Most children get wound up or hyper from time to time, but for some kids hyperactivity is a sign of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Kids with ADHD display patterns of hyperactive, impulsive and inattentive behavior. They often have difficulty functioning at school and in other structured settings. Between 3 percent and 5 percent of children in the United States have ADHD, and it is more common in boys than girls, according to the National Institutes of Health. There are three types of ADHD: impulsive/hyperactive, inattentive/distractible and combined. Most children have the combined type, according to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Hyperactivity
Children who cannot sit still, talk while other people are talking and walk, run or climb when other people are sitting are showing signs of hyperactivity and ADHD, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Noticeable behaviors include excessive talking, squirming while sitting, fidgeting with hands or feet while sitting and standing up while sitting is expected. Children who are hyperactive may also have trouble playing quietly and may seem to be moving constantly, running around and touching everything in sight. They may also have trouble playing with other children.
Impulsivity
Children with impulsive/hyperactive ADHD also display impulsive behavior in which they act without thinking. In school, they may blurt out answers to questions without being called on and may in general be impatient and have trouble waiting for their turn, according to the Ohio State University Extension. They also may frequently interrupt others and engage in risky and dangerous behavior without thinking about the risks or consequences of their actions.
Inattention
Inattention in ADHD is typically defined as children who are easily distracted or seem to be frequently daydreaming, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. They may be forgetful, frequently lose things, have trouble remembering details or often switch from one activity to another without finishing. They may seem as though they aren't listening and have difficulty following directions or quickly processing information. They also may be disorganized and have poor study or work skills for their age.
