What is ADHD?

What is ADHD?
Children with ADHD show particular difficulties in some or all of the following:
 
  • Inattention (e.g. “can’t focus; doesn’t seem to be listening; seems to be daydreaming; very easily distracted; can’t concentrate”.)
  • Hyperactivity (e.g. “always on the go; can’t sit still.”)
  • Impulsiveness (e.g. “acts before he thinks; can’t stop himself shouting out or hitting out”.)
 
Many, or indeed most, children will of course show difficulties in these areas at some time in their lives. The difference for those with ADHD is that these behaviours must:
 
  • be present for more than six months;
  • be severe enough to interfere with the normal progress for children of the same age;
  • not be explained by developmental level or other difficulty / condition; and
  • not be explained by other factors such as “laziness”; lack of sleep; too much TV; videos; food additives.

Investor in People Northern Ireland Quality Awards