Posted on April 24, 2023.

At ADDvantage Coaching, I understand that parenting a child with ADHD can be a challenging and confusing experience. It's normal for parents to wonder if their child is exhibiting signs of ADHD, and i am here to help.

In this blog post, we'll be discussing the top 10 signs that your child may have ADHD. While these signs do not guarantee that your child has ADHD, they are important to look out for and may warrant further investigation.

Inability to Stay Focused

One of the primary symptoms of ADHD is an inability to focus or concentrate for extended periods of time. This can manifest in a child being easily distracted or having difficulty completing tasks. Children with ADHD often have difficulty paying attention, even to tasks they enjoy. They may seem forgetful, have a hard time finishing tasks or following instructions, or get sidetracked easily. This can make it hard for them to keep up with schoolwork and homework or complete daily tasks like chores or personal hygiene.

Hyperactivity

Children with ADHD may also exhibit hyperactive behavior. They may fidget or squirm frequently, have trouble sitting still, or be constantly on the move. Kids with ADHD may seem like they’re constantly on the go. They may fidget, squirm, or have trouble sitting still, especially in situations where they’re expected to remain seated, such as at school or during meals. They may also talk excessively, interrupt others, or struggle with taking turns.

Impulsivity

Impulsivity is another common symptom of ADHD. Children with ADHD may act without thinking, interrupt others frequently, or have difficulty waiting their turn. Children with ADHD may have trouble controlling their impulses, leading them to act out or speak without thinking first. This can lead to trouble with social relationships, difficulty following rules or laws, and other challenges.

Forgetfulness

Children with ADHD may have difficulty remembering things or following through on tasks, which can lead to forgetfulness and disorganization. Children with ADHD may have trouble staying organized, such as keeping track of schoolwork, keeping their room tidy, or managing their schedule. They may also forget important events or appointments or struggle to manage their time effectively.

Poor Time Management

Managing time can be difficult for children with ADHD, who may have trouble with planning, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines. Kids with ADHD may have difficulty remembering important details, like assignments or deadlines, or even simple things like where they put their belongings. This can lead to frustration and anxiety, as well as trouble keeping up with schoolwork or work tasks.

Lack of Attention to Detail

Children with ADHD may struggle with attention to detail, making careless mistakes or overlooking important information. Children with ADHD may struggle with transitions, such as moving from one activity to another, or from one setting to another, such as transitioning from home to school. This can lead to anxiety, stress, and frustration, as well as difficulty with following routines or schedules.

Trouble Following Instructions

Children with ADHD may have trouble following instructions or completing multi-step tasks, which can lead to frustration and confusion. This difficulty with following instructions can show up in a variety of settings, including at school, at home, and in social situations. Children with ADHD may struggle with processing and retaining information that is presented to them verbally or in written form, making it difficult for them to carry out tasks that require following a series of steps. They may also have difficulty organizing and prioritizing the steps involved in a task, which can cause them to lose track of what they are supposed to be doing.

This difficulty with following instructions can lead to frustration and confusion for both the child and their parents or caregivers. The child may become overwhelmed and give up on the task, leading to a lack of confidence and self-esteem. Additionally, parents may feel frustrated and helpless in their attempts to provide guidance and support to their child. It is important for parents and caregivers to recognize that this difficulty with following instructions is a symptom of ADHD and not a reflection of the child's intelligence or willingness to cooperate.

Inability to Sit Still

As previously mentioned, children with ADHD may have difficulty sitting still. They may fidget, tap their feet, or squirm in their seats. This inability to sit still can be disruptive to the child's learning, as well as to others around them. For example, they may struggle to pay attention during class or may cause distractions for their peers. Children with ADHD may also have difficulty engaging in activities that require sustained attention, such as reading, drawing, or playing games that involve waiting their turn. This can make it difficult for them to participate in social activities, which can lead to feelings of isolation and low self-esteem. Additionally, their inability to sit still can be physically exhausting for them, leading to a lack of energy and motivation. It is important to note that this symptom is not simply a result of the child being "hyper" or "disruptive" - it is a real and challenging aspect of living with ADHD.

Impaired Social Skills

Children with ADHD may struggle with social skills, finding it difficult to make and maintain friendships. They may also be more prone to conflicts with peers. Children with ADHD may struggle with social skills, finding it difficult to read social cues or understand social norms. This can lead to misunderstandings, social isolation, and low self-esteem. They may find it hard to make and maintain friendships, often coming across as impulsive, overly talkative or intrusive, and impatient. These issues can make social interactions challenging and frustrating, leading to conflicts with peers, arguments and a sense of rejection. It is important for parents to address these issues early on, as they can have a long-lasting impact on the child's social development and mental health.

Mood Swings

Finally, children with ADHD may experience mood swings, ranging from extreme sadness to hyperactivity and restlessness.

Children with ADHD may experience mood swings, ranging from extreme sadness to hyperactivity and restlessness. These mood swings can be sudden and unpredictable, and can interfere with a child's ability to function effectively in daily life. For example, if a child is feeling sad or anxious, they may be less motivated to complete tasks, leading to procrastination and difficulty in focusing. Similarly, if a child is feeling restless or hyperactive, they may be more prone to impulsivity, leading to potential accidents or injuries. These mood swings can also lead to difficulties in social situations, as the child may struggle to control their emotions and behaviors. It is important for parents to seek professional help if they notice significant mood swings in their child, as this could indicate a co-occurring mental health issue or further challenges with ADHD.

If your child exhibits any of these signs, it may be worth scheduling an appointment with a specialist who can evaluate them for ADHD. A diagnosis can provide clarity and allow you to seek the appropriate treatment for your child.

At ADDvantage Coaching, I offer Parent Coaching, Lifestyle Changes, and Executive Functioning Development services to help children with ADHD and their families live more fulfilling lives. As an experienced coach i work with parents and children to develop personalized strategies and tools to manage ADHD symptoms and build stronger family relationships.

Don't hesitate to reach out to me at (312) 465-8801 or [email protected] for more information on my services and how I can help your child thrive. Together, we can help your child reach their full potential.