ADHD: Signs and Symptoms


Table of Contents

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopment  disorders. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and can persist into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (e.g., may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active.

Signs and Symptoms

It is common for children with ADHD to experience difficulty focusing and behaving at one time or another. However, children with ADHD do not just grow out of these behaviors. The symptoms continue persist and often cause difficulty at school, at home, or with friends.

A child with ADHD might:

  • daydream a lot
  • often forget or lose things
  • squirm or fidget
  • talk excessively and at inappropriate times
  • make careless mistakes or take unnecessary risks
  • have a hard time resisting temptation
  • have trouble taking turns
  • have difficulty getting along with others

Types

There are three different types of ADHD, depending on which types of symptoms are most prominent:

  • Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: It is hard for the individual to organize or finish a task, to pay attention to details, or to follow instructions or conversations. The individual is easily distracted or forgets details of daily routines.
  • Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Presentation: The individual fidgets and talks a lot. It is hard to sit still for long (e.g., for a meal or while doing homework). Younger children may run, jump or climb constantly. The individual feels restless and has trouble with impulsivity. An individual who is impulsive may interrupt others a lot, grab things from people, or speak at inappropriate times. It is hard for the individual to wait their turn or listen to directions. An individual with impulsiveness may have more accidents and injuries than others.
  • Combined Presentation: Symptoms of the above two types are equally present in the individual.

Because symptoms can change over time, the presentation may change over time as well. If you have concerns or questions about your child’s attention difficulties (ADHD) please call our office at (503) 352-0240.

 

Yours in Health,

New Horizons Wellness Services
13333 SW 68th Pkwy,
Tigard, OR 97223

- https://g.page/newhws

New Horizons Wellness Services provides a true multidisciplinary approach to mental & physical health treatments for children, adults and families.