ADHD commonly impacts children at school and learning.
There is no single test to diagnose ADHD, and there are many other problems, like sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and certain types of learning disabilities, can have similar symptoms. It is therefore important to check if there are any other conditions that may be displaying similar symptoms.
It is also important to take your child's developmental age into consideration.
What does ADHD Look Like? There are different types of ADHD, inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Inattention:
Six or more symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months, and they are inappropriate for developmental level. Here are some of the symptoms according to the DSM-5 Assessment Criteria:
- The child will often fail to give close attention to details or make careless mistakes in schoolwork.
- They often have trouble holding attention on tasks or play activities.
- Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
- Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish things and gets side tracked.
- Often has trouble organising tasks and activities.
- Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time.
- Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (e.g. school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones).
- Is often easily distracted and is often forgetful in daily activities.
Hyperactivity and Impulsivity:
- Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet.
- Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.
- Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may be limited to feeling restless).
- Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly.
- Is often “on the go” acting as if “driven by a motor”.
- Often talks excessively.
- Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed.
- Often has trouble waiting their turn.
- Often interrupts or intrudes on others.