Warning Signs of ADHD
A student may have ADHD if they frequently display many of these symptoms, their behavior is age and situation-inappropriate and it is interfering with the child’s ability to be successful in school.
Physical Activity
Either:
- Can’t sit still, feels restless
- Has boundless energy
- Always fidgeting, restless feet, etc.
Or:
- Couch potato, lethargic, slow, spacey
- Physically there, mentally not present
Frequent Mood Swings
- Feels emotions intensely
- Higher highs and lower lows
- Low tolerance for frustration
- May have a short fuse
Attention
- Trouble deciding what to pay attention to/ what’s most important
- Trouble getting started on a task- often feels overwhelmed
- Trouble staying focused on repetitive tasks until the task is complete
- Can’t do homework independently (parents need to oversee it if it is going to get done)
- Trouble shifting attention to a new task (needs more preparation for schedule changes or ending an activity)
Highly Distractible
- Distracted by any change in environment- any noise, movement, or smell
- Can be distracted by their own thoughts- daydreamer
- Can’t stay focused for long except for screen-based games and TV or a new or scary activity.
- Focuses on activities that are highly interesting but unable to focus on activities that are difficult or boring.
- May hyper-focus on a hobby
- Starts many projects but rarely finishes them
Impulsive
- Can’t wait to be called on-blurts out answers in class
- Extremely impatient-difficult to wait for their turn
- Often acts before thinking and doesn’t seem to learn from mistakes
Difficulty with follow-through
- Forgets multi-step oral directions (parents may need to give directions one step at a time.)
- Has trouble staying on task
- Challenge with procrastination
No Tolerance for Boredom
- May start arguments if things are too calm
Time Management
- Always rushing; can’t slow down
- Makes careless mistakes-hates to double-check
- Doesn’t use class time well-feels rushed by teachers and parents
- Puts most things off until the last minute
Odd Sleep Cycles
- Night owl, hates to go to bed
- Difficult to wake up in the morning
- May be a restless sleeper
- Bedwetting or sleepwalking
Inconsistent Performance
- Good days and bad days- some days they can do the schoolwork, other days they can’t
Disorganized
- Messy room, desk, backpack
- Constantly loses or misplaces things
Other symptoms
- Chatterbox; talks excessively- interrupts conversations frequently
- Strong sense of justice; bossy
- Terrible penmanship
- Trouble remembering/following through with daily routines
- Relatives with ADHD