There are three types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. All children (and adults) occasionally have difficulty paying attention or waiting their turn. But ADHD creates such frequent and severe problems that grades decline in school, adults don't perform well at work, and people of all ages have difficulty with social interaction and forming friendships. The symptoms of inattentive ADHD include:Missing crucial details, Getting distracted, Making careless mistakes,Not following instructionsForgetting to begin or complete task,Struggling to stay organized, Zoning out or daydreaming. The symptoms of hyperactive-impulsive ADHD include: Struggling to remain still, Staying constantly in motion, Frequently interrupting or talking over others, Speaking without thinking, Making impulsive decisions, Lacking self-control, Requiring immediate rewards to stay motivated If you have combined ADHD, you have some inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity symptoms.

Your mental health professional discusses your symptoms with you and uses standardized behavior rating scales to pinpoint details of your challenges. They also discover when and where symptoms occur and how they impact daily life.

It's a common myth that children might outgrow ADHD. Symptoms can shift as they grow but rarely resolve on their own, and getting treatment early on can make a significant difference. With early intervention, parents and mental health practitioners can help kids learn how best to manage ADHD symptoms, whether that's through medication or other therapies.