ADHD symptom Checklist for Children

Having studied Attention Deficit Disorder, I am often asked questions such as how to diagnose ADD in children? What are signs of ADHD? What are symptoms of ADHD in child? How can I determine if my child has ADHD? How do I diagnose ADHD? Is there an ADHD checklist available to me? Does my child have ADHD?

For simplicity sake, I compiled a small list of symptoms of ADHD in child. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th edition has described the categories according to symptoms in a very detailed pattern.

Types of ADHD in Children

For the convenience of doctors and patients, ADHD is further classified into 3 major types depending upon the symptoms that are present to help with early interventions for children with ADHD.

1. Combined Type (Inattentive/Hyperactive/Impulsive).

Children with this type of ADHD show all three symptoms, i.e. Hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattentive behavior. This is the most common form of ADHD, generally referred to as the classic type.

2. Hyperactive/Impulsive Type.

Children show both hyperactive and impulsive behavior, but are able to pay attention.

3. Inattentive Type

Formerly known as attention deficit disorder (ADD), these children are not overly active. They do not disrupt the classroom or other activities, so their symptoms are often overlooked.

How Can I Determine if My Child has ADHD?

Many parents are concerned about this particular condition. Every child in early years of schooling seems a little restless and uninterested in studies. But how can you judge symptoms of ADHD in a child? There’s a whole list of symptoms. They are:

1. The child is easily distracted by irrelevant sights and sounds.

2. The child fails to pay attention to details and makes careless mistakes.

3. He/she rarely follow instructions carefully and completely losing or forgetting things like toys, or pencils, books, and tools needed for a task.

4. Skips from one incomplete activity to another.

5. The child feels restless, often fidgeting with hands, feet, arms or legs or squirming while seated or gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.

6. The child is always on the go. Up to something like running, climbing or jumping.

7. The child usually blurts out answers before hearing the whole question or interrupts conversations or games.

8. Children with ADHD are over talkative.

9. They have difficulty waiting in line or taking turns.

10. They usually fail to give close attention to details and are unable to do schoolwork, work, or other activities.

11. When talking to ADHD child, it seems like talking to walls because he does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.

12. He/she rarely follows instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace.

13. They might have trouble organizing activities.

14. An ADHD affected child avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).

15. The child often loses things that they need to take care of e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools.

16. He/she is forgetful in daily activities.

17. The child runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate or prohibited.

18. Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.

19. He/she can’t wait for one’s turn or stay in a row.

20. To sum it up, an ADHD child is like a toy that has a never ending battery and is always on the go!!!!!!!

These are just indicators that may point to ADHD. If, after going through this checklist you believe it is ADHD that you are facing you will really want to look to a professional who specializes in treating ADHD. You will also want to learn more about what it takes to diagnose ADHD.

Another Way of Looking At ADHD

It is important to realize that ADHD is defined by symptoms. There is no blood test or other medical procedure to prove the disorder. To a certain extent most of these symptoms are normal childhood behaviors for which there can be many different causes.

Blood sugar imbalances often contribute greatly to ADHD behavior which is why the proper ADHD diet is so important. Sleep is also critical. Lack of sleep exacerbates ADHD symptoms.

Many individuals have found herbal and vitamin supplements to help reduce or eliminate these symptoms. focus formula is an herbal product that is designed to work to improve behavior and focus.

I encourage you to visit the Native Remedies website to learn more about what this product can do to help with behavioral issues and academic performance for your child.

You may also be interested in:
Homeschooling Children with ADHD
Special Schools for ADHD

Here are some websites that provide free diagnostic checklists:

ADHD checklist from the CDC
Child Behavior Guide's PDF checklist