School Age Kids With ADD and ADHD
How do you tell if your child is just really, really rambunctious or if he has attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? (ADHD is also known as attention deficit disorder [ADD].)
The only way to know for sure is to have him examined by a trained mental health professional such as a school psychologist, child psychologist, or psychiatrist. This professional will conduct a full psychological assessment.
That said, here are some symptoms that you can look for.
ADHD Symptoms
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD is generally thought to be caused by a genetic and/or neurobiological condition that's made worse by environmental factors such as exposure to drugs in utero or lead exposure.
Symptoms of ADHD fall into three categories:
- Inattention. Symptoms of inattention include difficulty sustaining attention, being easily distracted, and difficulty with organization.
- Hyperactivity. Symptoms of hyperactivity include fidgeting, difficulty playing quietly, and talking excessively.
- Impulsiveness. Symptoms of impulsiveness include difficulty waiting turns and interrupting others.
To receive a diagnosis of ADHD, a child must show some of these symptoms before age 7 and the symptoms must cause impairment in at least two settings, such as home and school.
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