Does your child have difficulty holding attention to tasks that are not of interest? Does he struggle with listening to instructions, following through on instructions, or completing homework or chores? Does she often interrupt or have difficulty remaining seated?

There are three types of ADHD: Inattentive Type, Hyperactive/Impulsive Type, and Combined presentation. This chart is the most recent DSM-5 Diagnostic criteria for ADHD. If your child has six or more symptoms of either type and these symptoms impede success with schoolwork, family engagement, and social life, it may be time to speak to a health professional about evaluating them for ADHD.

There is no one test for evaluation. Testing includes a physical evaluation as well as questionnaires to be completed by the child, parents, teachers, therapists, and others in the child’s life.

Treatment includes therapy, social groups, and/or medication.

Some students struggle but compensate, and may not have obvious symptoms. Digging deeper may result in an ADHD diagnosis and treatment that can greatly improve the quality of your child’s life.

Source: DSM-5

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illnesses is the latest edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s professional reference book on mental health and brain-related conditions.