ADHD Symptoms in Children

Does Your Child Have ADD OR ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that affects behavior. A recent national study reported by the CDC found that 11% of school aged children are now being diagnosed with ADHD. Three main symptoms that define ADHD including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. To have a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must be severe enough to affect the child’s behavior in social situations and at school. If you are a parent then the school may have brought some of these symptoms to your attention.

There are some things mental health professionals look for when we are determining whether a child has ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), sometimes referred to as ADD. Three primary characteristics of ADHD are hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. In order for a professional to make a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms the child presents with need to be inappropriate for the child’s age and also have a negative impact on the child’s ability to function on a daily basis.

Different Types of ADHD

Children with ADD or ADHD may appear to be one of these types:

• Inattentive, but not necessarily hyperactive or impulsive
• Impulsive and hyperactive, but is able to pay attention
• Inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive (the most common form of ADD or ADHD)

Not All Children Have Hyperactivity

Children who only have inattentive symptoms of ADD/ADHD are often overlooked in school or other settings, because they are not typically disruptive. But oftentimes, parents and teachers notice the symptoms of inattention when the child is struggling because they don’t follow directions; do not turn in homework, get bad grades in school, or have difficulty with other kids over not playing by the rules.

Attention Deficit is a Misnomer

When many people think of attention deficit disorder, they picture an out-of-control kid in constant motion, bouncing off the walls and disrupting everyone around. But this is not the only possible picture. Some kids with ADHD can concentrate for long periods of time if interested in an activity.

Some children with ADD or ADHD are hyperactive, while others sit quietly—often labelled daydreamers, with their attention somewhere else. Some put too much focus on a task and have trouble changing gears to focus on something else. Others are only mildly inattentive, but overly impulsive.

ADHD Symptoms in Children may include:

• Excessively talkative
• Frequently fails to finish schoolwork, chores or other tasks
• Often has trouble waiting for his or her turn
• Easily distracted
• Difficulty staying seated and seems to be constantly in motion
• Difficulty paying attention
• Frequently daydreaming
• Oftentimes forgetful and loses needed items, such as toys, pencils, books
• Frequently squirms and fidgets
• Difficult time following through on instructions and appears to be not listening
• Frequently has problems organizing activities or tasks
• Frequently intrudes or interrupts others’ conversations or games

Because of the importance of this diagnosis it is essential that ADHD be diagnosed by a specialist. There are a number of tests for ADHD that can determine whether it is ADD/ADHD or another issue that might be causing symptoms of ADHD in children. Before medication is considered we recommend you consider all your options due to the risks involved.

Check out a more detailed list of symptoms of ADHD in Kids.

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