Should it be a warning sign when a three year old is asked what his name is, and he just copies the sounds that you just made?

[Ecuador]

I work at a daycare three days a week, and we just started one of our eight week sessions, two weeks ago. I have been working for ten years with children of all ages, and know that they develop at different stages. But at our daycare I have a child who exhibits behavior that reminds me of what I have read about ADHD and ADD. This child is unable to focus on one activity for more than five minutes, and sometimes much shorter. He will go to other children and take away what they are playing with, or knock down what they are building, not out of anger. When he first started comming in to our center, I asked him what his name was and his response was to immitate some of the sounds that I had made in asking him the question. He has been comming for two weeks and I have yet to hear him put together a two word sentence except in imitating what I say, not as actual words, but with sounds, and inflection. He seems to be a happy child, but has trouble with speech and attenion span.
Question: Are these issues warning signs for ADHD or ADD?

[specialmom]

With sensory integration disorder that has all of the behaviors you mentioned, a child can also have issues with speech.  Motor planning is part of the sensory system and if this is out of wack--- speech can be difficult.  To get the oral motor muscles to function just right to make the sounds as well as organizing the thoughts all takes good motor planning.  How are his fine motor skills (also affected by motor planning).  Knocking down some kids block tower (which all kids do----- it is like a beacon calling to them or something) or messing up what they are playing can seem like a mission with sensory and it can because of either motor planning (doesn't know how to jump in and play) or because of an inner urge to 'crash' or to get some strong input into the system.  

For focas problems with many kids and those kids who wander in a center not really participating-----  incorporating some physical activities is very helpful. Have him and the class march to the playground for example, have him and another boy do leapfrogs down the hall, have him carry a couple of books across the room.  My son has sensory and some of what you describe is similar to how he handled preschool at that age.  Doing these types of things had a great improvement on his being able to participate and stop wandering.  

I'm not an expert----  but am a mother that has seen awesome success in my kid.  I've tried to research everything I can on things that can help him and am always happy to share info if it might help another child have a better time of it.  I'm glad this little boy is happy and you sound like a great daycare provider for caring about him so!  good luck!

[allmymarbles]

As for the child not speaking, three of my 11 grandchildren did not speak until they were three (one was even slightly older). They have all developed normally and speak well. I have no explanation as to why they were late talking. As for his short attention span, it is best to wait and see how he develops. Give him a chance to settle down.

[Sandman2]

    I agree with DollyN.  while some of the things are typical of ADHD.  the verbal behavior is not.  Typically kids with ADHD will score highest on verbal tests.  There is definitely something else going on. I would concentrate on the nonverbal behaviors if you have any discussions with the parent as this is the most serious problem

[dollyn]

I wouldn't jump to the gun and say it is ADD or ADHD.  He may have a speech problem or a hearing problem.And I would ask his parent or parents if he talks at home or if he is different.

It doesn't always have to be add or adhd.Could be other things.