What Does ADHD Look Like?

Sometimes it's hard to know if your child has ADHD or is just a "normal kid." Below are some symptoms of ADHD, taken according to the National Institutes of Mental Health. If your child fits this profile AND you and your child are having difficulties because of the possible ADHD symptoms, it might be a good idea to see a doctor qualified to diagnose ADHD in children.

Is your child always moving? ADHD kids are constantly moving SOMETHING - arms, hands, toes, fingers.

Is your child always moving himself? ADHD kids walk, run, climb and fidget when others are seated.

Does your child have trouble waiting in line or taking turns? ADHD kids are notoriously impatient.

Does your child start things and not finish them? This is a major ADHD trait. The thing to note is that ADHD kids start a lot of things, too.

Does your child grow bored quickly? ADHD kids have trouble keeping themselves entertained.

Does your child seem to be in another world half the time? ADHD kids "daydream" a lot.

Does your child talk over other people? ADHD kids often interrupt.

Does your child get frustrated with schoolwork? ADHD kids often have trouble focusing and finishing their homework.

Does your child act without thinking first? ADHD kids have trouble with impulse control.

Does your child get sidetracked by what's going on around her? ADHD kids get distracted easily.

Remember, ADHD is an extreme of these things. Just because your child doesn't like homework doesn't necessarily mean he has ADHD, but if you're having trouble in a lot of these areas, it might be worth getting it checked out.

Angie Dixon is a writer and ADHD mom of an ADHD son, Jack. For a free report on helping your ADHD son, see Angie's site "That's My Son!" at http://www.Raising-the-ADHD-boy.com