Symptoms of ADHD
It's hard to know whether your child's over-activity and inattention are normal for his or her age, or if there is a problem that needs to be addressed. That's why a medical evaluation is imperative, especially because it can help rule out other possible explanations for your child's symptoms, such as a hearing problem.
Certain questions will be asked during the medical evaluation, such as, "Are these behaviours excessive, long-term, and do they occur more often than in other children the same age? Are they a continuous problem, not just a response to a temporary situation? Do the behaviours occur in several settings, or only in one specific place, like the playground or in the classroom?"
If you suspect ADHD, and notice the following patterns consistently, consider getting a medical evaluation:
- When your child's inattention or hyperactivity causes significant problems at home and at school, and is not due to a recent crisis or significant routine change
- When your child has a persistently high activity level that interferes with relationships or causes personal injury or injury to others
Three basic sub-types of ADHD
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three basic sub-types. Read this list to help explain your child's symptoms to your child's doctor:
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive type
Your child may fidget, talk excessively, run around at inappropriate times and frequently disrupt class. Perhaps school personnel or other adults - even peers - notice that your child "blurts out answers in class," "takes action before thinking" or makes rash decisions. These symptoms characterise a child who has difficulty with hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Predominantly Inattentive type
Your child is often observed as "not paying attention," "making careless mistakes," "not listening," "not finishing tasks" and "not following directions." Often, it appears as if your child is unusually or easily distracted.
Combined type
This sub-type applies when your child shows six (or more) symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity and six (or more) symptoms of inattentive type ADHD.
Remember, for an ADHD diagnosis, symptoms are persistent and present in a number of settings-at home, in school or during extracurricular activities.
If you are concerned your child may have ADHD, your next step is to schedule an evaluation by a doctor. If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, you and your doctor should work together to treat the condition, so the whole family can look forward to ADHD management success.