According to the National Institute of Mental Health, attention deficit disorder (ADD) is the most common mental disorder that develops in children. Its symptoms can often can be difficult to distinguish from that of normal childhood behavior and are placed into one of three categories: impulsiveness, inattention and hyperactivity. Recognizing these symptoms is key to early diagnosis and treatment.
Impulsiveness
A child who displays the symptoms of impulsiveness is often impatient and appears to have no self-control. He will not wait his turn when playing games with other children and often speaks out in class. Interrupting conversations is another problem, as is showing emotion without tact or restraint. He will act before thinking, not taking into account what his consequences may be. According to HelpGuide.org, he may also be moody and have a tendency to overreact emotionally to criticism or discipline.
Inattention
Inattention has a large impact on a child, especially when she is in school or doing homework. He will usually find it difficult to concentrate or focus on one thing, and according to the National Institute of Mental Health, she will find it hard to learn something new.
Daydreaming can be a problem, and she appears not to hear you when you are speaking to her. When trying to complete a task, she may skip steps that are necessary or bounce from one task to another without completing any of them. She is easily distracted, generally needing a quiet, peaceful area before anyone can get her attention. She also has a problem remembering what he has learned and finds it difficult to follow even the simplest of instructions.
Hyperactivity
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, a child who is hyperactive due to ADD has a difficult time sitting still and will fidget in his chair or find something to constantly keep his hands busy. If he is expected to sit in his seat for story time or at home for dinner, he may get up multiple times and be physically unable to do what is expected of him.
When not expected to sit, he will constantly be moving, playing in ways that are inappropriate. For instance, he may climb on the furniture at home or jump on his bed. At school, he may run in the halls or touch something the teacher has instructed the class not to touch.
Talking is also a problem. For as much as he is moving, he is talking. Not only does he talk fast, he also talks nonstop. When it is time for bed, he will find it difficult to lay down and go to sleep, often staying awake until late at night.
