What are the primary signs and symptoms of ADHD?

If your child receives an ADHD diagnosis, you’ll likely hear that their symptoms fall into one of three subtypes:

• inattentive type
• hyperactive or impulsive type
• combined type (meaning that your child shows both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms).

For each of these subtypes, there are common signs of ADHD that you may recognize in your child (such as short attention span, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and fidgeting or restlessness, among others), but there are some important parameters to keep in mind. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), in order for an ADHD diagnosis to be made:

• Symptoms (which often begin between the ages of three and six) have to be present for at least six months.
• Symptoms have to impact their abilities in at least two areas of life: home, school, and/or friendships.

For more information about the symptoms of ADHD, check out our article ADHD 101.