ADHD: Does My Child Have It?

What are the signs of ADHD?

ADHD stands for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Children with ADHD may have hyperactive behavior, a lack of attention and difficulty concentrating. Most children with ADHD have signs of both hyperactivity and attention problems. Some children, though, may have only signs of inattention. This kind of problem used to be called attention-deficit disorder (ADD). ADD is now thought of as a form of ADHD.

How can I tell if my child has ADHD?

It might help to ask yourself some questions about your child's behavior. This handout lists some of the questions you and your child's doctor may discuss. In fact, if you've talked with your doctor about your child's behavior, your doctor may have already asked you some of these questions.

How long has your child been too active?

Hyperactive children with ADHD have had problems with hyperactive, impulsive behavior since before age 7. Mothers of children with ADHD sometimes even remember that their baby was very active in the womb. Also, children with ADHD are often described by their parents as having been fussy and difficult to quiet as babies.

Is your child's behavior a problem in several different settings?

ADHD is less likely if your child only shows behavior problems at home, but not in other places, such as at school or at the grocery store. ADHD problems often become worse where there is more activity and noise. Children with ADHD show some of the signs of hyperactivity in several different settings, for example, in the classroom, on the playground, and at home watching TV. (Children with ADHD are often able to stay focused on the fast pace of cartoons and video games. But even though their eyes are on the screen, they're fidgeting with their arms and legs.)