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​CHILDREN AND TEENS

You're an individual and in the same way, there are differences within others who have ADHD. 

​Each person is likely to vary in the type, number, frequency and severity of their ADHD behaviour/symptoms but there are some definite commonalities.

Because ADHD is neurodevelopmental (i.e. dependent on brain development) it's not possible to make an accurate assessment until the age of five or six years. This is when the type of behaviours, often seen in those with ADHD, would be considered grossly immature for their age and a significant departure from typical neurodevelopment. 


Common Symptoms of ADHD in Early Development and Childhood

POSSIBLE Early signs
  • on the go
  • cries easily
  • poor sleeper
  • reflux is more likely
  • difficulty maintaining friends
  • takes longer to/difficult to settle
  • climbs and runs rather than walks, or
  • can push in, shove, snatch, blurt out things without noticing others​.
InattentiVE BEHAVIOUR
  • easily distracted
  • forgetting instructions
  • extreme difficulty focusing when bored
  • trouble staying on task, don't finish tasks
  • frustrated by tasks requiring sustained focus
  • difficulty moving focus on fun activity to a routine task, or
  • can't switch focus between multiple tasks or topics without getting lost.
Hyperactive behaviour
  • fidgets and wriggles
  • has a “driven” quality, runs and jumps
  • talking excessively (often more in girls)
  • excessive restlessness, in constant motion
  • has difficulty in sitting still or staying seated
  • restless sleeper and/or has difficulty settling into sleep
  • shows a lot of purposeless activity (i.e., not for a particular reason), or
  • insatiable (constantly seeking stimulation and entertainment, sometimes negative).
Impulsive behaviour
  • interrupting 
  • unpredictable behaviour
  • intruding in others' personal space
  • shouting or blurting out answers or secrets
  • acting without thinking of what might happen
  • pushing in or walking over others and not noticing, or
  • immediate regret and guilt that did or said something but frequently "didn't mean it"
Emotional Impulsivity/dysregulation
  • impatient
  • low self-esteem
  • highly emotional
  • easily upset by others
  • difficulty controlling temper
  • easily frustrated and tantrums
  • can overreact to pain and sounds, or
  • trouble in friendships and relationships.
executive dysfunction
  • often loses things 
  • forget things needed
  • generally disorganised
  • poor concept of time and often late
  • little to no planning or thinking ahead, or
  • little to no automatic reflection (thinking) about actions or consequences. 
MORE LIKELY TO HAVE OTHER CHALLENGES
  • messy handwriting
  • allergies, ezcema and asthma
  • specific learning disabilities in reading, writing or math
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Anxiety, Anger, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), or
  • Dyspraxia or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) - Clumsy, poor balance, movement coordination, core muscle control, poor ball skills, mixed left-right dominance.
COMMON ASSOCIATED Physical TROUBLES
  • digestive upset
  • allergies, eczema, asthma
  • poor temperature sense and control
  • headaches, muscle or stomach pains
  • food and drink cravings i.e. sugar or milk
  • ear troubles: including grommet insertions, infections and glue ear, or
  • eye troubles: including visual tracking, dark circles, puffiness and including allergic rhinitis.

Common Behaviours and Symptoms of ADHD in Adolescence

  • poorly organised
  • interrupts others
  • disorganised and untidy
  • forgetful, loses things
  • feelings of being overwhelmed
  • often late (poor time management)
  • day-dreamy and distracted in their head
  • slow to process information and directions
  • difficulty in getting things done "properly"
  • easily distracted and finds it hard to focus
  • emotionally immature but intuitive, empathetic and kind​
  • finds studying extremely boring, frustrating and procrastinates
  • difficulty concentrating and focusing, finds it hard to complete tasks
  • driving erratically, has lots of minor accidents, some afraid to drive at all
  • talking excessively without necessarily noticing if others are bored or not interested
  • if experienced hyperactivity, this has settled but are still fidgety, jittery or restless
  • has trouble keeping up with demands of homework and poor motivation (unless loves the subject)
  • getting upset quickly, over-reacting and not calming self quickly so appearing emotionally volatile
  • attracted to exciting people/relationships that can be unhealthy or destructive (without meaning too)
  • ​impulsive behaviour, takes unnecessary risks for the fun of it, can’t see the consequences of actions
  • eats/drinks or does recreational drugs to calm themselves down or to excite them with little to no thought about the consequences
  • being a highly empathetic "emotional sponge" and so can be attracted to helping others but also very affected by their emotional states, or
  • has significant friendship issues - often due to missing/not paying attention to the social cues of others (resulting in offending or upsetting them thoughtlessly, rather than on purpose).
Photo by Sasint

ADHD is more common than you think
ADHD is more common than you think
Tips for teaching children with ADHD
Tips for teaching children with ADHD
How to get a diagnosis for ADHD
How to get an Assessment
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  • What is ADHD?
    • Have you got ADHD? >
      • Children and teens with ADHD
      • Adults with ADHD
    • How to get an Assessment for ADHD
    • Co-Morbidities
    • ADHD is more common than you think
    • Why it's good to have ADHD
    • FAQs
  • Succeed with ADHD
    • Membership and donations
    • Managing ADHD >
      • Families living with ADHD
      • ADHD in schools
    • ADHD Wellington
    • Access ADHD Healthcare Professionals >
      • The Different Types of Healthcare Professionals
    • ADHD Support Organisations
    • Events and promotions
    • Latest Updates and Blogs
    • Research
    • Library
    • Videos
  • About Us
    • Our People
    • Help Us By Volunteering
    • Sponsors
    • ADHD Ambassador
  • Contact Us