ADHD Signs

Ignoring Them

Doesn’t Make Them

Go Away

What to Look For
What to Do

ADHD signs and symptoms are constant and intrusive in the child’s life. Most children at one time or another will show some of the symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in fact it is the rare child who, on occasion, doesn’t show some of these symptoms. They are a part of growing up.

A child with this disorder doesn’t show them occasionally. ADHD signs cross all aspects of the child’s life. They usually start before the age of 7. So if your perfect little angel is now a surly teen, it probably is not due to ADHD. The child with this disorder shows the symptoms in almost every activity: at play, at home, at school.

Not all children with ADHD are hyperactive, bouncing off the walls. Often the child who sits and daydreams, who is disorganized and cannot pay attention also has ADHD. There are three primary characteristics of ADHD; inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Inattention:

Has problems remembering things and following instructions, cannot stay organized and often misplaces or loses toys, books and homework.
Makes careless mistakes because they don’t pay attention to details, have trouble planning ahead and finishing projects.
Has trouble staying focused, is easily distracted and appears not to listen.

Hyperactivity:

Cannot sit still, even when forced to sit will constantly fidget, squirm, tap their feet or drum their fingers.
Constantly moving around, leaving their seat when they should be sitting quietly.
Talks excessively, often interrupting.

Impulsivity:

Intrudes on other’s conversations, blurts out answers, has problems waiting for their turn.
Cannot keep powerful emotions under control, may have angry outbursts or temper tantrums.
Makes tactless observations or asks personal questions, invades other’s space.

Some Positive Attributes of ADHD
Focus on Their Strengths

Children with ADD/ADHD can be lots of fun! They have wonderful imaginations and are creative, open to different ideas, inventive, bursting with enthusiasm and spontaneity and can have tremendous energy and drive when working on a task that interests them. If your child has ADHD, there is much you can do to help them learn to cope with this disorder and things you can learn to help you cope with this amazing child.

A good coach who is especially skilled in dealing with ADHD can be a valuable asset for you and your child. One who can help him discover his innate gifts, build on his strengths and overcome his challenges.

Sally McAfee has worked with young people and adults for the past 35 years, 20 of them as a school guidance counselor. It is there where she became adept at bringing out the strengths in her ADD/ADHD clients.

Empowering young people and families to learn to communicate and problem solve is one of the most satisfying elements of her coaching career.

Sally earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Bucknell University and a Masters degree in Counseling from Antioch University. She is also a graduate of both CoachU and the Six Advisors Coaching Academy. Her greatest passion is to enable people to expand their own possibilities.

Contact Sally to arrange for a complimentary consultation.
Sally McAfee can help your family deal with identifying ADHD signs and strategies to cope with them.