Symptoms and Signs of Attention Deficit Disorder

Attention deficit disorder is a syndrome, or cluster of symptoms, possibly caused by a structural defect in the brain. Children with attention deficit disorder display several signs; these include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Sign of Attention Deficit Disorder - Inattention

Most children don't have long attention spans - that's normal. A child with attention deficit disorder, however, will display a short attention span even when compared to peers of the same age. For instance, many young children being read to will grow restless and inattentive if the story lasts for more than half an hour; however, the child with attention deficit disorder will probably become inattentive after only five or ten minutes.

Other signs of inattention in attention deficit disorder include being easily distracted, moving rapidly from one activity to another without completing any of them, failing to listen to or follow directions in class and at home, making more careless mistakes than one would expect from a child of that age, and consistently forgetting necessary items or supplies (e.g., forgetting to bring lunch to school, forgetting to bring home a permission slip for a field trip, etc.).

Sign of Attention Deficit Disorder - Hyperactivity

Again, it is not uncommon for young children to have trouble sitting still for long periods of time. The child with attention deficit disorder shows extreme restlessness when compared to peers of the same age. Signs of hyperactivity in attention deficit disorder may include being restless or fidgety, constantly moving hands and feet even when sitting down, having trouble staying in an assigned seat, getting up and moving around inappropriately, being constantly on the go, etc.

Sign of Attention Deficit Disorder - Impulsivity

Impulsivity may manifest itself in many ways. Again, since most children are impulsive to a certain extent, this symptom is measured against what is normal for a child of the age in question. The afflicted child may have trouble waiting his or her turn in games, or may shout out the answers in class before called upon. The child may also have trouble reading social cues and may try to force him or herself into the middle of conversations or games where he or she is not wanted.

Although there is no permanent cure for attention deficit disorder, several treatments have proven effective. If you suspect your child suffers from attention deficit disorder, ask the school for a referral to a professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist that specializes in diagnosing and treating childhood disorders.