ADHD – Predominantly Inattentive Presentation

• Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work or during other activities
• Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
• Often does not appear to listen when spoken to directly
• Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores or duties in the workplace
• Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
• Often avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to complete tasks that require sustained mental effort
• Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities
• Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
• Is forgetful in daily activities

ADHD – Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Presentation

• Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in chair
• Has difficulty remaining seated
• Runs about or climbs excessively in children; extreme restlessness in adults.
• Difficulty engaging in activities quietly
• Acts as if driven by a motor; adults will often feel internally as if they were driven by a motor
• Talks excessively
• Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
• Difficulty waiting or taking turns
• Interrupts or intrudes upon others

ADHD – Combined Presentation

Source: chaad.org

• Don’t blame the child or yourself, ADHD is mostly inherited or caused by: difficulties during pregnancy, prenatal exposure to alcohol and tobacco, premature delivery, significantly low birth weight, excessively high body lead levels, postnatal injury to the prefrontal regions of the brain
• Educate yourself about ADHD
• Obtain a comprehensive assesment with your pediatrician through inputs from school
• Form a team with your pediatrician, classroom teacher, school nurse, any other professional involved and be a Captain of the team, communicate regularly with the team
• Join a support group
• Learn the behavioral management techniques and put them to work, maintain a journal of what works and what does not