To know if a child has ADHD, observe for signs in three main areas: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Children with ADHD may:
- Have trouble paying attention, be easily distracted, miss details, or struggle to follow instructions.
- Show hyperactive behaviors like restlessness, fidgeting, difficulty staying seated, excessive talking, or climbing when inappropriate.
- Act impulsively by interrupting, blurting out answers, struggling to wait their turn, or taking risks without thinking.
These behaviors often cause problems in school, home, and social settings and persist over time rather than being occasional. Signs usually appear before age 12 and can vary by child, with some showing mostly inattentive symptoms and others more hyperactive-impulsive traits. If these signs are noticed and they affect the child’s daily functioning, it is important to consult a healthcare provider or specialist for a thorough evaluation, as diagnosing ADHD involves gathering information from parents, teachers, and professionals; there is no single test. Common early signs in preschoolers include avoiding activities requiring attention, excessive talking, restlessness, frequent injuries due to impulsivity, and difficulty controlling behavior. The diagnosis considers how extreme and disruptive the behaviors are compared to typical development. In summary, look for consistent difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that impact the child in multiple settings, then seek professional assessment to confirm ADHD and explore management options.
