Many parents struggle to decide whether or not their child should be assessed for ADHD, and you’ve likely heard people talk about over medication and other concerns associated with this diagnosis. However, it’s important to remember that a diagnosis doesn’t have to be about what a person can’t do. Instead, by understanding ADHD better, you can help your child to maximize their strengths, including putting all their extra energy to good use. Before you decide to schedule your child’s ADHD assessment, take some time to think about whether or not your child is exhibiting the ten signs of ADHD explained below. You should also talk to your child’s teachers and other educators or caregivers who have experience working with your child in different settings.
#1 – Self-Centered Behavior
Because people who are diagnosed with ADHD often find themselves too excited to wait their turn or lack patience to concentrate on what other people want or need, they can come across as self-centered.
#2 – Interrupting Others
Due to the self-centered or internally focused thinking and behaving characteristic of those with ADHD, they may interrupt others frequently, fail to listen to others during conversation, or struggle to remember what other people tell them.
#3 – Impatience
People with ADHD are often very impatient. Kids with ADHD may not be able to wait their turn in games or classroom activities, and this may lead to behavioral concerns for many young people struggling with ADHD.
#4 – Mood Swings
Dramatic changes in emotional state are common among people with ADHD. They may experience sudden mood swings, kids often throw temper tantrums, and it can be difficult for other people to understand how or why their mood changed so quickly.
#5 – Lack of Focus & Daydreaming
Possibly the most common symptoms among people with ADHD are a lack of focus and tendency for daydreaming. This can lead to people with ADHD avoiding tasks that require high levels of effort because they don’t want others to notice that they miss details, make small mistakes, or forget deadlines.
#6 – Difficulty with Self-Contained Behavior
Sitting or playing quietly and other self-contained behaviors are very difficult for people with ADHD. This may lead to them fidgeting, starting fights, or otherwise engaging in disruptive behaviors.
#7 – Lack of Follow Through
Those who are diagnosed with ADHD are often excited to start new projects, but they can struggle to complete them. Lack of follow through is a common characteristic of people diagnosed with ADHD, so if your child has several unfinished craft projects in their room, this can be indicative of a struggle with ADHD.
#8 – Can’t Get or Stay Organized
Similarly, ADHD effects executive functions like organization. Remembering deadlines, tracking daily tasks, and keeping paperwork and other information in order can all be a real struggle. These are just the physical forms of disorganization, but those who struggle with ADHD often find their thoughts to be just as difficult to catalogue.
#9 – Fidgeting or Constant Movement
Many people diagnosed with ADHD are described as being always in motion. Fidgeting, drumming, bouncing, swaying, toe tapping, and other repetitive movements are all common among those with ADHD.
#10 – These Symptoms Occur Across Settings
One thing many people don’t consider is where and how often these behaviors occur. If your child is only failing to focus and behaving inappropriately at school, he or she may be bored or need a different kind of educational support option. If their favorite activity is playing video games, drawing, or going outside, and even these activities don’t hold their attention, it may be time for an assessment.
When it’s Time for Assessment
If you notice many of these symptoms across settings (home, school, extracurriculars), it’s time to schedule an assessment. We recommend taking some time to talk to your child’s teachers, childcare workers, and other family members before their appointment. This will give you a more complete picture of how ADHD is impacting your child, and it will be beneficial throughout the assessment process. When you’re ready to get started, call the Northern Colorado Assessment team. We look forward to working with you to start better understanding the advantages and drawbacks of any diagnosis, so your child can lead their best life.