The earlier you recognize the signs of ADHD, the less heartache and frustration your child will experience, says Vincent Monastra, clinical director of the FPI Attention Disorders Clinic in Endicott, NY and author of Parenting Children With ADHD: 10 Lessons That Medicine Cannot Teach (American Psychological Association). “Kids with ADHD want to be successful,” he says. “They’re aware that they’re not doing as well as other kids…they wonder why they’re not invited to other peoples’ houses.”

Here are a few of the common symptoms to watch for:

Hyperactive and impulsive

• feels restless (fidgeting and squirming while sitting)
• unable to sit still at the dinner table or a desk
• blurts out answers before hearing the entire question
• has difficulty waiting their turn
• interrupts conversations

Inattention

• easily distracted
• fails to pay attention to detail
• makes careless or avoidable mistakes
• loses toys, books, clothes, etc.
• fails to follow instructions

In order to be considered potential signs of ADHD, the American Academy of Pediatrics says these symptoms must occur in more than one setting (i.e. school, playground and home), begin before the child is 7 years old, continue for longer than six months and be more severe than they are in the child’s peers.