Symptoms of ADHD in Children

You will find that children with ADHD to be• Trouble playing quietly
inattentive, hyperactive and/or impulsive in very• Being squirmy or fidgety
distinct ways. It can be shown by one of these• Has a hard time waiting
signs or a mixture of all three. Symptoms must• Talks a lot
be shown for at least 6 months for a child to be• Has a hard time staying seated
diagnosed. The child with inattentive ADHD will• Interrupts frequently when people are talking.
show at least 6 out of 9 symptoms. These• In constant motions
symptoms are:• Blurts things out frequently
• Getting distracted easily. The smallest thing• Climbs and/or runs inappropriately
may take the child's mind off of what he or sheWe have to remember that in some cases these
was doing.behaviors are not at all related to ADHD.
• Having a hard time following directions.Sometimes children go through things in life or
• Loosing things that are importantmay have a different disorder that may cause
• Having a hard time planning aheadthem to show these behaviors. Some examples
• Forgetting thingsare anxiety, depression or deep sadness, or
• Having a hard time focusing and payingmaybe even an abrupt change in their life. In
attention.these cases the symptoms may look as though
• Appears not to listenthey are related to ADHD but are not.
• Being disorganizedIt is important to examine all avenues. If you are
• Doesn't focus closely on detailquestioning your child's behavior and you believe it
The child with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD willis related to ADHD, you should speak with your
have at least 6 out of 9 symptoms. Thesechild's doctor and seek appropriate help.
symptoms are: