How to Identify ADD Symptoms

Children with attention deficit disorder (ADD) exhibit inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Symptoms vary in every children--from inability to sit still and be quiet, to having academic and social difficulties. While most young children exhibit this kind of behavior, as they get older they will change. But for children with ADD, such development does not take place. Most of the symptoms remain during adolescent years and oftentimes into adulthood.

Instructions

Inattentive Symptoms of ADD

• 1

  Observe if your child listens carefully when you talk. Children with ADD often don't listen when you give them rules to follow or try to talk to them directly.

• 2

  Take note of how your child handles her tasks at home or school. If your child constantly shows difficulty in organizing even simple tasks or activities, it may be a sign of ADD.

• 3

  Keep a close eye on your child's concentration. An ADD child usually can't focus on details and often makes heedless mistakes in schoolwork or simple duties at home.

• 4

  Notice if your child is easily distracted. Children with ADD find it hard to pay attention when performing tasks or even while playing. Whenever he is doing something and gets disturbed by other things going on around him, his attention can easily be diverted away from the task.

• 5

  Watch how your child obeys instructions. If your child is incapable of following simple commands and does not usually complete assigned work in school or chores at home, then this may be a sign of ADD. Failure to finish duties at home or in school, does not mean your child didn't understand your instructions--he may be incapable of following them.

• 6

  Monitor your child's interest in handling mental tasks. A child with ADD often hates, avoids or hesitates when dealing with activities that require mental exertion such as schoolwork or homework.

• 7

  Pay close attention to how often your child overlooks things. ADD children often forget daily activities, and usually misplace toys and things that are essential for activities in school (such as books, pencils or school assignments).

Hyperactive Symptoms of ADD

• 8

  Notice the behavior of your child when seated. A child with ADD is often unable to sit still and show signs of uneasiness with jerky movements.

• 9

  Observe your child's demeanor when in school, at home or anywhere else. An ADD child will often leave her seat in the classroom or in any given circumstances in which she is instructed to remain seated.

• 10

  Keep an eye on your child's actions. They may run or climb around uncontrollably and be restless in situations where such behavior or action is unsuitable.

• 11

  Take note if your child has problems being calm and quiet. If your child has ADD, she usually shows signs of being excessively talkative. Does she find it hard to keep her voice down? Does she scream even when told to be quiet.

Impulsive Symptoms of ADD

• 12

  Monitor your child's patience. When it comes to waiting, ADD children are often very impatient. They find it difficult to remain in place and be ready for their turn--they want it to be them right away before anybody else.

• 13

  Notice how your child answers questions. A child with ADD often exclaims answers, even before you finish stating your question.

• 14

  Observe how your child behaves towards others. If your child has ADD, he often interferes with the business of other people--such as butting into conversations that he or disturbing other children's games even if he is not a part of it.