These signs and symptoms might be present in a child with ADD/ADHD:- The three hallmarks of ADD & ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The signs and symptoms a child with attention deficit disorder has depends on which characteristics predominate. Here is an overview of the 3 types Problems with Attention - Doesn’t pay attention to details or makes careless mistakes
- Trouble staying focused & easily distracted
- Appears not to listen when spoken to
- Difficulty remembering things
- Difficulty following instructions
- Has trouble staying organized and completing projects
- Frequently loses or misplaces homework, books, toys, or other items
Problems with Hyperactivity - Constantly fidgets and squirms
- Often leaves his or her seat in situations where sitting quietly is expected
- Moves around constantly, often running or climbing inappropriately
- Talks excessively, has difficulty playing quietly
- Is always “on the go,” as if driven by a motor
Problems with Impulsivity - Blurts out answers without waiting to be called on hear the whole question
- Has difficulty waiting for his or her turn
- Often interrupts others
- Intrudes on other people’s conversations or games
- Inability to keep powerful emotions in check, resulting in angry outbursts or temper tantrums
The most usual and obvious sign of ADD/ADHD is hyperactivity. While many children are naturally quite active, kids with hyperactive symptoms of attention deficit disorder are always moving. They may try to do several things at once, bouncing around from one activity to the next. Even when forced to sit still – which can be very difficult for them – their foot is tapping, their leg is shaking, or their fingers are drumming. It is important to note that children can have ADD without being disruptive. The key is the inattention, and a child may not fit the exact ‘hyper’ characteristics, or even be ‘dreamy’ but they don’t follow directions or instructions, tend to under perform at school and clash in the playground for not playing ‘by the rules’. Not paying close enough attention is another common problem. Children with ADD/ADHD often bounce from task to task without completing any of them, or skip necessary steps in procedures. Organizing their schoolwork and their time is harder for them than it is for most children. Kids with ADD/ADHD also have trouble concentrating if there are things going on around them; they usually need a calm, quiet environment in order to sustain attention. Positive aspects of ADD & ADHD in children In addition to the challenges, there are also positive traits associated with people who have attention deficit disorder: Creative – Children who have ADD/ADHD are often extremely creative and imaginative. Having such an active brain and imagination has a huge up-side and often great artists, inventors and actors have these symptoms. Flexibile – Unlike children with Aspergers, kids with ADD/ADHD are less obsessive about things being one way, and tend to be more open to different ideas. Enthusiastic and Fun – ADD/ADHD kids are entertaining and lively and can be alot of fun to be with. Motivation and Success – When motivated, there is a vast amount of energy at their disposal for what they are doing. This can be a huge key to their success. Many children with ADD/ADHD are intellectually or artistically gifted. | 
