Most kids get distracted, fidgety, or act without thinking sometimes. But for a child with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), these behaviors are harder to manage and can make everyday life more challenging. Learning common ADHD symptoms in children is important for spotting when something more may be going on.
It’s important to remember that one difficult behavior doesn’t automatically mean a child has ADHD. In this guide, we’ll discuss the common symptoms of ADHD in children and discuss when it may be beneficial to consult a doctor.
Inattentive Symptoms
Children who show inattentive symptoms may struggle to pay attention, follow instructions, or complete assignments, which can affect their success at school.
Research shows that in children with ADHD, struggles in the classroom, such as keeping up with lessons, are linked more to inattention than to hyperactivity or impulsivity [*].
In other words, a child might be quiet and not disruptive, but still miss important details or forget instructions, which can affect learning and academic performance. They may have trouble with routines at home. In social situations, they might struggle to notice important social cues.
Parents and caregivers may observe the following inattentive behaviors:
At Home
- Struggles to follow daily routines (like getting dressed or washing their face)
- Misplaces personal items, such as toys or school supplies
- Forgets responsibilities, like feeding pets
- Has trouble keeping personal spaces organized
- Easily distracted by unrelated activities or noises, such as a TV in another room or background conversations
- Needs repeated reminders to complete tasks or follow instructions
At School
- Struggles to focus on lessons or classroom instructions
- Forgets to turn in homework or complete class assignments
- Makes frequent careless errors on schoolwork
- Seems to drift off or daydream during class activities
- Finds it hard to follow instructions with multiple steps
- Frequently misplaces school materials, like books, pencils, or notebooks
- Gets easily distracted by classroom noise, movement, or other students
Social
- Has trouble following conversations with peers
- Forgets plans or commitments with friends
- Misses social cues, such as when someone is upset or waiting for a turn
- Appears disengaged, daydreaming, or socially withdrawn during group activities
- Struggles to pay attention to rules in games or shared activities
- May seem unaware of others’ feelings or reactions
- Can appear shy or hesitant to join social interactions
Hyperactive/Impulsive Symptoms
Children with ADHD may show hyperactive and impulsive behaviors, which often appear together. Hyperactive symptoms include a constant need for movement, as if a child is “run by a motor,” while impulsive symptoms involve acting quickly without thinking about consequences.
These behaviors may sometimes be perceived as unruly, even though they are not intentional [*].
Below are common hyperactive and impulsive behaviors:
At Home
- Has trouble sitting still during meals or quiet activities
- Frequently gets up and moves around, even when asked to stay seated
- Talks excessively or makes constant noise during play
- Appears to always be “on the go,” even during calm moments
- Struggles to relax before bedtime
- Climbs on furniture or jumps around when it isn’t appropriate
- Jumps into conversations or blurts out answers before someone is done talking
- Struggles to wait patiently during games, routines, or shared family activities
- Acts on the moment without thinking, such as running off, touching things, or taking items without asking
- Has strong emotional reactions quickly, such as crying, yelling, or getting frustrated
- Makes quick choices that can put them at risk, like climbing unsafe areas or running toward the street
At School
- Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in their seat
- Leaves their seat when expected to stay seated
- Has difficulty staying quiet during lessons
- Constantly taps, wiggles, or moves their body
- Struggles to engage in quiet, independent work
- Finds it hard to wait for breaks or movement opportunities
- Blurts out answers or comments before being called on
- Interrupts teachers or classmates during lessons
- Has difficulty waiting for a turn during activities or group work
- Starts tasks without listening to full instructions
- Acts without considering consequences, such as leaving their seat suddenly or touching materials without permission
Social
- Cannot stay in one place during social activities
- Plays too loudly or too roughly without realizing it
- Interrupts others’ play because of high energy
- Moves quickly from one activity to another
- May overwhelm peers with fast-paced behavior
- Struggles to participate in calm or seated group activities
- Interrupts conversations or play, not noticing timing or cues
- Has trouble taking turns in games
- May say things without thinking, which can hurt others’ feelings
- Reacts strongly or suddenly in disagreements
- Joins activities abruptly without checking if it’s an appropriate moment
When to Talk to Your Doctor
If you notice that your child is showing these behaviors and they are causing significant challenges, it is appropriate to visit a doctor for an evaluation.
This can be done by a psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD, or by a primary care provider such as a pediatrician.
During the evaluation, the doctor will take a detailed history, have you and your child complete questionnaires, and consider other conditions or factors that might look similar to ADHD.
Resources
Parents looking to learn more about ADHD and how it differs from common childhood challenges can use these resources to understand symptoms:
