ADHD symptoms are one of the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders in children, affecting up to 10% of school-aged children worldwide. ADHD, which stands for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that significantly impairs a child's functioning in different settings. Symptoms of ADHD can start as early as 3 years old and can persist into adulthood, causing significant social and educational challenges. In this article, we’ll discuss the 5 common symptoms of ADHD that parents, teachers, and healthcare providers should know. 1. Inattentiveness One of the most common symptoms of ADHD is inattentiveness, which can manifest as difficulty paying attention or following through on tasks. This can be seen as a child being easily distracted or forgetful, not listening when spoken to, or forgetting instructions soon after they were given. Children with ADHD may also show a lack of organization skills, regularly misplace items, and be disorganized. 2. Hyperactivity Another common ADHD symptom is hyperactivity. Kids with this symptom may exhibit excessive fidgeting, restlessness, or an urge to move constantly. They’ll often get up from their seat, fidget with objects, and find it hard to stay still for an extended period of time. In some cases, they might climb on things or do other things to keep themselves moving. 3. Impulsivity Children with ADHD may also act impulsively, meaning that they act without thinking through the consequences. This can manifest as frequent interruption of others' conversations, trouble with taking turns, or impulsive decisions (e.g., running across the street without looking). This symptom can lead to poor judgment or even dangerous behaviors. 4. Difficulty with executive function Executive function is the collection of cognitive processes that enable us to plan and organize our lives. Kids with ADHD tend to struggle with these processes, including prioritizing tasks, using working memory, and managing time. This can lead to difficulty finishing tasks, consistently being late, and generally having a hard time with planning and organization. 5. Poor Adaptability Lastly, kids with ADHD show difficulty adapting to changes in routines, plans, or environments. They will find it problematic to switch between tasks or move from one activity to the other. They tend to feel anxious in new environments, social situations, or when encountering new tasks. Transitions can be especially difficult for them. In conclusion, ADHD symptoms can have a significant impact on a child's daily functioning and long-term development. If you think your child may have ADHD, talk to your healthcare provider. A comprehensive evaluation could help identify ADHD or determine if other areas should be addressed. Remember though, ADHD is not a disability but a condition, and the earlier the child is diagnosed, the easier to address such issues and make suitable accommodations to help the child thrive. Owning to the pandemic, there has been a remote shift from classroom to virtual learning, some children with ADHD may find the transition challenging. In such cases, caregivers or guardians can invest in ADHD apps to help their kids learn and improve their attention and focus skills. Some applications can help these kids spell words correctly, read fluently, and enhance their overall learning abilities and communication skills. Parents need to understand that, with the right support and treatment, children with ADHD can develop the skills they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. If you suspect that your child may have ADHD symptoms or have been diagnosed with the condition, it is essential to acknowledge their needs and develop a management plan to address their specific issue. With time and patience, children with ADHD can be successful and thrive in their daily lives.