- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects a child’s ability to focus, stay still, and control impulses.
- But ADHD is much more than just being restless or distracted.
- It can impact many areas of a child’s life — from school performance to friendships and emotional well-being.
- Here’s an easy-to-understand description of the symptoms and features you might notice in a child with ADHD:
- TROUBLE PAYING ATTENTION (INATTENTION)
- Gets easily distracted by sights, sounds, or unrelated thoughts.
- They make careless mistakes in homework or activities because they don’t pay close attention to details.
- Finds it hard to stay focused during lessons, conversations, or even games.
- Seems like they aren’t listening when spoken to directly.
- Starts tasks but often doesn’t finish them because they lose focus midway.
- Has difficulty organizing tasks, maintaining tidiness, or planning.
- Avoids tasks that require a lot of mental effort, like long assignments.
- Frequently loses important items such as schoolbooks, stationery, toys, or water bottles.
- Often forgets daily activities, chores, or instructions, even soon after hearing them.
- RESTLESSNESS AND HYPERACTIVITY
- Fidgets constantly — tapping hands, bouncing legs, or squirming in the seat.
- Leaves their seat at school or at home when expected to sit quietly.
- Runs around or climbs on things when it’s not appropriate.
- Struggles to play or do activities quietly; often loud and energetic even when calmness is expected.
- Seems “always on the go” — as if driven by a motor that doesn’t turn off.
- Talks excessively and sometimes loudly, without considering the situation.
- ACTING WITHOUT THINKING (IMPULSIVITY)
- Blurts out answers before the question is finished.
- Struggles to wait for their turn during games, conversations, or while standing in line.
- Interrupts others’ conversations, games, or activities without realizing they’re doing it.
- May grab things, shout out, or act in ways that seem rude or intrusive without meaning to be.
- DIFFICULTY MANAGING EMOTIONS (EMOTIONAL DYSREGULATION)
- Exhibits strong emotional reactions that seem disproportionate to the situation.
- Easily frustrated, even by small problems.
- Mood changes quickly — they can go from happy to angry or upset in minutes.
- Finds it hard to calm down after getting upset or overexcited.
- May throw tantrums or cry often beyond the typical age for such behavior.
- LOW SELF-ESTEEM
- May feel like a failure because they often get in trouble or struggle to keep up at school.
- Might say negative things about themselves, like “I’m stupid” or “I can’t do anything right.”
- They may feel isolated or left out when they struggle to make or maintain friendships.
- PROBLEMS WITH FRIENDSHIPS AND SOCIAL SKILLS
- Often interrupts or talks over others during conversations or games.
- Can be too bossy, aggressive, or demanding when playing with others.
- Has trouble picking up on social cues like body language or tone of voice.
- Might be left out or avoided by peers because of their behavior, even if they don’t realize it.
- STRUGGLES AT SCHOOL
- Finds it challenging to complete assignments, especially those that require a significant amount of time or demand sustained concentration.
- Makes many careless mistakes, even when they are familiar with the material.
- May be scolded by teachers for not paying attention, not following instructions, or disrupting the class.
- Academic performance is often lower than what is expected for their age and intelligence.
- DISORGANIZATION AND POOR DAILY MANAGEMENT
- Loses track of belongings, assignments, or important papers frequently.
- Has a messy backpack, desk, or bedroom.
- Struggles with planning and managing time, often running late or forgetting important events and tasks.
- SLEEP PROBLEMS
- Finds it difficult to fall asleep because they can’t “turn off” their thoughts or restlessness.
- Wakes up several times during the night or has restless sleep.
- Even though they are hyperactive, they can still feel tired and irritable during the day because of poor sleep.
- RISKY BEHAVIOR
- Engages in unsafe activities without considering the danger (such as climbing too high, running into the street, or engaging in rough play).
- More prone to accidents or injuries compared to other children.
- OTHER CONDITIONS THAT MAY OCCUR ALONG WITH ADHD
- Oppositional Behavior: Being frequently defiant, argumentative, or easily angered (also called Oppositional Defiant Disorder or ODD).
- Learning Disabilities: Difficulty with reading, writing, or math, despite normal intelligence.
- Anxiety or Worry: Feeling nervous or fearful often, even when there’s no apparent reason.
- Depression: Persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and low energy.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
- Not every child with ADHD will show all these features.
- The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and must significantly impact the child’s daily life, including at home, school, and in friendships.
- ADHD comes in different forms — some children mainly have trouble focusing, some primarily show hyperactivity and impulsivity, and some have a mix of both.
SUMMARY
- ADHD is more than just being naughty or having too much energy.
- It affects attention, behavior, emotions, social life, and even sleep.
- Recognizing the wide range of symptoms can help parents, teachers, and doctors better understand and support the child.
- With the right help, children with ADHD can thrive at home, in school, and life.