1. Inattention:
Inattention is a symptom of ADHD and is characterized by difficulty sustaining attention, failing to pay close attention to details, becoming easily distracted, having difficulty staying organized and following through on tasks. People with inattention also find it hard to concentrate when someone is speaking to them or when they are working on a task that they find tedious.
2. Hyperactivity/Impulsivity:
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are also symptoms of ADHD, which is characterized by excessive activity levels, difficulty remaining seated and fidgeting or squirming excessively when seated. People with hyperactivity/impulsivity may find it hard to stay focused on tasks due to their tendency to be easily distracted and act without thinking of the consequences of their actions.
3. Developmental/Educational Impairment:
People with ADHD often have developmental delays in one or more areas such as speech, language, motor skills, academic achievement or social skills. These impairments can lead to a decreased ability to perform well academically and socially despite receiving appropriate instruction or intervention.
4. Executive Function Deficits:
People with ADHD often have problems with executive functioning, which are skills needed to plan, organize and complete tasks. These deficits can lead to a lack of organization and poor time management as well as difficulty following directions or completing complex tasks.
5. Emotional Dysregulation:
Emotional dysregulation is an inability to regulate emotions effectively, resulting in mood instability or impulsivity, outbursts of anger or irritability, low frustration tolerance and hypersensitivity to perceived criticism. People with emotional dysregulation may also struggle with feelings of guilt or shame when they make mistakes or fail at something.
6. Social Communication Difficulties:
People with ADHD may have difficulty communicating with others, understanding social cues and maintaining relationships. This can lead to problems in interpersonal confrontations or group activities such as group projects.
7. Social Skills Deficits:
People with ADHD may have difficulty understanding the nuances of social interactions, reading other people’s body language, and responding appropriately to different situations. This can result in awkward social interactions as well as difficulties in making and keeping friends.
8. Delayed Motor Development:
People with ADHD may experience delays in their motor development compared to peers of the same age, including coordination problems and difficulty learning fine motor skills like writing or tying shoes. Physical activity levels may be low due to an inability to focus on physical tasks for long periods of time.
9. Poor Self-Care Habits/ Hygiene:
People with ADHD may have difficulty managing tasks related to self-care, such as remembering to take medications, shower, and brush their teeth. This can lead to hygiene problems and an increased risk of health issues.
10. Difficulty with Self-Regulation:
People with ADHD often struggle with self-regulation, which is the ability to control emotions and behaviors in order to achieve desired results or goals. Poor self-regulation can lead to difficulties completing tasks on time and following instructions properly. Additionally, difficulty with self-regulation can cause people with ADHD to act impulsively or without considering the consequences of their actions.