ADHD Symptoms In Children
When asked to depict a child with ADHD, many people would portray a little boy who jumps on things, is impatient and doesn’t do what he is told.
Others would portray a little girl with lots of friends, who endeavors to get good grades.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) signs in a child fall into two groups.
1. Inattentive Symptoms
This means that a child:
- Avoids tasks that require a lot of mental effort like schoolwork or homework
- Doesn’t seem to listen when addressed
- Has trouble getting things in order or doing things on time
- Often loses things like schoolwork, pencils, books, wallets, keys or mobile phones.
- Doesn’t pay close attention to details and makes ‘careless’ mistakes
- Has difficulty following instructions and finishing tasks like homework or chores
- Has difficulty keeping attention on things and is easily distracted
- Is often distracted by little things
- Has trouble remembering everyday things
ADHD Symptoms In Children Cont’d
2. Hyperactive and impulsive symptoms
This means that a child:
- Fidgets a lot and can’t sit still
- Runs around and climbs on things in inappropriate situations
- Is on the go all the time
- Finds it hard to play or take part in activities quietly
- Talks a lot
- Has difficulty staying seated at school or the dinner table
- Is impatient and doesn’t wait for a turn
- Blurts out answers before questions are finished
- Interrupts other people’s conversations or games or uses things without asking.
If you recognize the signs of ADHD in your child and the symptoms persistently disrupt life for at least 6 months, he or she may be dealing with ADHD.
Contact your medical health-care professional for a diagnosis.
