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Symptoms overview
Although the symptoms of ADHD vary in both type and severity from child to child, those with the condition almost always show signs of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity before the age of 7. Symptoms are evident in more than one setting, such as at home and in school.
In school, for example, children with ADHD often have difficulty following directions, focusing on class activities, organizing tasks, and finishing tests or classroom assignments within time limits. Completing homework in a consistent and timely manner--and then remembering to turn it in--is frequently a problem.
It's important for parents to remember that such symptoms may instead indicate other common causes of academic failure, such as learning disabilities or depression. This is particularly true in teenagers, who may seem to be inattentive or impulsive when in fact they are unmotivated, oppositional, depressed, or abusing alcohol or drugs. A reasonable approach to helping your teen with declining academic performance might include: a conference with teachers to explore attendance, homework performance, and attitude; additional study time; limiting use of the TV, video games, and phones; assessment for depression; and further evaluation for ADHD, if necessary.
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