Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of ADD/ADHD typically appear before the age of seven. However, it can be difficult to distinguish between attention deficit disorder and normal “kid behavior.” __**Symptoms of inattention in children:**__
 * ** SYMPTOMS OF ADHD **
 * **Inattentive, but not hyperactive or impulsive. **
 * **Hyperactive and impulsive, but able to pay attention. **
 * **Inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive (the most common form of ADD/ADHD). **
 * **Doesn’t pay attention to details**
 * **Makes careless mistakes**
 * **Has trouble staying focused; is easily distracted**
 * **Appears not to listen when spoken to**
 * **Has difficulty remembering things and following instructions**
 * **Has trouble staying organized, planning ahead, and finishing projects**
 * **Gets bored with a task before it’s completed**
 * **Frequently loses or misplaces homework, books, toys, or other items**

__**Symptoms of hyperactivity in children:**__

 * **constantly fidgets and squirms**
 * **Often leaves his or her seat in situations where sitting quietly is expected**
 * **Moves around constantly, often runs or climbs inappropriately**
 * **Talks excessively**
 * **Has difficulty playing quietly or relaxing**
 * **Is always “on the go,” as if driven by a motor**
 * **May have a quick temper or a “short fuse”**
 * __Symptoms of impulsivity in children:__**
 * **Acts without thinking**
 * **Blurts out answers in class without waiting to be called on or hear the whole question**
 * **Can’t wait for his or her turn in line or in games**
 * **Says the wrong thing at the wrong time**
 * **Often interrupts others**
 * **Intrudes on other people’s conversations or games**
 * **Inability to keep powerful emotions in check, resulting in angry outbursts or temper tantrums**
 * **Guesses, rather than taking time to solve a problem**