How do you know if your kid has adhd?

To be diagnosed with Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a child will display symptoms of one of the three types of ADHD. The symptoms for each type include (taken from http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/types-of-adhd) Inattentive type (child must display six out of nine symptoms) - Not paying attention to detail - Making careless mistakes - Failing to pay attention and keep on task - Not listening - Being unable to follow or understand instructions - Avoiding tasks that involve effort - Being distracted - Being forgetful - Losing things that are needed to complete tasks Hyperactive-impulsive type (child must display six out of nine symptoms) - Fidgeting - Squirming - Getting up often when seated - Running or climbing at inappropriate times - Having trouble playing quietly - Talking too much - Talking out of turn or blurting out - Interrupting - Often “on the go” as if “driven by a motor” Combined type (Shows symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types) In general, the key point to note in trying to figure out if a child has ADHD is whether or not he/she suffers any impairment in their ability to inhibit and control impulses, which often affects his/her learning or function. For example, a chld with ADHD finds it difficult to process information. He/she is unable to “slow down” to take in the information. This poses as an issue in the classroom since children are expected to make sense of the information within a short period of time. Another common problem a child with ADHD faces is a struggle with execution functions such as organizing, planning, prioritizing, paying attention to and remembering details. A child with ADHD often also becomes easily overwhelmed and frustrated, and has trouble regulating their emotions. If you suspect your child of having ADHD, it is best to consult a doctor or psychologist or psychiatrist for a formal evaluation.