Attention deficit disorder has three main characteristics: hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. If your child has ADD, chances are she will display the symptoms before the age of 7, or by the time she reaches first grade. While she may show them sooner, once she is in school, they may become more prevalent.
Signs of Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity is perhaps the main symptom associated with ADD, but not every child will display these symptoms. If your child is hyperactive, he will have a difficult time remaining seated when in school. He will leave his designated chair during the most inappropriate moments, such as when his teacher is conducting a lesson or when he is to be completing an assignment.
During play time, he will constantly be on the go, attempting to climb or touch things he is not supposed to be near. If playing inside, he will find it difficult to do so quietly and will be talking non-stop.
Signs of Impulsivity
Impulsivity causes your child to lose all self-control. When the teacher asks a question, your child may shout out the answer before waiting to be called on. If another child is talking, she may interrupt without thinking. And if the teacher is having a conversation with another student or teacher, she will interrupt their conversation as well.
Patience is not her forte, and during play time, she will display this as she refuses to wait her turn. She may also demonstrate this while in the lunch line, waiting for her tray. When chastised for her actions, or if another student upsets her, she may become angry and show her emotions inappropriately without a second thought about the consequences that follow. This may result in many trips to the principal's office.
Signs of Inattention
If your child suffers more from inattention, the National Institute of Mental Health states that he will have a difficult time focusing on one particular task, often becoming bored unless he enjoys the activity. Distractions are a problem, and he may appear as if he is daydreaming.
Confusion is often a problem, and he often has a difficult time learning new things. He may be further behind his classmates, unable to process new information as quickly as them. When given a homework assignment, he may either have a hard time finishing it or will often lose it. In class and out of it, misplacing items such as books and pencils is also common.
His listening skills are not what they should be, and he may find it hard to follow instructions, especially when given more than one instruction at a time. Finally, his attention to detail is poor, and he makes careless mistakes on a regular basis.
