Signs That Your Child Has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex mental health disorder that can affect a child’s success in school and with interpersonal relationships. The symptoms of ADHD vary and are sometimes difficult to recognize. Here are eight common signs that may indicate ADHD.

Extreme Unruly Behaviour

Little kids are an active and unruly bunch. So how can you tell if one has ADHD? Usually, their unruly behavior is extreme. These kids are “running, jumping, climbing on everything, they can’t sit still, they talk all the time,” says Steven Cuffe, MD, of the University of Florida Health, Jacksonville. “They’re often described as ‘on the go’ or ‘driven by a motor.'”

Me, Me, Me
A common sign of ADHD is an inability to recognize other people’s needs and desires. A child with ADHD may interrupt other people when they’re talking. They may have trouble waiting their turn for classroom activities or when playing games with other children.

Emotional Turmoil
A child with ADHD may have difficulty keeping emotions — both good and bad — in check. They may have outbursts of anger at inappropriate times or temper tantrums (in younger children).

Fidget and Squirm
Children with ADHD often can’t sit still. They may try to get up and run around or fidget or squirm in their chair when forced to sit.

Unfinished Tasks
A child with ADHD may show interest in lots of different things, but may have problems seeing them through to the end. For example, they may start projects, chores, or homework but leave, but move on to the next thing that catches their interest before finishing.

Lack of Concentration
A child with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, even when being spoken to directly. They’ll say they heard you, but won’t be able to repeat back to you what you just said. But some kids with ADHD can focus on things they are interested in, like certain toys or video games.

Careless Mistakes
It’s important to remember that children with ADHD aren’t lazy or less intelligent than other children. They just have difficulty following instructions that require planning or executing a plan. This can then lead to careless mistakes.

Day Dreamer
Children with ADHD are typically portrayed as rambunctious and loud, but that’s not always the case. Another possible sign of ADHD is being quieter and less involved than the other kids. A child with ADHD may stare into space, daydreaming, and ignore what’s going on around them.

What Next?
It’s important to remember that all children are going to exhibit some of these behaviors some of the time. Kids will be kids, after all. But if your child regularly displays signs of ADHD — and if this behavior is affecting their success in school and leading to negative interaction with peers — you should start thinking about the next step.

Culled from Healthline