If a child frequently displays many of these symptoms, their behavior is age and situation-inappropriate, and it is interfering with the
child’s ability to be successful in school, encourage that child’s parents and teachers to learn more about ADD/ADHD.
Physical Activity
Either:
Can’t sit still, feels restless
Has boundless energy
Always fidgeting, restless feet, etc.
Or:
Couch potato, lethargic, slow, space cadet
Physically there, mentally gone
Frequent Mood Swings
Feels emotions intensely
Higher highs and lower lows
Low tolerance for frustration
May have rage attacks
Attention
Trouble deciding what to pay attention to
What’s most important
Trouble getting started on a task
Often feels overwhelmed
Trouble staying focused on repetitive tasks
Until the task is complete
Can’t do homework independently
Trouble shifting attention
To a new task
Highly Distractable
Distracted by any change in environment
Any noise, movement, or smell
Also distracted by their own thoughts
Daydreamer
Can’t stay focused for long
Except Nintendo-type games or TV
Or a new or scary activity
May hyperfocus on a hobby
Starts many projects
But rarely finishes them
Impulsive
Can’t wait to be called on
Blurts out answers in class
Extremely impatient
Difficult to wait for his/her turn
Often acts before thinking
Doesn’t seem to learn from mistakes
Doesn’t Listen Well
Confused by multi-step oral directions
No tolerance for boredom
May start arguments if things are too calm
Time Management
Always rushing; can’t slow down
Makes careless mistakes
Hates to doublecheck
Doesn’t use class time well
Feels rushed by teachers & parents
Puts most things off until the last minute
Odd Sleep Cycles
Night owl, hates to go to bed
Difficult to wake up in the morning
May be a restless sleeper
Bedwetting or sleepwalking
Inconsistent Performance
Good days and bad days
Some days they can do the schoolwork
Other days they can’t
Disorganized
Messy room, desk, backpack
Constantly loses or misplaces things
Other Symptoms
Chatterbox; talks excessively
Interrupts conversations frequently
Strong sense of justice; bossy
Lots of allergies
Terrible penmanship
Trouble remembering daily routines
Relatives with ADD
Warning Signs of ADD/ADHD
To Learn More:
Attend our workshops
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Bright Solutions for Dyslexia
Email: info@BrightSolutions.US
(408) 559-3652
www.BrightSolutions.US
Copyright © 2002 by Susan Barton. All Rights Reserved.