The acronym ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – a common
neurodevelopmental condition of childhood.

What types of ADHD are there?

Predominantly Inattentive type (formally known as ‘ADD’) – Individuals with inattentive
ADHD may have difficulty sustaining attention, following instructions, or organising tasks.
They may also be easily distracted, have a weak working memory, or lose things frequently.

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive type – Individuals with hyperactive ADHD feel the
need for constant movement. They often fidget, squirm, and/or struggle to stay seated. They
may appear as if “driven by a motor” and talk a lot, interrupt others, blurt out answers etc.

Combined Presentation – Individuals with combined-type ADHD demonstrate six or more
symptoms of inattention, and six or more symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Do all children have ADHD?

Many children have trouble focusing and/or regulating their behaving at one time or another.
However, children with ADHD tend to have more challenges than neurotypical children and
they tend not to grow out of these behaviours. The symptoms they display can be severe at
times and cause difficulty at school, at home, or with friends. They can also continue into
adulthood.

Common characteristics of a child with ADHD

  • they may daydream a lot
  • may frequently forget or lose things
  • find it hard to organise themselves or their belongings
  • squirm or fidget a lot
  • talk excessively
  • have trouble taking turns
  • make careless mistakes or take unnecessary risks
  • find it hard to make friends and/or have difficulty getting along with others

What should I do if I notice these characteristics in my child?

  • Understand the challenges your child is going through, read up about how best to
    manage difficult situations and talk with other parents about what you can do to help.
  • Monitor the situation and keep notes about the tasks/situations your child finds
    challenging.
  • Talk and compare notes with your child’s teachers.
  • Speak with your Dr or a professional with knowledge about children’s attention
    issues.
  • Don’t ignore it.