Poor Reading: A Deep Dive
The symptoms of ADD/ADHD
What is attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD)?
ADD/ADHD is a neurologically-based developmental disorder characterized by difficulty sustaining attention, excessive hyperactivity, and/or impulsive behavior beyond what is typical for a child’s age.
Understanding the symptoms of ADD/ADHD
“ADD” usually refers to the predominantly inattentive presentation of ADHD, whereas “ADHD” is the umbrella term that includes inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined types. Individuals with ADHD show these behaviors more frequently and severely than peers, across multiple settings (home, school, work). It is one of the most common childhood brain-based disorders. ADHD often co-occurs with other conditions – for example, up to 50% of children with ADHD also have learning disorders like dyslexia or dysgraphia. This overlap means writing difficulties may be part of the ADHD profile. Early identification and a clear definition of ADHD are important, as it lays the groundwork for targeted interventions.
Children and adults with ADD/ADHD typically exhibit a pattern of symptoms in three main domains:
Inattention
Difficulty focusing on tasks and details, short attention span, forgetfulness, and disorganization. They may struggle to pay attention, lose track of instructions, or have trouble staying on task during schoolwork or conversations.
Hyperactivity
Excessive activity and restlessness, even in situations where quiet behavior is expected. For example, fidgeting, squirming, running or climbing at inappropriate times, and an internal feeling of restlessness. Children might talk excessively or have trouble staying seated.
Impulsivity
Acting quickly without thinking of consequences or waiting for one’s turn. This can manifest as blurting out answers, interrupting others, or difficulty with self-control. An impulsive child may grab objects, make hasty decisions, or rush through tasks, leading to careless mistakes.
Summary
These symptoms often impair academic performance, peer relationships, and daily functioning. For instance, inattention can make it hard to complete homework, while impulsivity might lead to behavior problems. Symptom severity varies, but an ADHD diagnosis requires that these behaviors are chronic and developmentally inappropriate. It’s important to note: what appears as willful “bad behavior” is rooted in brain differences, not laziness or defiance.
Next up: What’s causing the struggle?
Understanding what’s behind ADD / ADHD
Knowing the symptoms is just the start—what actually causes ADD behaviors in kids? Learn about the brain-based roots of attention challenges and what that means for skill building.