The National Institute of Mental Health reports that there are three fundamental types of behaviors that children with ADHD display: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Many children have a hard time sitting still while in school for seven or eight hours; however, for children with ADHD, it's almost impossible. It's normal for children to display some of the symptoms of ADHD, but a child who's affected in all areas of his life by the characteristics may meet the criteria for ADHD.
Inattention
According to HelpGuide, symptoms of inattention include making careless mistakes, having trouble focusing, not listening, having trouble staying organized and frequently misplacing items. A child who meets the criteria for ADHD might daydream while her teacher is giving instructions, may forget her homework every other day, might have papers carelessly jammed into her backpack and might have a room that looks completely disorganized. The child might make careless mistakes on her math and science quizzes, have a hard time completing homework assignments and lose her library books. The Mayo Clinic reports that girls are more likely than boys to display inattentive behaviors, whereas boys are more likely to seem hyperactive.
Hyperactivity
Symptoms of hyperactivity include a child who is unable to sit still, leaves his seat during class, seems to always be in motion and extremely talkative. A child who displays hyperactive behavior might receive calls home from his teachers on a regular basis. Teachers might complain that child refuses to stay in his seat while she's reading a story to the class and that he talks over her constantly when she is trying to give directions. This child might end up getting detention or other consequences at school because of the hyperactive behavior.
Many children display signs of hyperactivity, because it's natural for children to have a lot of energy. It becomes a problem when the child continuously has trouble at school and at home because of the hyperactive behaviors. The child may need a combination of therapy and medication for treatment.
Impulsivity
Symptoms of impulsivity include a child who interrupts adults and peers, has difficulty taking turns and sharing, invites herself to do things or to go places with peers and has regular temper tantrums. Parents of a child who is significantly impulsive may have a hard time taking their child to public places, because he throws temper tantrums when he doesn't get his way. He might not get invited to other children's birthday parties and sleepovers, because he has a hard time interacting with peers in a socially acceptable way.
