SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ADHD
At present, ADHD is a diagnosis applied to children and adults who consistently display certain characteristic behaviors over a long period of time. The most common behaviors fall into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Inattention
- hard time keeping their mind on any one thing
- may get bored with a task after only a few minutes
- may give effortless, automatic attention to activities and things they enjoy
- may focus deliberate, conscious attention to organizing and completing a task
- learning something new is difficult.
Hyperactivity
- always seem to be in motion -they can't sit still
- may dash around or talk incessantly
- sitting still through a lesson can be an impossible task
- squirm in their seat or roam around the room
- might wiggle their feet, touch everything, or noisily tap their pencil
- may feel intensely restless
- may be fidgety
- may try to do several things at once, bouncing around from one activity to the next.
Impulsivity
- seem unable to curb their immediate reactions or think before they act
- may blurt out inappropriate comments
- may run into the street without looking
- hard for them to wait for things they want or to take their turn
- may grab a toy from another child or hit when they are upset.
DSM Patterns of Behavior
Not everyone who is overly hyperactive, inattentive, or impulsive has an attention disorder. According to the DSM, there are three patterns of behavior that indicate ADHD. People with ADHD may show several signs of being consistently inattentive. They may have a pattern of being hyperactive and impulsive. Or they may show all three types of behavior.
According to the DSM, signs of inattention include:
- becoming easily distracted by irrelevant sights and sounds
- failing to pay attention to details and making careless mistakes
- rarely following instructions carefully and completely
- losing or forgetting things like toys, or pencils, books, and tools needed for a task
Some signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity are:
- feeling restless, often fidgeting with hands or feet, or squirming
- running, climbing, or leaving a seat, in situations where sitting or quiet behavior is expected
- blurting out answers before hearing the whole question
- having difficulty waiting in line or for a turn
The DSM contains very specific guidelines for determining the presence of ADHD. It is highly recommended that you consult a specialist, usually a psychologist or psychiatrist in diagnosing ADHD.
Disclaimer
These checklists are not intended to substitute for a professional opinion. If you have concerns, please have your child seen by an appropriate specialist.