ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) in children typically shows up as patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that are more severe or frequent than expected for the child's age.
Here are the most common signs, grouped by type:
🔹 1. Inattention
A child may:
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Have trouble staying focused or easily get distracted
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Seem not to listen when spoken to directly
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Struggle to follow through on instructions or finish tasks
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Lose things (homework, toys, pencils) often
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Avoid or dislike tasks that require sustained mental effort (like schoolwork)
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Make careless mistakes
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Be forgetful in daily activities
🔹 2. Hyperactivity
A child may:
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Fidget or squirm constantly
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Get up when expected to stay seated (e.g., in class)
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Run or climb in inappropriate situations
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Have trouble playing quietly
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Talk excessively
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Seem "always on the go" or act as if "driven by a motor"
🔹 3. Impulsivity
A child may:
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Blurt out answers before a question is finished
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Have trouble waiting their turn
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Interrupt or intrude on others' conversations or games
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Act without thinking about consequences
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Struggle with self-control or emotional outbursts
🧠 Important Notes
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Symptoms usually appear before age 12 and occur in multiple settings (e.g., home, school, social situations).
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Every child shows some of these behaviors occasionally—ADHD is diagnosed when they are chronic, disruptive, and interfere with daily life.
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ADHD can look different in boys and girls:
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Boys are more likely to be hyperactive.
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Girls may appear more daydreamy or inattentive.
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👩⚕️ When to Seek Help
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If behaviors cause problems at school, at home, or in friendships
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Talk to your pediatrician or a child psychologist for an evaluation