The Top 10 Diagnostic Criteria for Attention Deficit Disorder in Children

Originally Submitted on 8/9/97.

Diagnostic Criteria from DSM III met only if behavior is considerably more frequent than most others of the same mental age. ONLY A PROFESSIONAL CAN ACCURATELY DIAGNOSE ADD. The Diagnostic Criteria below is necessarily partial, as there are many more symptoms related to ADD than we can list here. If you suspect a diagnosis of ADD or AD/HD, see your physician.

1. Often fidgets with hands or feet, or squirms in/leaves seat.

In adolescents or adults, this symptom may be limited to subjective (i.e. inner) feelings of restlessness, rather than actual physical movement (as in the case of children). This is also may show up as the inability to remain seated when expected to do so, e.g.in a classroom, at dinner, in a theatre, etc., which is often labled as a separate diagnostic criteria.

2. Is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.

The ADD person often has an "attention deficit" that is really an "attention surplus" because they take in everythng around them! It's difficult to zero-in on a teacher at the black-board when you also see the janitor in the hall and the garbage truck loading or unloading in the alley out the window!

3. Has difficulty awaiting turn in games or group situations.

Waiting in lines at the school cafeteria, fire drills, etc. can cause extreme discomfort. This, in turn, may trigger additional symptoms, e.g. excessive talking, fidgeting, etc. that results in being reprimanded or punished by school officials. This is a very common cause of being morally labled a "troubled child" by school officials unfamiliar with ADD.

4. Often blurts out answers to questions before they have been finished.

ADDers are "bottom line people" with "no mental brakes" because of the way their neurotransmitters (i.e. messengers) in the frontal lobes of the brain tend to work. Consequently, as soon as they think of something, they tend to say it aloud. There's no "mental brakes" to stop the thought from coming out prematurely, or in a way that often seems extremely impolite.

5. Has difficulty following through on instructions from others.

ADDers don't necessarily intend to rebel against authority; but since they like to do things their own way, it frequently seems that they are rebelling! This is frequently a problem for children will ADD, as well as many adults with the syndrome.

6. Has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.

ADDers get bored easily! However, many can also hyper-focus for long periods of time on things that motivate them or that they enjoy. This explains how it is that the ADD child can get into trouble for "not paying attention" in class; yet spend hours of attention playing a favorite video game, etc.

7. Often shifts from one unfinished activity to another.

Many ADDers are highly intelligent and creative. Once they get into a project, they are apt to think up several other terrific things to get into - so they do! Consequently, they pay very little attention to details, and require the proper type of structure and encouragement in order to follow-through projects until finished.

8. Has difficulty playing quietly.

If you're a parent or grandparent of an ADD child - you already know what this one is all about!

9. Often talks excessively.

Review what was stated about neurotransmitters in item 4 above. It's often difficult for ADDers to "make their point" succinctly. Be patient, and remind them to focus on the key point(s) they want to make.

10. Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities at school.

Forgetting to hand in homework; failing to take lunch from the refrigerator to school, and a hundred other possibilities. If you constantly notice that your child is forgetful, it may not be the lack of responsibility or maturity they're being accused of - it simply be another symptom of ADD. Get it checked out!

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