Understanding hyperactivity

Expert reviewed by Bob Cunningham, EdM
Quick tips for managing hyperactivity
- Quick tip 1Take a quick exercise break.Take a quick exercise break.
A short burst of activity can satisfy the need to move and help to refocus. Try running in place, jumping jacks, or stretching exercises. Or put on music and dance.
Lots of people are very active. But when it’s time to stop and settle down, they typically manage to put on the brakes.
But some people just can’t keep still. They’re forever fidgeting, playing with things, talking, or in the case of kids, running and shouting, even after they’re told to stop. They’re more than just active. Experts would describe them as hyperactive.
What is hyperactivity? Hyperactivity is constantly being active in ways that aren’t appropriate for the time or setting. It’s the constant part that makes the big difference. If it happened once or twice, nobody would think much of it.
What causes people to be hyperactive? The first thing to know is that hyperactivity isn’t caused by a lack of discipline or intelligence. Bad parenting doesn’t cause it, either.
Age is an important factor, especially with young kids. It takes time for them to develop the skills they need to keep their behavior in check. And kids don’t all develop at the same rate. One child might have good self-control at age 4 while it takes another until age 6.
But there comes a point where most kids in an age group have similar ability to manage their energy levels and act in an appropriate way. That’s when it becomes clearer that a child is hyperactive.
There can be different reasons for hyperactivity. But a main cause is ADHD, a common condition that results from differences in how the brain develops. For most people with ADHD, hyperactivity doesn’t last into adulthood. But some never lose that need to move.
Dive deeper
When ADHD is the cause of hyperactivity
Examples of hyperactive behavior
For parents and caregivers: What to do next
For educators: What to do next
For people with hyperactivity: What can help
About the author

About the author
The Understood Team is made up of passionate writers and editors. Many of them have kids who learn and think differently.
Reviewed by

Reviewed by
Bob Cunningham, EdM has been part of Understood since its founding. He’s also been the chief administrator for several independent schools and a school leader in general and special education.