If you are wondering if your child may have ADHD, there are three different areas that should be evaluated:

  1. Inattention
  2. Hyperactivity
  3. Impulsivity

Children may show signs of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity, or any combination of the three. Some symptoms may not be present until your child faces the challenges presented in elementary school. Others may be apparent from an early age, and they never seem to “outgrow” those habits. Your family doctor or school psychologist can help you determine if your child may have ADHD and help get an official diagnosis. Here are a list of symptoms that are commonly present in children with ADHD.

Inattention

Inattention can be more subtle and difficult to detect. These children are often overlooked because they are not disruptive, but at the same time, they never seem to reach their potential.

  • Often makes careless mistakes on school work
  • Does not pay attention to detail; work is often messy
  • Easily distracted and diverts attention to noises and events that others would ignore
  • Has difficulty staying focused on a task to completion (schoolwork or recreational activities)
  • Frequently switches between activities without finishing any of them
  • Disorganized
  • Forgetful (often forgets daily tasks such as homework, bringing papers home, chores, etc.)
  • Has difficulty holding a conversation (often switches subjects or leaves conversation before it is finished)
  • Procrastinates
  • Seems to not listen
  • Has difficulty following directions with several steps
  • Loses things needed at home and school (toys, books, pencils, tools, etc.)
  • Has a hard time completing activities that require planning ahead
  • Complains about activities that require mental concentration, such as homework or schoolwork


Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity is often the most common sign of ADHD. While children being active is completely normal, children with ADHD exceed those levels consistently.

  • Has difficulty sitting still; is fidgety or squirmy
  • Runs or climbs excessively during inappropriate times (appears as restlessness in teenagers)
  • Avoids quiet/leisurely activities
  • Constantly moving and on the go
  • Has difficulty staying seated; needs to walk around frequently
  • Talks excessively

Impulsivity

Impulsive actions affect the child’s self control. They often appear rude, abrupt, or needy by others around them.

  • Has difficulty waiting their turn
  • Often interrupts conversations, activities, etc.
  • Often blurts out answers before questions are completed
  • Starts conversations at inappropriate times
  • Often impatient
  • Has difficulty controlling strong emotions (tantrums, angry shouts, etc.)