THE LEARNING CENTER, LLC

Warning Signs of Attention Deficit Disorder

All kids do these things some of the time. It’s the clustering of symptoms, the intensity, and the persistence of symptoms that create indicators of concern.

 

• Physical Activity

• Either:Can’t sit still, feels restless

• Boundless energy

• Always fidgeting, restless feet, etc.

• Or:Couch potato, lethargic, slow moving, space cadet

• Physically there, mentally gone

• Frequent and significant mood swings

• Feels emotions intensely

• Low tolerance for frustration

• May have rage attacks

• Attention Difficulties

• 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

• Sometimes hyperfocuses —on Nintendo, hobby, TV​

• Highly Distractible

• Distracted by any change in the environment any noise, movement, or smell. Also distracted by his/her own thoughts, daydreamer.

• Starts many projects, but rarely finishes them

• ​Impulsive

• Can’t wait to be called on​​​​​​​​​​​ blurts out answers in class

• Extremely impatient,​​​​​​​​​​​ difficulty waiting 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 an argument if things are too calm

• Poor Time Management

• Always rushing; can’t slow down

• Makes careless mistakes

• Doesn’t use class time well, feels rushed by teachers and parents

• Puts 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