Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (with or without hyperactivity) is a difficult diagnosis to make and should only be made by a mental health professional or a physician with specific training in this area. Care must be taken to consider numerous other diagnostic possibilities leading to similar behavior. Many times the diagnosis can be made with two sessions of interview and simple screening instruments. Other times, more involved testing may be required. Any of the following signs and symptoms of ADHD suggest an evaluation by a professional may be indicated. Rarely does one person have all of the symptoms.

Some Signs of ADHD (ADD):

• Inattention
• Often fails to finish what he or she starts
• Doesn’t seem to listen
• Easily Distracted
• Has difficulty concentrating or paying attention Impulsivity:
• Often acts without thinking & later feels sorry
• Shifts excessively from one topic to another
• Has difficulty organizing work
• Needs lots of supervision
• Speaks out loudly in class
• Talks too much and/or interrupts frequently
• Doesn’t wait to take turns in games or groups Hyperactivity:
• Runs about or climbs on things excessively
• Can’t sit still and is fidgety
• Has difficulty staying in his seat and bothers classmates
• Always on the go Emotional and Social Factors:
• Angry outbursts
• Mood swings
• Social loner
• Blames others for problems
• Difficulty working or playing with others
• Easily frustrated