9 ADHD symptoms in children parents should look out for

Children with ADHD may make careless mistakes on homework assignments or have a difficult time completing the tasks. Organization, time management, and focus and attention are the most common roadblocks many children with ADHD face when doing their school work. 

Frequent homework mistakes may also be a symptom of a learning disorder. According to Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, as many as 50% of children with ADHD also have a learning disorder, compared to 5% of children without ADHD.

Children lose things, but those with ADHD are more likely to lose what they need for homework and other activities. Assignments, pencils, and toys may go missing. Difficulty staying organized is a sign of inattention—one of the core symptoms of children with ADHD. 

Children with ADHD often forget to finish homework or chores, or may not do them at all. Following through on a set of instructions is a common challenge for many children with ADHD.

Finding alternative means for keeping children on track when trying to complete a task will often be more beneficial than sticking to standard methods. For example, "redirecting rather than reprimanding" is likely to yield a more positive outcome in a child struggling to stay focused.

It can be difficult for children with ADHD to stay mentally focused long enough to complete things like school projects, so some children may avoid them altogether. They may become depressed because they can’t focus, while other kids seem to finish school assignments with no problem. About 14% of children with ADHD have depression, compared with 1% of those without ADHD. Depression often follows ADHD.

Neurotypical children often have short attention spans and can exhibit ”selective hearing,” but many with ADHD have trouble listening even when being spoken to directly. Children with ADHD are more likely to be on the autism spectrum than those who do not have ADHD, which can affect how they interact with others speaking to them.

Children with ADHD generally have trouble sitting still, often tapping their feet or squirming in their chairs. Some people with ADHD have tics, or rapid, involuntary movements, and 60% to 80% have Tourette syndrome, a type of tic disorder. Giving a child an outlet to cope with hyperactivity—through playing with tactile toys, for one example—may help improve memory and build social skills.

Young children are naturally energetic, to the point of wearing out their parents. However, many children with ADHD are always on the go, constantly moving and running around. They may not be able to stay seated when they need to, such as during class, and they also may be on the go during inappropriate times.

Although wanting in on the fun is a natural impulse, children with ADHD may intrude on other kids’ games and activities. Some children who are a part of a group may have trouble waiting their turn to play.

About 40% of people with ADHD have oppositional defiant disorder, which means they have trouble following rules and may deliberately annoy others. In line with following the rules, children with ADHD may also interrupt other peoples' conversations.

Children with ADHD often have trouble playing or working on projects quietly. This may result in outbursts during school or recess and inopportune times.

Teaching children with ADHD how to self-monitor their behavior is one method to help with playing quietly, allowing them to learn and recognize when certain actions are more appropriate than others.

This story originally appeared on HeyTutor and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.