The ADD child exhibits a series of behaviors that are common in most children. Most children misbehave, act silly and day dream. So what, then, is
difference? The child with Attention Deficit Disorder exhibits these behaviors in a constant and extreme manner, often interfering with their academic, social and family interactions. Here are variety of ways that a child may exhibit ADD behaviors: Inattention: The most visible and well-known behavior of a child with attention deficit issues is an inability to maintain attention and focus over an extended period of time. This behavior shows up in a variety of situations, such as forgetting or confusing instructions that were just given, being inattentive when involved in a conversation, growing bored of activities within moments, appearing to be in a daze or day dream, and being unable to complete tasks.
Hyperattention: Paradoxically, same ADD child who cannot stay focused enough to finish many common tasks will have no problem whatsoever in focusing on a video game or TV show for hours. This ability to hyper-focus on chosen activities is very common in child with Attention Deficit Disorder. This behavior is possible only because child pursues desirable activity through a heightened level of excitement which is a controlled form of hyperactivity.
Distractibility: An ADD child can be easily distracted from most activities by any form of stimulus in environment (movement, color, sound), as well as by their own scattered, fast-moving thoughts. This results in half-finished or poorly completed tasks, constant minor non-compliances with known rules, zig-zagging from one activity to another, and inability for child to do well in group situations (such as school) where compliance with rules is important.
Impulsivity: An ADD child will often blurt out information in inappropriate ways and make poor decisions relative to their actions. This child may risk his or her own safety without a second thought, running into street, climbing to top of a tree or rock formation, or jumping or diving into a pool without checking depth. The child with ADD acts on impulse rather than through logic or problem-solving. Impulsivity in many ADD children can also be characterized by impatience or temperamental (often oppositional) behavior since ADD child often feels a driving need for something (anything!) to happen immediately.
Hyperactivity: Of all characteristics of an ADD child, behavior that is most difficult for those around child to accept is presence of hyperactivity. The child with hyperactivity is always in motion -- touching, searching, pushing, jumping, running, tapping, and squabbling with friends and siblings. The hyperactive ADD child seems to need a high level of stimulation at all times in order to feel OK. Hyperactivity will also be seen in form of a child who talks incessantly, clowns around all of time, and finds every other form of trouble that a parent can name.
Insatiability: The ADD child has an insatiable need for attention to be brought onto himself. While all children thrive on adult attention, focus and concern, child with ADD can never seem to get enough. They act out, talk incessantly, joke around, monopolize conversations, demand teacher's constant involvement, show off to friends, and badger incessantly until they get their way.
