Everyone has problems paying attention from time to time, especially when under stress or when having to attend to something that's not very interesting. But children and adults with ADHD have difficulty sustaining attention most of the time and they may present with a mix of symptoms of Inattention or Hyperactivity/Impulsivity.
What does ADHD look like? Inattentive Symptoms:
Being easily distracted, missing important details, forgetting things
Frequently switching from one activity to another
Having difficulty focusing on one thing
Difficulty sustaining attention to things that require a lot of mental concentration
Not listening when spoken to
Frequently losing or misplacing things
Hyperactive/Impulsive Symptoms
Difficulty sitting still, remaining seated
Talking nonstop, or interrupting others
Being constantly in motion
Having difficulty doing tasks or playing quietly
Having difficulty waiting your turn
Deficits or problems in Executive Functions may also be present. To learn more about Executive Functions, click here.