A child may have AD/HD if he/she often shows six symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity or both before age 12 in at least two settings:
Inattention:
- Fails to pay attention to details or makes careless mistakes
- Has difficulty sustaining attention during activities or tasks
- Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
- Does not follow through on instruction and fails to finish tasks (not due to problems understanding or oppositional behavior)
- Has difficulty organizing tasks
- Avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustaining mental effort
- Loses things
- Is forgetful
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity:
- Fidgets or squirms
- Gets out of a seat when staying seated is expected
- Has difficulty playing quietly
- Runs or climbs excessively when staying seated is expected
- Is “on the go” or acts as if “driven by a motor”
- Talks excessively
- Blurts out answers before other person is finished talking
- Has difficulty waiting in line
- Interrupts or intrudes (butts into conversations or games)
In teens/adults AD/HD impairments may lead to:
- Spending more time than would be expected to complete tasks
- Academic difficulties
- Driving or speeding problems
- Unplanned pregnancies
- Overuse of caffeine, nicotine or other substances
- Accidents or injuries
- Employment problems
- Interpersonal problems
- Legal difficulties