At times, a child may seem to be overactive or easily distracted. It is natural for toddlers around age 2 or 3 to be impulsive and active. They often have a short attention span.
Hyperactive children are more active, distractible, and high strung than their peers.
Their behavior is never calm, nor does it improve as they get older. Hyperactivity is a pattern of behavior that affects about 1 in 20 children under age 12. Boys are affected 4 to 7 times more often than girls. Its cause is unknown. The American Academy of Pediatrics identifies key signs of hyperactivity.