ADHD is not a disorder that is easily diagnosed. This is mainly because the symptoms vary. ADHD does not only occur in children although it is commonly associated with children.
The main characteristics of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Your child may have all these symptoms or just one of them.
Children who are inattentive can pay attention when they are doing something they enjoy or are interested in but they will quickly lose interest if the task becomes repetitive or boring. Children with ADHD will often go from task to task and not complete any of them. They have trouble concentrating when there is a lot going on around them, they need a quiet, calm place to sustain their concentration. It is hard for children with ADHD to organize themselves and their schoolwork.
Hyperactivity is the most commonly recognised of the Symptom ADHD.
Children with ADHD will always be on the move, they find it hard to sit still, have a tendency to fidget and will constantly be on the move. They tend to talk excessively and interrupt and will often be thought to be disruptive.
Impulsivity is, perhaps, the most difficult symptom because it is the part that requires self control. Children who are impulsive will not be able to help interrupting, invading other peoples space and be unable to keep their emotions in check. They have difficulty waiting their turn and they will sometimes ask irrelevant questions or make tactless observations. They can also be very moody and overreact.
However, not all the symptoms associated with ADHD are destructive ones. Children who have ADHD are often very creative and imaginative. After all, their minds are always on the go and this can be very useful when it comes to problem solving or doing something artistic that requires a lot of imagination. They can be very flexible because they consider a lot of options at once. The nature of the disorder means that they are enthusiastic and spontaneous so they can be interested in lots of things at once, and they have lots of energy and drive. When properly motivated they can work hard to succeed, sometimes it can be difficult to distract them from a task.
Many children with ADHD are very intellectually gifted or artistically talented. There is no one test to establish ADHD, it is a complex condition. Diagnosis would be over several tests and take some time with parents and teachers. There are many ways of helping a child with ADHD and lots of self help and support groups can give some guidance.
Succeedwithadhd.com is a self help company who understand the impact of living with ADHD. They provide advice and help on managing the effects of ADHD.
Tom Jacobs is a writer for www.Succeedwithadhd.com He has worked with people with ADHD for many years.