Inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness

According to the NHS, the mains signs of inattentiveness are: Having a short attention span and being easily distracted. Making careless mistakes – for example, in schoolwork. Appearing forgetful or losing things. Being unable to stick to tasks that are tedious or time-consuming. Appearing to be unable to listen to or carry out instructions. Constantly changing activity or task. And lastly, having difficulty organising tasks.

According to the NHS, the mains signs of hyperactivity and impulsiveness are: Being unable to sit still, especially in calm or quiet surroundings. Constantly fidgeting. Being unable to concentrate on tasks. Excessive physical movement. Excessive talking. Being unable to wait their turn. Acting without thinking. Interrupting conversations. And lastly, little or no sense of danger.

Some children with ADHD may also have other problems and conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, sleeping problems, conduct disorder – antisocial behaviour, fighting, and causing harm.

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a type of behaviour disorder. ODD includes negative and disruptive behaviour towards teachers, parents, and authority.

Also, conditions such as epilepsy, Tourette’s syndrome and learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Early diagnosis, if worried, can help start to deal with processes and understanding. Ensuring a healthy lifestyle is important, with a balanced diet, good sleep patterns, exercise, and activities. Sitting down for long periods should be broken up into between 10- and 20-minute cycles. Boundaries and discipline need to be in place, for example avoiding swearing, violence, and misbehaviour. Information should be passed on in easy-to-understand instructions, slowly and in a calm tone, looking at the person clearly. You must always remember, it is the behaviour, not the child.