Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a chronic neurobehavioral disorder that is commonly diagnosed during childhood. This condition, which the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes is now categorized as a subset of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), affects 3 to 7 percent of school-aged children in the U.S. and can also affect adults. Treatment of symptoms associated with ADD/ADHD can include medication, counseling or behavioral therapy.
Difficulty Focusing
This condition makes it difficult to focus on daily tasks. A child with ADD/ADHD might have trouble sitting down and dedicating his attention to a specific activity, such as homework or a music lesson. An adult with this condition can have similar problems focusing on tasks associated with work or social obligations.
Distraction
Children and adults with ADD/ADHD often become easily distracted when working on certain activities. Your child might be working on her homework, then jump to another activity such as coloring, playing with toys or practicing gymnastics, before completing it. An adult with this condition can appear scatterbrained or seem as though she isn't listening to what you are saying while you are talking.
Difficulty Completing Tasks
If your child has ADD/ADHD, he can have extreme difficulty completing homework assignments or household chores. An adult may have many projects in progress at work or around the house that remain incomplete.
Losing Things
Frequently lost keys, school books or supplies, phone numbers, toys or clothing items could indicate that you or your child has ADD/ADHD. Lost items can also contribute to difficulties focusing or completing tasks.
Trouble Following Instructions
Children and adults with this condition often experience difficulty following instructions. Your child may easily miss details involved in directions for homework, projects or exams, such as when assignments are due. An adult with this condition may run into trouble at work if he cannot follow his boss' instructions or complete responsibilities related to his job.
Frequent Daydreaming
People with ADD/ADHD---especially females, reports the CDC---may frequently daydream while they are supposed to be completing other responsibilities. You might find that it is difficult to get your child's attention while she is daydreaming. She can appear unfocused or may absentmindedly stare off into space while in the classroom.
Forgetting Details
If you or your child has this condition, it may be difficult to remember the details involved in assignments or instructions. You may remember that you have an appointment only to forget the time or location.
Easily Confused
Children and adults with ADD/ADHD can become easily confused, especially if information or instruction is conveyed too quickly. Confusion can contribute to additional symptoms of this condition, including difficulty focusing or completing tasks.
Boredom
If your child has this condition, he may frequently complain that he is bored or may repeatedly ask if he can do something else, such as go outside or color, while working on other projects. An adult with ADD/ADHD might have many hobbies or household projects that he participates in sporadically.
Excessive Talking
A child or adult with ADD/ADHD may talk excessively or frequently interrupt other people's conversations. Children with this condition may get in trouble at school for talking too much during class.
