市の児童精神科医が解説
小学校就学後に、ASDやADHDは邪魔になることが多い、神奈川県厚木市の児童精神科医が解説
こんにちは、神奈川県厚木市の児童精神科専門クリニック、きもとメンタルクリニックです。
今回は、小学校就学後に、ASDやADHDは邪魔になることが多い、について解説します。
ASDやADHDは就学前も多動がひどかったり、全体的に発達が遅れているなどがあれば、支障がでることがありますが、ADHDの不注意メイン、ASDのコミュニケーション障害がそれほどひどくない、程度ですと、就学後の集団行動ではじめて問題がでることがあります。
それも高学年になってから、というパターンも多いです。
しかしもしＡＤＨＤの不注意症状があり、学習に遅れが生じている場合、それをほかったまま高学年になってしまうと、そこからもし治療して不注意が改善したとしても、それまでに覚えなければいけなかったことを取り戻すにはかなりの時間がかかります。
またコミュニケーションの細かい失敗を続けていると、自己評価が下がってしまい、それを回復するにもかなりの時間を要します。
ですので、少しでも気になることがあれば、とにかく早く一回受診しておくことが重要です。
そうすれば実際に症状があるのか、あるとしたら治療は可能なのか、そのあたりをはっきりさせておけば、いざという時にすっと治療をスタートすることができます。
子どもが受診できない場合、保護者だけ来院されているケースも多いですので、何か気になることがあれば早めの受診をおすすめします。
ASD and ADHD Often Become More Problematic After Starting Elementary School
Today, I will explain why ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) often become more of an obstacle after children enter elementary school, and why early evaluation and intervention are crucial.
1. Why Do ASD and ADHD Symptoms Become More Noticeable After School Entry?
Many children with mild ASD or ADHD symptoms may not show significant problems before starting school. However, once they enter a structured classroom setting with group activities, social expectations and academic demands increase, making their difficulties more evident.
📌 Common scenarios where challenges emerge:
Mild ADHD (primarily inattentive type) → Struggles with concentration and following instructions, leading to learning delays.
Mild ASD (without severe communication difficulties) → Social misinterpretations, rigidity in routines, and difficulty adapting to group dynamics.
📌 Some children may not struggle immediately but start facing difficulties in later elementary school years (upper grades).
2. The Risks of Late Diagnosis & Intervention
If a child has inattention-related learning delays (ADHD) or difficulty with social interactions (ASD) but does not receive appropriate support early, the challenges compound over time.
① Learning Gaps Become Harder to Overcome
If an ADHD child falls behind in foundational academic skills (e.g., reading, writing, arithmetic), it becomes increasingly difficult to catch up later.
Even if ADHD symptoms improve with treatment later, the child may have already missed crucial learning opportunities, requiring extensive remedial efforts.
📌 “I finally started ADHD treatment, but now I have too much to catch up on!” → Avoiding this situation is key.
② Social Struggles Lower Self-Esteem
Repeated social failures (misunderstanding peers, inappropriate responses, or rigid behaviors) lead to negative feedback from classmates.
This can cause self-esteem to drop significantly, making it difficult for the child to develop healthy relationships later.
If a child repeatedly experiences peer rejection or bullying, it can lead to secondary emotional issues, such as anxiety or depression.
📌 “Why don’t people like me?” → Without guidance, social struggles can lead to long-term self-doubt.
3. The Importance of Early Consultation & Evaluation
✅ When should parents seek consultation?
If your child struggles to concentrate in class or follow multi-step instructions.
If they consistently fail to complete homework or forget assignments.
If they have trouble making or keeping friends, misinterpret social cues, or show excessive rigidity in thinking.
If teachers report concerns about their behavior or learning pace.
✅ Why consult early?
Even if no formal diagnosis is made, early assessment provides a baseline to track symptoms over time.
If intervention is needed, starting sooner reduces long-term academic and social struggles.
Even if the child refuses to visit a doctor, parents can consult first to receive guidance on handling potential challenges.
📌 “Knowing the situation early makes it easier to act when needed!”
4. What Happens During a Consultation?
✅ If ASD or ADHD is suspected, we assess:
✔ Attention span, impulsivity, and hyperactivity levels (for ADHD).
✔ Social skills, communication patterns, and flexibility (for ASD).
✔ Academic performance and learning challenges.
✔ Behavioral patterns at home and school.
✅ What interventions are available?
For ADHD: Behavioral therapy, classroom accommodations, or medication (if needed).
For ASD: Social skills training, structured routines, and communication strategies.
For both: Parent education, school collaboration, and tailored learning support.
5. Summary: Early Awareness & Intervention Are Key
✅ Mild ADHD and ASD symptoms often become more problematic after starting elementary school.
✅ Delays in addressing attention or social difficulties can lead to long-term academic gaps and self-esteem issues.
✅ Early consultation allows for timely intervention and support, even if a diagnosis is not immediately necessary.
✅ Parents can seek guidance even if the child is reluctant to visit the clinic.
📌 If you notice any concerns, consult early! It makes future decision-making and interventions much easier.
💡 Early awareness = Better support & a smoother school experience for your child!
✨ For consultations, contact Wako Clinic, Nagoya. ✨
