Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

While the manifestation of ADHD is behavioural in that children with ADHD exhibits symptoms of Inattention, Hyperactivity and Impulsivity, it is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions. According to the Academy of Pediatrics, 2001, up to 8 – 10% of school age children meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD.

Following are some indicators for you to look out for if you suspect your child may have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The list provided is by no means exhaustive.

Inattention

  • Difficulty paying attention to details and tendency to make careless mistakes in school or other activities; producing work that is often messy and careless
  • Easily distracted by irrelevant stimuli and frequently interrupting ongoing tasks to attend to trivial noises or events that are usually ignored by others
  • Inability to sustain attention on tasks or activities
  • Difficulty finishing schoolwork or paperwork or performing tasks that require concentration
  • Frequent shifts from one uncompleted activity to another
  • Procrastination
  • Disorganized work habits
  • Forgetfulness in daily activities (for example, missing appointments, forgetting to bring lunch)
  • Failure to complete tasks such as homework or chores
  • Frequent shifts in conversation, not listening to others, not keeping one’s mind on conversations, and not following details or rules of activities in social situations
  • Children with ADD / ADHD can pay attention when they’re doing things they enjoy or hearing about topics in which they’re interested. But when the task requires sustained mental effort, they will struggle.

Hyperactivity/Impulsivity

  • Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
  • Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.
  • Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).
  • Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.
  • Is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”.
  • Often talks excessively.
  • Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.
  • Often has trouble waiting one’s turn.
  • Often interrupts or intrudes on others (example: butts into conversations or games).