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General indicators of ADHD are outlined below. There are a also more details on each type of ADHD . Click on each section below to get more information about a specific ADHD type. There is also some information on how an ADHD diagnosis is established.
Click on the document below to download indicators for all types as well as a brief explanation on how diagnosis is established.
Indicators of ADHD - All Types.pdfInformation adapted from CDC and Understood.org
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
The main signs of ADHD are trouble with:
focus
impulsivity
hyperactivity
People can have them to varying degrees, and not everyone has all three. Symptoms can change, and some might go away with age.
The stereotype of kids with ADHD is that they’re always in motion, they’re impulsive and hyperactive, and that they act out at home and at school. But some people with ADHD never have those symptoms. They only struggle with focus.
People with ADHD have trouble with executive function, which is the 'management system' of the brain. Because of that, people with ADHD often struggle with:
Managing time
Getting and staying organized
Setting priorities
Planning
Managing emotions
Paying attention and remembering things
Shifting focus from one thing to another
Getting started on and finishing tasks
Thinking before saying or doing things
There’s one confusing sign of ADHD. People who have trouble focusing most of the time can often 'hyperfocus' on tasks or activities they find really interesting.
For instance, a child might focus for hours while doing a craft project but drift off five minutes after starting homework. Or an adult may hyperfocus on video games or a TV show, to the point that they don’t hear their name being called.
Signs of ADHD can pop up at any age. Students can show signs as young as early years. However, many don’t show signs until later on, as school gets harder and they have more to juggle. Some people don’t realize that what they experience is ADHD until they’re in university or working.
ADHD - Inattentive type
ADHD - Inattentive type
ADHD - Inattentive type
ADHD - Inattentive type
Inattentive refers to challenges with staying on task, focusing, and organization. For a diagnosis of this type of ADHD, six (or five for individuals who are 17 years old or older) of the following symptoms occur frequently:
Doesn’t pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in school or job tasks.
Has problems staying focused on tasks or activities, such as during lectures, conversations or long reading.
Does not seem to listen when spoken to (i.e., seems to be elsewhere).
Does not follow through on instructions and doesn’t complete schoolwork, chores or job duties (may start tasks but quickly loses focus).
Has problems organizing tasks and work (for instance, does not manage time well; has messy, disorganized work; misses deadlines).
Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as preparing reports and completing forms.
Often loses things needed for tasks or daily life, such as school papers, books, keys, wallet, cell phone and eyeglasses.
Is easily distracted.
Forgets daily tasks, such as doing chores and running errands. Older teens and adults may forget to return phone calls, pay bills and keep appointments.
ADHD - Hyperactive/Impulsive type
ADHD - Hyperactive/Impulsive type
ADHD - Hyperactive/Impulsive type
ADHD - Hyperactive/Impulsive type
Hyperactivity refers to excessive movement such as fidgeting, excessive energy, not sitting still, and being talkative. Impulsivity refers to decisions or actions taken without thinking through the consequences. For a diagnosis of this type of ADHD, six (or five for individuals who are 17 years old or older) of the following symptoms occur frequently:
Fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat.
Not able to stay seated (in classroom, workplace).
Runs about or climbs where it is inappropriate.
Unable to play or do leisure activities quietly.
Always “on the go,” as if driven by a motor.
Talks too much.
Blurts out an answer before a question has been finished (for instance may finish people’s sentences, can’t wait to speak in conversations).
Has difficulty waiting for his or her turn, such as while waiting in line.
Interrupts or intrudes on others (for instance, cuts into conversations, games or activities, or starts using other people’s things without permission). Older teens and adults may take over what others are doing.
ADHD - Combined type
ADHD - Combined type
ADHD - Combined type
ADHD - Combined type
This type of ADHD is diagnosed when both criteria for both inattentive and hyperactive/impulse types are met.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Information adapted from APA
Diagnosis
Many children may have difficulties sitting still, waiting their turn, paying attention, being fidgety, and acting impulsively. However, children who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD, differ in that their symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, organization, and/or inattention are noticeably greater than expected for their age or developmental level.
These symptoms lead to significant suffering and cause problems at home, at school or work, and in relationships. The observed symptoms are not the result of an individual being defiant or not being able to understand tasks or instructions.
A diagnosis is based on the presence of persistent symptoms that have occurred over a period of time and are noticeable over the past six months.
While ADHD can be diagnosed at any age, this disorder begins in childhood.
When considering the diagnosis, the symptoms must be present before the individual is 12 years old and must have caused difficulties in more than one setting. For instance, the symptoms can not only occur at home.
If you have concerns about your student potentially having ADHD you can use the checklist below as an initial assessment of need. The Vanderbilt Assessment Scale is often used as part of the diagnosis process.
There is a also a document from ADDitude about how the diagnostic process works. Click on the top right corner to download a PDF copy of each document.
Copy of Vanderbilt Teacher Initial.pdf3-Essential-and-4-Frivolous-Components-of-an-ADHD-Diagnosis.pdfClick on the buttons below for more information:
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