ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It’s a common medical condition that affects an estimated 11% of American children.

Often, behavioral challenges are the first sign that a child is suffering from ADHD. It’s often teachers or daycare workers who first broach the subject with parents.

Researchers aren’t aware of the exact causes of ADHD, although there is evidence to suggest that a genetic component is involved. Knowing the signs can help parents take action and seek help for their child.

Researchers categorize ADHD into three types.

Inattentive Kids with this type of ADHD often struggle to maintain focus. They have trouble listening to directions, finishing projects, and keeping track of their things. They can appear forgetful or absent-minded.

Hyperactive Kids with this type of ADHD have trouble sitting still or remaining quiet as needed. They often rush through tasks and cause disruptions. Many are unable to follow social rules and act in ways that are inappropriate for the setting.

Impulsive Kids with this type of ADHD tend to act quickly without thinking through the consequences. They often interrupt others, take toys that don’t belong to them and choose risky behaviors. Many have overly emotional reactions to what appears to others to be normal situations.

The diagnostic process begins with a discussion about your areas of concern and your child’s personal and family health history. The Pediatric Place team may ask you to complete a checklist to determine which behaviors are being displayed on a regular basis. Gathering information from your child’s teachers or caregivers can also be helpful in some cases. The team asks you how long the troubling behaviors have been occurring and how those behaviors are impacting your child at home, at school, and in social settings. A thorough health check looks for other medical issues that might be impacting your child’s behavior.