Downloadable PDF - What is ADHD?

Information adapted from CDC and Understood.org

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) 

ADHD is a common condition that’s caused by differences in the brain. People with ADHD have trouble with focus. But some are also hyperactive and impulsive. That’s especially true with kids and teens. 

People with ADHD have trouble with a group of key skills known as executive function. That creates challenges in many areas of life, from school to work to everyday living. For example, people with ADHD often struggle to get organized, follow directions, and manage their emotions.

There are three different ways ADHD presents itself, depending on which types of symptoms are strongest in the individual:

Predominantly Inattentive Presentation 

It is hard for the individual to: 

• organize or finish a task, 

• pay attention to details,  

• follow instructions or conversations. 

• the person is easily distracted or forgets details of daily routines.

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation

• The person fidgets and talks a lot. 

• It is hard to sit still for long (e.g., for a meal or while doing homework). 

• Smaller children may run, jump or climb constantly. 

• The individual feels restless and has trouble with impulsivity. 

• Someone who is impulsive may interrupt others a lot, grab things from people, or speak at inappropriate times. 

• It is hard for the person to wait their turn or listen to directions. 

• A person with impulsiveness may have more accidents and injuries than others.

Combined Presentation

• Symptoms of the above two types are equally present in the person.

Because symptoms can change over time, the presentation may change over time as well.

The posters below outline some of the strengths that students with ADHD have. It is important to also focus on positive traits of a learning difference. Click the top right corner to download a PDF version.