What are signs of a child with Attention Deficit Disorder?

Question

What schools in the DC area are equipped to handle the needs of such children, without breaking their confidence.

Answer 1

Signs and symptoms

At various times, ADHD has been called attention-deficit disorder (ADD), hyperactivity, and even minimal brain dysfunction. But ADHD is the preferred term because it more accurately describes all aspects of the condition. Most doctors believe that a child shouldn't receive a diagnosis of ADHD unless the core symptoms of ADHD appear early in life and create significant problems at home and at school on an ongoing basis.

ADHD symptoms fall into two broad categories:

Inattention

Hyperactivity-impulsive behavior

In general, children are said to have ADHD if they show six or more signs or symptoms from each category for at least six months. These symptoms must significantly affect a child's ability to function in at least two areas of life — typically at home and at school. This helps ensure that the problem isn't with only a particular teacher or with only parents. Children who have problems in school but get along well at home or with friends are not considered to have ADHD. The same is true of children who are hyperactive or inattentive only at home but whose schoolwork and friendships aren't affected by their behavior.

In most children diagnosed with ADHD, signs and symptoms appear before the age of 7, although they sometimes may occur even earlier.

Inattention

Signs and symptoms of inattention may include:

Often fails to pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities

Often has trouble sustaining attention during tasks or play

Seems not to listen even when spoken to directly

Has difficulty following through on instructions and often fails to finish schoolwork, chores or other tasks

Often has problems organizing tasks or activities

Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as schoolwork or homework

Frequently loses needed items, such as books, pencils, toys or tools

Can be easily distracted

Forgetful often

Hyperactivity-impulsiveness

Signs and symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsive behavior may include:

Fidgets or squirms frequently

Often leaves his or her seat in the classroom or in other situations when remaining seated is expected

Often runs or climbs excessively when it's not appropriate or, if an adolescent, might constantly feel restless

Frequently has difficulty playing quietly

Always seems on the go

Talks excessively

Blurts out the answers before questions have been completely asked

Frequently has difficulty waiting for his or her turn

Often interrupts or intrudes on others' conversations or games

Im sure your could go to any school and ask what their policy is on AD = most public schools have programs in place for children that allow for a organized continued education in smaller teacher/student ratio - lessons are shorter, more hands on projects.  Don't stop asking - your child's education is a very important part of his life.

Answer 2

SYMPTOMS OF ADD or ADHD:

    * Often fidgeting with hands or feet, or squirming while seated.

    * Having difficulty remaining seated.

    * Having difficulty awaiting turn in games or group activities.

    * Often blurting out answers before questions are completed.

    * Having difficulty in following instructions.

    * Having difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.

    * Often shifting from one uncompleted task to another.

    * Having difficulty playing quietly.

    * Often talking excessively.

    * Often interrupting or intruding on others.

    * Often not listening to what is being said.

    * Often forgetting things necessary for tasks or activities.

    * Often engaging in physically dangerous activities without considering possible consequences.

    * Being easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.

14 ADD symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder or ADHD, of which at least eight ADD symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder of ADHD must be present for a child to be officially classified as Attention Deficit Disorder or ADHD.

Answer 3

can't sit straight for a long period of time