If you are coming here from our "Understanding YOUR Child's Learning Challenges" quiz to learn more about your child’s areas of concern, WELCOME!
Now that you've taken our brief quiz, below is a detailed checklist that will help you confirm if the area identified by the quiz is a significant concern.
If you notice these signs, you may want to consider using the information as we guide you through the steps of requesting an initial evaluation from the school
If you haven't yet taken our quiz
What is ADHD?
Have you ever noticed that some children's brains seem like a busy playground? There's a lot going on, and it can be hard for them to focus on just one thing at a time. They might be easily distracted by sights and sounds around them like a butterfly flitting by or a classmate whispering. This can make it tricky to sit still in class for long periods, finish homework assignments that require focus, or stay organized with their schoolwork and belongings. But the good news is that there are techniques and strategies to help them learn to manage their energy and focus their attention on the task at hand.
If you've noticed that your child has trouble paying attention, seems overly active, or frequently acts impulsively, you might wonder if they have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a condition that makes it hard for some children to pay attention, control their impulses, and sit still. Children with ADHD might have trouble focusing in school or remembering things. They may also be very active and have a lot of energy, making it challenging to sit quietly for long periods. ADHD in children can affect how they behave and learn. There are three main types of ADHD:
Predominantly Inattentive Type (also known as ADD): Children with this type of ADHD have trouble paying attention. For example, they might find it hard to focus on homework or forget what they were supposed to do.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: Children with this type of ADHD are typically very active and impulsive. They might have trouble sitting still or waiting their turn. For instance, they might blurt out answers in class without raising their hand.
Combined Type: Children with this type of ADHD have characteristics of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.
While the characteristics your child displays will vary by the type of ADHD they experience, below are some common characteristics of ADHD in children and what they might look like in your child.
To help you visualize what ADHD might look like and perhaps help you better relate to and understand this learning challenge, we selected a bee as the symbol for ADHD in children.
Why we chose a bee to describe these students:
A bee flits from flower to flower, never settling in one place for too long. Similarly, a child with ADHD might find it challenging to focus on a single task, as they are easily distracted by their surroundings.
Characteristics of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children (ADHD):
We've created this list of the common characteristics of ADHD in children to help you determine if your child might have signs of ADHD. The list outlines common characteristics and provides real-life examples to illustrate these challenges. Reviewing this list with your child in mind can be an essential first step in recognizing the signs of ADHD in your child and determining the next steps in getting the appropriate support so your child can thrive.
Does your child have...?
Difficulty Paying Attention:
Struggles to stay focused on tasks or activities, often becoming easily distracted or forgetful.
Example: Sarah struggles to concentrate on her math homework, often getting distracted by outside noises or daydreaming about other things.
Impulsivity:
Acts without thinking, frequently interrupting others or making hasty decisions.
Example: John frequently blurts out answers in class without raising his hand, sometimes interrupting the teacher or classmates.
Hyperactivity:
Feels restless or fidgety, often unable to sit still for long periods of time.
Example: David has trouble sitting still during quiet reading time, often tapping his feet or bouncing his leg up and down.
Disorganization:
Has trouble keeping belongings or tasks organized, often losing items or forgetting deadlines.
Example: Emily often forgets to bring necessary materials to school, such as her homework or textbooks, and frequently misplaces her belongings.
Forgetfulness:
Frequently forgets to complete or turn in homework assignments, chores, or other responsibilities.
Example: Michael frequently forgets to turn in his completed homework assignments despite completing them on time.
Difficulty Following Instructions:
Struggles to follow through with instructions or directions, often misunderstanding or forgetting what was said.
Example: Alex struggles to follow multi-step directions from his teacher, often missing key steps or forgetting what was asked of him.
Poor Time Management:
Finds it challenging to manage time effectively, often running late or struggling to prioritize tasks.
Example: Emma frequently underestimates how long tasks will take and rushes to complete them at the last minute.
Impaired Working Memory:
Has trouble remembering and retaining information while completing tasks, leading to forgetfulness and frequent mistakes.
Example: Jason has trouble remembering his locker combination, often needing to ask for assistance to open his locker.
Difficulty with Task Completion:
Starts tasks but struggles to finish them, often getting sidetracked or losing interest before completion.
Example: Lily starts cleaning her room but becomes distracted by toys and books, leaving the task unfinished.
Struggles with Waiting or Taking Turns:
Finds it hard to wait for their turn in games or conversations, often blurting out answers or interrupting others.
Example: Thomas has difficulty waiting his turn during group activities, often becoming impatient and interrupting others.
The characteristics of ADHD in children can vary in severity for each child and may impact a variety of areas of daily life, including school, home, and social interactions. If you see signs of these struggles in your child and they are causing significant challenges, it might indicate that your child has ADHD, and seeking support from healthcare professionals or educators may be beneficial.
If you think your child may have ADHD and they are struggling in school and you're not sure what to do next, reach out to us at My Happy Teacher to learn more about how we can help.
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