ADHD
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which typically appears before the age of seven, makes it difficult for children to inhibit their spontaneous responses to everything from movement to speech to attentiveness. Because it’s normal for children to be inattentive, impulsive and hyperactive occasionally, it can be difficult to recognize ADHD. Also, because different ADHD characteristics predominate in each child, it can be overlooked. If a child exhibits a number of the following emotions and/or behaviours in all settings, from home to school to the playground, this may indicate an ADHD disorder.
- Has trouble staying focused on a task
- Easily distracted or bored with a task
- Doesn’t appear to listen when spoken to
- Has trouble remembering things
- Has trouble following instructions
- Not detail-oriented
- Makes careless mistakes
- Can’t stay organized
- Can’t plan ahead
- Can’t finish projects
- Loses and misplaces things
- Always fidgeting and squirming
- Can’t sit still, play quietly, or relax
- Runs and climbs impulsively
- Speaks non-stop
- Loses patience quickly
- Acts or speaks impulsively
- Doesn’t think things through
- Interrupts conversations and speaks inappropriately
- Intrudes on the activities of others
- Can’t control emotions