Many children occasionally forget their homework, daydream when bored, interrupt their parents, or act without thinking. However, more pervasive issues with inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity can be signs that your child has Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Some children with ADHD may be constantly in-motion, bouncing off the walls, and disrupting others around them. Other children with ADHD may sit quietly, daydreaming with their attention miles away.

Common ADHD Symptoms:

• Inattention, ‘spacing/tuning out’, or excessive daydreaming
• Easily distracted/has trouble staying focused and ‘on-task’
• Acts without thinking
• In constant motion/often fidgets/is physically restless
• Talks excessively/interrupts others
• Has trouble reading social cues due to inattention
• Has trouble sustaining attention, putting forth effort, or remaining motivated/gives up easily
• Is ‘messy’, disorganized, or has trouble planning/completing multi-step assignments or tasks
• Works for long time periods with little progress
• Misplaces belongings frequently, loses or forgets to turn in completed assignments, or turns in assignments late

ADHD is a neurologically-based lifelong condition where symptoms typically first occur in childhood and often continue into adulthood. There are ​three ADHD subtypes:  Inattentive, Hyperactive-Impulsive, and Combined. In some cases, ADHD goes unrecognized until adolescence or adulthood, as inattentive symptoms are more often overlooked than hyperactive-impulsive issues. Boys are more often identified than girls, and gifted children may go undiagnosed when they can meet grade level expectations while underachieving for their intelligence due to attention issues.

Children with ADHD may also have co-occurring family, social-emotional, learning, or organizational issues that can make diagnosis more challenging.  Sometimes, gifted children are mis-labeled as having ADHD when they appear inattentive or act out in response to lack of challenge or boredom in school. Some children do not meet full ADHD criteria, but may still have meaningful attention issues that can impact their functioning and self-esteem. If you suspect your child may have ADHD, it is important to obtain a comprehensive evaluation.

To learn more about my ADHD services or to set up an appointment, please contact me.