The 3 Types of ADHD​

Eleven percent of children and teens in the US have ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder).

There are three subtypes: Primarily Inattentive, Primarily Hyperactive-Impulsive, or Combined. ADHD occurs on a spectrum, so some children will have more severe symptoms than others.

While most children may have a few of the symptoms (occasional forgetfulness or failure to listen), a child receives a diagnosis of ADHD only when they have at least six of the symptoms for each type (or six of the inattentive and six of the hyperactive symptoms for combined type).

Look at the lists below: do you recognize any of the following in your student? Keep in mind, these are not exhaustive lists.

Inattentive Type

• Not paying close attention to details and making careless mistakes.

• Difficulty with long-term focus and distracted by outside stimuli.

• Not listening when someone is talking.

• Not finishing assignments or following directions.

• Organization is challenging.

• Easily loses things like assignment sheets, study materials, pens, pencils, etc.

• Being forgetful.

Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

• Fidgeting or squirming

• Not staying in seat in the classroom

• Moving body when it's not appropriate (running or jumping in classroom, restlessness)

• High energy and/or talkative

• Interrupting when others are speaking

• Difficulty with waiting one's turn

Combined Type

A combination of six inattentive symptoms and six hyeractive-impulsive symptoms.

You can reach out to your pediatrician, school psychologist, or a private psychoeducational evaluator to receive a diagnosis if you suspect your child has ADHD.  Here is more information on that process.

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