Tutors > Tutor Tips > Warning Signs of ADD/ADHD
 

WARNING SIGNS OF ADD/ADHD

This information is provided by Bright Solutions for Dyslexia.
Email: info@BrightSolutions.US
(408) 559-3652
www.BrightSolutions.US
Copyright 2002 by Susan Barton. All Rights Reserved.

If a child frequently displays many of these symptoms, their behavior is age and situation-inappropriate , and it is interfering with the child's ability to be successful in school, encourage that child's parents and teachers to learn more about ADD/ADHD.

Physical Activity

• Either:
  • Can't sit still, feels restless
  • Has boundless energy
  • Always fidgeting, restless feet, etc.
• Or:
  • Couch potato, lethargic, slow, space cadet
  • Physically there, mentally gone

Frequent mood swings

• Feels emotions intensely
     Higher highs, lower lows
• Low tolerance for frustration
     May have rage attacks

Attention

• Trouble deciding what to pay attention to
     What's most important
• Trouble getting started on a task
     Often feels overwhelmed
• Trouble staying focused on repetitive tasks
     Until the task is complete
     Can't do homework independently
• Trouble shifting attention
     To a new task

Highly Distractable

• Distracted by any change in environment
     Any noise, movement or smell
• Also distracted by their own thoughts
     Daydreamer
• Can't stay focused for long
     Except Nintendo-type games or TV
     Or a new or scary activity
     May hyperfocus on a hobby
• Starts many projects
     But rarely finishes them

Impulsive

• Can't wait to be called on
     Blurts out answers in class
• Extremely impatient
     Difficult to wait for his/her turn
• Often acts before thinking
     Doesn't seem to learn from mistakes

Doesn't Listen Well

• Confused by multi-step oral directions

No tolerance for boredom

• May start arguments if things are too calm

Time Management

• Always rushing; can't slow down
• Makes careless mistakes
     Hates to doublecheck
• Doesn't use class time well
     Feels rushed by teachers & parents
• Puts most things off until the last minute

Odd Sleep Cycles

• Night owl, hates to go to bed
• Difficult to wake up in the morning
• May be a restless sleeper
• Bedwetting or sleepwalking

Inconsistent Performance

• Good days and bad days
     Some days they can do the schoolwork
     Other days they can't

Disorganized

• Messy room, desk, backpack
• Constantly loses or misplaces things

Other Symptoms

• Chatterbox; talks excessively
     Interrupts conversations frequently
• Strong sense of justice; bossy
• Lots of allergies
• Terrible penmanship
• Trouble remembering daily routines
• Relatives with ADD