What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This name is used by the American Psychiatric Association. It can be with or without hyperactivity, and is diagnosed by a medical professional.
ADHD is a neurological condition. It is usually genetically transmitted. ADHD behavior can include distractibility, impulsivity and restlessness or hyperactivity. These symptoms can start in childhood and are of such intensity that they significantly interfer with everyday functioning.
An evaluation by a team of ADHD professionals should be considered if your child behaves consistently for 6 months with 8 of the following behaviors:
- Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat and may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness.
- Has difficulty remaining in seat when asked to do so.
- Is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
- Often blurts out answers to questions before they have been completed.
- Has difficulty following through on instructions from others.
- Often shifts from one uncompleted activity to another.
- Has difficulty playing quietly.
- Often talks excessively.
Often interrupts or intrudes on others.
Often does not seem to listen to what is being said to him or her.
Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities at school or at home.
Often engages in physically dangerous activities without considering possible consequences.
