What Should You Be Looking For?
The symptoms of ADHD in children usually appear early in life, often between the ages of 3 and 6. They can create problems for a child at school, at home, and in their social life. ADHD symptoms fall into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Of course, all children show these symptoms sometimes. But they are usually more severe and happen more often in children with ADHD.
Children who are inattentive may:
- Miss details, forget things, and frequently switch from one activity to another
- Have difficulty focusing, organizing, or completing tasks
- Lose interest after only a few minutes unless they are doing something they enjoy
- Have trouble with homework assignments
- Lose things (eg, pencils, toys, assignments)
- Seem to not listen when spoken to
- Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly
- Have difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others do
- Struggle to follow instructions
Children who are hyperactive may:
- Fidget and squirm in their seats
- Talk nonstop
- Run around, touching or playing with anything and everything in sight
- Have trouble sitting still during dinner, school, and story time
- Struggle doing quiet tasks or activities
Children who are impulsive may:
- Be very impatient
- Blurt out inappropriate comments
- Show their emotions without restraint
- Act without regard for consequences
- Interrupt conversations or others' activities
Any of these actions may occur occasionally in any child. However, just because your child may show ADHD symptoms frequently doesn't mean they have it. Other conditions such as anxiety, depression, and certain learning disabilities have similar symptoms. Only a doctor can make an ADHD or other diagnosis.