My seven-year old is tall, lean, looking and speaking like someone who is a few years her senior. This means people (even those that know her actual age) often have higher expectations of her than they would if she looked and spoke her own age — in terms of ability to sit still, and to move with awareness and grace.
In reality, this is probably one of those areas where she may be a little "behind the curve." I think if she had to be in a "regular" classroom, I'd be getting suggestions to have her evaluated for ADHD. She is constantly on the move, wiggles like crazy, and flits from one location to another (unless she is reading great fantasy fiction or historical fiction or non-fiction). She even moves a lot in her sleep!
Her ability to focus on many things at once (even her reading) is amazing, but her inability to zero in and focus on one specific thing as directed is questionable. Her need to be on the move is also often more pronounced the later into the day it has gotten so things like award dinners etc. are troublesome (I call it shark mode — you know, just keep moving and you won't succumb to sleep).
Of course we are working on awareness of her movements relative to the movements (or location) of others around her, she does attend classes where she works cooperatively and is expected to sit for short stints of time and there is a lot of "stillness" required at the theater where we work — so she does get practice — it is not as though I'm making excuses.
However, today she broke some glass decorations because she was flitting about through the house. Two days ago (it was late at night), while we gathered for hot cocoa after caroling, she decided it would be fun to crawl around under the table while the adults chit-chatted, and yesterday at her Tae Kwon Do end-of-year awards and honors ceremony, she thought it would be fun to run around while food was being served.
I feel I am constantly reminding her what type of movement is appropriate where and when. To others, she often looks like the oldest member of the "running around group" and is sometimes reprimanded more harshly as though she should know better. Since she is particularly sensitve as well, she has noticed this added harshness and that while other kids her age (and sometimes even older) are given a little bit more of a "pass." I am convinced the difference is because she looks so much older than she actually is. Unless she is crazy tired (which I do my best to avoid), she is rarely the only child needing reminders. If anyone had hints or suggestions to make reminders be required a little less often- especially in large group situations—, I'd be much appreciative.
ADHD
but like the hollywood/media representation. I have a friend that is has been a drummer his entire life, I met him when we were both 7, he constantly taps, bounces his knees and legs and what not, everyone has their thing, not everything isADHD
. I have kids in my cub scout troop, that have realADHD
and that are autistic, this doesn't sound anything like their behavior.