Understanding ADHD Symptoms

If your child or teenager has ADHD, here are the signs you’ll likely notice. They’re split into two main categories:

“Inattention”:

1. Doesn’t pay close attention to details
2. Makes simple mistakes through lack of care
3. Struggles to stay focused on tasks or activities
4. Doesn’t seem to be listening properly
5. Doesn’t always follow instructions
6. Struggles to finish tasks, like homework or chores
7. Finds it hard to organise their activities
8. Tries to avoid tasks that need a lot of focus, like reading a book
9. Often loses things they need for tasks or activities, like pencils or textbooks
10. Gets easily distracted by things around them
11. Often forgets things

“Hyperactivity-Impulsivity”:

1. Fiddles with hands or feet or wriggles in their chair
2. Leaves their seat when they’re expected to stay put
3. Runs around or climbs things when it’s not appropriate
4. Struggles to play or do activities quietly
5. Always seems to be “on the go” or “fueled by an engine.”
6. Talks more than are typical
7. Calls out answers before a question is finished
8. Struggles with waiting their turn
9. Interrupts or intrudes on other people’s activities

Remember, these are just potential signs of ADHD. If you’re seeing a number of these in your child, it might be worth having a chat with a healthcare professional.