Symtoms of ADHD in children and teens (5-17):
SYMPTOMS of INATTENTION
- Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli ( sounds, objects, interruptions)
- Difficulty paying attentnion to tasks at home and school
- Difficulty following directions
- Frequently loses things
- Has much trouble paying attention to detail
- Does not seem to listen when being spoken to directly
- Forgetful in daily activities
- Has much trouble finishing school work or chores at home
- Has difficulty sustaining attention if the task is not interesting
- Grades are up and down
- Seems to be performing below his or her potential
SYMPTOMS of HYPERACTIVITY
- Fidgets with hands or feet; squirms in seat
- Runs rather than walks; climbs excessively in situations where it is inappropriate
- Appears to be “on the go” all the time
SYMPTOMS of IMPULSIVITY
- Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
- Has a hard time waiting for his or her turn
- Interrupts others (butts into conversations)
- Is defiant at school and/or home
A child or teen does NOT have to have all of these symptoms to have ADHD. Some children/teens have what was formerly known as ADD. Now it is called ADHD without hyperactivity; therefore, they may not exhibit any of the symptoms of hyperactivity.