ADHD is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), and in some cases, are overly active.

Signs and Symptoms
It is normal for children to have trouble focusing and behaving at one time or another. However, children with ADHD do not just grow out of these behaviors. The symptoms continue and can cause difficulty at school, at home, or with friends.

A child with ADHD might:
• have a hard time paying attention
• daydream a lot
• not seem to listen
• be easily distracted from schoolwork or play
• forget things
• be in constant motion or unable to stay seated
• squirm or fidget
• talk too much
• not be able to play quietly
• act and speak without thinking
• have trouble taking turns
• interrupt others

Treatments
In most cases, ADHD is best treated with a combination of medication and behavior therapy. No single treatment is the answer for every child and good treatment plans will include close monitoring, follow-ups and any changes needed along the way.

For more information visit www.cdc.gov