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