Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder commonly diagnosed in childhood where individuals demonstrate difficulties with sustaining attention, and controlling hyperactive/impulsive behavior. While some of the symptoms present in children with ADHD can occur in children without the disorder, the combination of symptoms, their severity, and the impact on the child's functioning mark the difference between the two groups. Additionally, children with ADHD demonstrate difficulties in at least two settings, often school and home, whereas other children may have some symptoms but only in one setting.
Attention and Focus
Children with ADHD, particularly those with the predominantly inattentive type, may struggle to pay attention and remain focused. According to Robert Weis, author of "Introduction to Child and Adolescent Psychology," children with attention difficulties and no hyperactive or impulsive behavior may have a "sluggish cognitive tempo." This describes children who appear sleepy, disoriented, unresponsive, forgetful, and disengaged. These children may be overlooked because their behavior is not problematic; however, they are not paying attention or able to focus on any tasks.
Organization and Distractibility
The more commonly recognized symptoms of inattention are children who are easily distracted, unable to focus on a task for any length of time, do not listen when others speak to them, cannot follow directions, and appear disorganized. Many children demonstrate some of these behaviors at one point or another, but children with ADHD have pervasive difficulties with keeping their attention on a task, whether in school or at home.
Hyperactivity
Children with the hyperactive symptoms of ADHD appear to be always moving, running, jumping, etc. They struggle to stay still in their seats, talk rapidly, feel the need to touch things, and are unable to engage in quiet activities, particularly in school. These behaviors must be developmentally inappropriate for the child. Also, while normal children may demonstrate some of these behaviors, children with ADHD who have these behaviors cannot control them, feeling as though they cannot stop themselves.
Impulsivity
Children with impulsive symptoms appear to act without thinking. They interrupt others, yell out answers without being called on, say rude or inappropriate things, struggle to take turns or wait for anything, and appear impatient and in a hurry. Again, a difference from children without the disorder and those with ADHD is the lack of behavioral control. Children with the impulsive symptoms of ADHD feel unable to control this behavior, even when they recognize it.
Difficulties in School
While children may show difficulties in school for many reasons, children with ADHD often have difficulties because of their various symptoms. Those who struggle to pay attention and remain focused often miss critical information, with their grades suffering as a result. Children who are hyperactive and impulsive often get in trouble for their behavior, but feel as though they cannot control themselves. Other symptoms such as difficulties with organization, following directions, planning, and focusing, make it difficult for children with ADHD to perform their best in a school setting. Children with ADHD often do better in highly structured situations.
References
- "Introduction to Abnormal Child and Adolescent Psychology"; Robert Weis; 2008
- National Institute of Mental Health: What Are The Symptoms of ADHD In Children?
