accident prone

[Grandma01]

I was wondering if kids with ADHD are accident prone. Yesterday my grandson had an accident in gym. He got a gash just under his chin that required 5 stitches. This is the first accident that required stitches, others included scrapping his leg up on the side learning to skateboard, and cutting his hand when playing with his pogo stick. It seems as though he's always had trouble with balance it seems he takes a fall nearly everyday.

[andileemh]

I don't know about officially, but it does hold true for my son. We joke about needing to do a monthly concussion check on him, but unfortunately it's not that much of joke. He's just so active and impulsive with very little body control and consequently he runs into things quite often.

[MashiSashi in reply to andileemh]

Yes I've heard this at least with children who are sensory seeking. My toddler, for example, will never ever be on two feet even when she's calmly listening. She leans on things, falls out of chairs, runs or walks into things, refuses to use stairs appropriately despite continues accidents. She is strong and is a great climber and doesn't have any tone issues. Have you tried addressing this with him?

[Cleethon]

I attended a parenting class (for ADHD) this past summer and children with ADHD have a higher risk of being in a motor vehicle accident than other teens without ADHD and I would think that would translate into them being more accident prone in general.

[lori908]

Yes, I think so. My now 11 year old son has been accident prone since he was in Kindergarten. Without his ADHD medication he doesnt seem to focus on where he is going and needs some additional direction. He doesnt watch where he is going and has also walked into a glass door! Not sure why the brain doesnt connect with the limbs, but I really think they are just going and going and going and so ramped up that they don't have have an extra second to pay attention .

[aaudrab]

My experience has been yes! Absolutely more accident prone!!!! My 14 year old, broke his big toe getting out of the pool in Gym class this year. Two years ago, he bumped into another student in the hall way and fell and broke is hand. Few years ago- he cut his chin open at the grocery store chasing after a ball he was bouncing on the floor. This article from ADDitude Magazine, is very insightful.

additudemag.com/protecting-...

Some, but not all of the culprits: "Impulsivity, hyperactivity, a low tolerance to frustration and an overestimation of abilities, are some characteristics of ADHD that make the affected child more vulnerable to injuries."

[Grandma01 in reply to aaudrab]

I read the article. I will have to keep that in mind because I'm thinking he's going to grow out this but at 6 he's just growing into it. I can't and don't think I want to go through his teen years. I have a feeling I've had a preview of future and I'm doing everything in my power to keep it from happening

Thanks.

[pwb78]

I don't think it's so much a balance issue as an impulsivity issue and the need to be in motion. That seems to be two key behaviors that get kids with ADHD into some scrapes.

[Grandma01]

Love you all for your great feedback. It seems as thought we have made a trip to ER at least once r twice in a year. The first one I can remember clear was when he was about two or three and he super glued his eye shut.

[22789]

My son is not accident prone because he is very physically cautious due to anxiety. I have read many articles stating that risky behavior leading to more accidents is common with ADHD.