ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

It is a chronic condition that affects millions of children (often following them into adulthood) and includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.

Children with ADHD may also struggle with low self-esteem, troubled relationships and poor performance in school. Symptoms sometimes lessen with age but not always. That said, individuals can learn effective strategies to be successful.

Symptoms of ADHD

The primary features include inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. These symptoms typically start before age 12, and in some children, they are noticeable as early as 3 years of age. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe.

ADHD occurs more often in males than in females and behaviors themselves can manifest differently in boys and girls. For example, boys may be more hyperactive and girls may tend to be quietly inattentive.

ADHD Subtypes

• Inattention (symptoms may include):
  • Fail to pay close attention to details or make careless mistakes in schoolwork
  • Have trouble staying focused in tasks or play
  • Appear not to listen, even when spoken to directly
  • Have difficulty following through on instructions and fail to finish schoolwork or chores
  • Have trouble organizing tasks and activities
  • Avoid or dislike tasks that require focused mental effort, such as homework
  • Lose items needed for tasks or activities, for example, toys, school assignments, pencils
  • Be easily distracted
  • Forget to do some daily activities, such as forgetting to do chores

• Hyperactive and impulsive (symptoms may include):
  • Fidget with or tap his or her hands or feet, or squirm in the seat
  • Have difficulty staying seated in the classroom or in other situations
  • Be on the go, in constant motion
  • Run around or climb in situations when it’s not appropriate
  • Have trouble playing or doing an activity quietly
  • Talk too much
  • Blurt out answers, interrupting the questioner
  • Have difficulty waiting for his or her turn
  • Interrupt or intrude on others’ conversations, games or activities

Next Steps

Before you are overwhelmed, know that we can help. Not every child who is inattentive, hyperactive or impulsive has ADHD. And, if your child is diagnosed with ADHD, then know there are solutions to make moving forward easier.