While many still use the term ADD (attention-deficit disorder) to describe inattention and hyperactivity in children, the preferable term is ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder), according to the Mayo Clinic. This term encompasses both the hyperactivity and inattention in one. The Mayo Clinic states that while many children with ADHD tend to lean toward one specific category or set of symptoms, when diagnosed, it is possible for them to display signs from more than one category. The signs of ADD/ADHD are broken down into three categories: hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. Although it can be difficult to know whether your child suffers from this disorder, knowing the signs of each category, or having a checklist of symptoms, may make it easier to decide if it's time to take your child for further evaluation.
Signs of Hyperactivity
HelpGuide.org states that one of the most obvious signs of ADD/ADHD is hyperactivity. Although it is normal for children to be active, those with ADD/ADHD never stop moving, even during inappropriate situations, such as mealtime, or when they should be doing schoolwork. When forced to sit, they find it impossible to be completely still and bounce their legs or tap their fingers. During mealtime, they fidget in their seats and may even run around between bites of food, needing constant redirection. They also talk rapidly and nonstop.
Signs of Inattention
Inattention isn't an issue for children with ADD/ADHD when they are engrossed in an activity they enjoy. This changes, however, when they are required to complete a task that they consider boring. At this point, they tune everyone and everything out. Children displaying signs of inattention are also easily distracted. They need quiet environments to complete their schoolwork and they have trouble staying focused. Because concentrating is an issue for them, they have difficulty learning new concepts, organizing their time and completing schoolwork. They have a tendency to bounce from activity to activity, never fully completing any of them. If, by chance, they do complete a task, they may have left out necessary steps to complete it correctly. They may also lose items easily, including their favorite toys.
Signs of Impulsivity
Impulsivity can be a dangerous symptom for children with ADD/ADHD. They do not realize the consequences of their actions and act without thinking. For instance, they might run toward the road without looking for oncoming traffic or climb a tree to jump from the highest branch. They may have a tendency to interrupt others' conversations, as they don't have the ability to wait their turn. This is often displayed while playing with other children. During class, they might blurt out answers rather than wait to be called on. During recess, they may not wait patiently to go down the slide. This impatience may manifest itself in emotional outbursts of anger, temper tantrums or tears. These outbursts may lead others to view them as weird or needy, according to HelpGuide.org. They may also speak inappropriately to others without using tact. An example of this is telling someone what they think of her hair, clothes or weight. While they may not intend to be rude or hurtful, their impulsive nature leads them to say the first thing that comes to mind without thinking of the end result.
