Is he forgetting to turn in his homework even though he spent hours working on it the night before? Do teachers report she’s squirming in her seat and interrupting others? Is he always “on the go” as if he’s being driven by an invisible motor? These are a few of the signs your child may have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Read on to learn more about 9 common symptoms of ADHD:
- Not paying close attention to details: You know your child is super smart but he’s always turning in homework with “careless” mistakes. It feels like you’ve reminded him a thousand times to write his name on his worksheets or to take his muddy shoes off before he walks in the house.
- Has difficulty sustaining attention: The teacher says she’s often “zoning out” during the morning reading circle. Sometimes she stares out of the kitchen window in the middle of a dinnertime conversation about her day.
- Easily distracted: This one ties right into #2. You’re having a serious conversation with him about being safe during the upcoming school field trip when he suddenly exclaims, “That cloud looks like a dog, mom!” Sometimes it even feels like he’s distracted by his own thoughts.
- Starts tasks but doesn’t finish them: He starts to pick up his toys but the next thing you know, he’s petting the dog and watching cartoons. It feels like you’re constantly reminding him to finish the last three questions on his homework.
- Often forgetful or losing things: She can never find her glasses, even when you set aside a special spot on the bedside table for her to store them. She’s always forgetting to turn in her homework on time and can’t seem to remember the day of the week when it’s her turn to feed the classroom pet.
- Dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort: It’s always a fight to get him to do his homework. Sometimes he starts his reading but soon he’s onto the next fun activity (see #4!). Getting him to study the multiplication cards feels like pulling teeth.
- Often restless: The teacher says she has trouble sitting still in class. She frequently gets out of her chair to get water or to check on a friend, even when her classmates are seated quietly in their chairs. She taps her pencil and fidgets with her water bottle constantly during the math lesson.
- Has trouble waiting turns: He often interrupts you and his sister during dinnertime conversation. His teacher says he blurts out the answer to her science questions before she’s even finished explaining the question! His friends get frustrated during a conversation about favorite movies because he won’t stop talking about his favorite.
- Often “on the go” and acts like driven by a motor: One moment she’s on the slide talking to a new friend at the park and the next minute she’s digging through leaves to look for ladybugs. You have a hard time keeping up!
These are just a few of the common symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. If you suspect your child has ADHD, just know that Dandelion Family Counseling is here to help! We specialize in working with children with ADHD through individual and group play therapy. Our parent sessions provide individualized attention to your concerns about your child in school and at home. Schedule an appointment with one of our therapists today!
Reference: Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. (2013). American Psychiatric Association.