Children with ADHD Inattentive or Distractible type often:
- make careless mistakes because they aren’t paying attention to their schoolwork or chores.
- are academically inconsistent. They may understand a subject or concept, but be unable to make a passing grade because of unfinished work, missing assignments, or misunderstood directions. Often their grades range from very high to very low.
- seem “spaced out”. They may appear to be paying attention, when in reality they are miles away.
- don’t finish work at school or home, not because they are being disobedient, but because they are distracted. Adults often call them lazy or irresponsible.
- are extremely disorganized in their environment and activities. Their book bags, rooms, and desks are always a mess, and they spend inordinate amounts of time looking for things.
- have difficulty beginning activities because they cannot decide which thing to do first.
- lose things. Many times these things are important to academic success: pencils, books, homework, notes, and gym clothes are tops on the list.
- are distracted by noises, movement, or even thoughts.
- forget.
- wet the bed.
- do not sleep well, and are “up and down” all night.
- have poor handwriting, especially in cursive.