This brain difference causes kids, teens and adults to experience difficulty with attention, concentration, self-control and self-esteem.
ADHD has many symptoms. Some symptoms at first may look like normal behaviors for a child, but ADHD makes them much worse and occur more often.
ADHD children may:
- Get distracted easily and forget things often
- Switch too quickly from one activity to the next
- Have trouble with directions
- Daydream too much
- Have trouble finishing tasks like homework or chores
- Lose toys, books, and school supplies often
- Fidget and squirm a lot
- Talk nonstop and interrupt people
- Run around a lot
- Touch and play with everything they see
- Be very impatient
- Blurt out inappropriate comments
- Have trouble controlling their emotions.
ADHD adults may:
- Have trouble with time management
- Find organization a big challenge
- Have trouble with problem solving
- Have challenges with self-motivation
- Find their impulse control or inhibition can be a challenge
- Have trouble with their emotional management
Talking to Kids about ADHD
How do you talk to kids about ADHD? Dr. Ned Hallowell, MD, EdD, talks about how to explain ADHD to kids. Watch this video now. (Video)
General Information on ADHD
- What is ADHD? (Podcast)
- The Importance of ADHD Diagnosis. (Podcast)
- Dispelling Myths About ADHD (PDF)
- Reframing ADHD (PDF)
- Info RX: ADHD for Parents (PDF)
- Info Rx: ADHD for Kids and Teens(PDF)
- Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada (CADDAC) – Frequently Asked Questions (Videos)
- Dr. Annick Vincent (physician-psychiatrist), Quebec, Canada – ADHD Information Tips and Tricks (Website)
- How to Explain ADHD to Kids – Dr. Ned Hallowell’s YouTube video (Video)