ADHD Symptoms

The ADHD symptoms fall into three main areas:

• Hyperactivity
• Impulsivity
• Inattention

To get a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms must:

• Have been present for at least six months
• Be greater than expected for the child's age and intelligence (i.e. more than just being a busy toddler)
• Have a negative impact (or cause 'impairment') in at least two settings, for example at home, work, school. Sometimes parents don't feel there's a problem at home – either because they don't have other children to compare the ADHD child to, or because they've adjusted to their child's behavior and are handling it well
• Have developed before the age of seven

    Not be caused by another condition, such as a mood, anxiety, personality or autistic spectrum disorder that could cause the same symptoms.

Inattentive signs and ADHD symptoms :

It isn’t that children with ADD/ADHD can’t pay attention: when they’re doing things they enjoy or hearing about topics in which they’re interested, they have no trouble focusing and staying on task. But when the task is repetitive or boring, they quickly tune out.

Staying on track is another common problem. Children with ADD/ADHD often bounce from task to task without completing any of them, or skip necessary steps in procedures. Organizing their schoolwork and their time is harder for them than it is for most children.

Kids with ADD/ADHD also have trouble concentrating if there are things going on around them; they usually need a calm, quiet environment in order to stay focused.

Signs and symptoms of inattention may include:

• Often fails to pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities
• Often has trouble sustaining attention during tasks or play
• Seems not to listen even when spoken to directly
• Has difficulty following through on instructions and often fails to finish schoolwork, chores or other tasks
• Often has problems organizing tasks or activities
• Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as schoolwork or homework
• Frequently loses needed items, such as books, pencils, toys or tools
• Can be easily distracted
• Often forgetful