Symptoms of ADHD are divided into two main categories: Inattention and Hyperactivity/Impulsivity. A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the number, persistence, and history of ADHD behaviors, and the degree to which they impede a child’s performance in more than one setting.
Inattention
A child may be exhibiting symptoms of Inattention if he or she often:
- ignores details; makes careless mistakes
- has trouble sustaining attention in work or play
- does not seem to listen when directly addressed
- does not follow through on instructions; fails to finish
- has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
- avoids activities that require a sustained mental effort
- loses things he or she needs
- gets distracted by extraneous noise and activities
- is forgetful in daily activities
Because all children behave in these ways at times, only a professional can diagnose a child with ADHD.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity
A child may be exhibiting symptoms of Hyperactivity if he or she often:
- fidgets or squirms
- has to get up from seat
- runs or climbs when he or she shouldn’t
- has difficulty with quiet leisure activities
- is on the go, as if driven by a motor
- talks excessively
Impulsivity
A child may be exhibiting symptoms of Impulsivity if he or she often:
- blurts out answers before questions have been completed
- has difficulty waiting his or her turn
- interrupts or intrudes on others
Because all children behave in these ways at times, only a professional can diagnose a child with ADHD.
