Trouble Paying Attention

Children with attention issues or ADHD may struggle to pay attention – even to things they enjoy. This can look like not listening, jumping from one activity to the next, missing important details, being distracted by other things in the room or daydreaming.

Sometimes anxiety can make it difficult for children to pay attention. Children who are inattentive only during reading/writing activities may be dyslexic.

Hyperfocus

When most families think about attention issues, the first thing that comes to mind are usually problems with paying attention. But the opposite can also be true. Many children struggle with extremes that range from not paying enough attention to paying too much attention (hyperfocus).

Hyperfocus is also common with gifted children.

Difficulty with Organization and Follow-Through

Organizing tasks and following through on activities are also difficult for children with attention issues or ADHD. This can show up as difficulty prioritizing and completing school work - or even getting started on school work in the first place. Younger children may have problems completing simple chores, like placing toys in a basket.

Losing and Forgetting Things

Children with attention issues or ADHD can sometimes struggle to keep track of important items or information.

Trouble Sitting in One Place

While sitting still is a skill that develops over time, children with attention issues or ADHD may develop more slowly than their same-age peers. These children may fidget or squirm, leave their seats at unexpected times, or run/climb when quieter activities are expected.

Children with sensory differences may also fidget, squirm or move in unexpected ways.

Talking Too Much, Interrupting and Blurting Out Answers

Children with attention issues or ADHD may talk excessively, interrupt or blurt out answers before hearing the whole question. These children often struggle to wait for their turns in a conversation and may not understand social cues.

Constant Motion

Children with attention issues or ADHD are sometimes described as “on the go” or appearing like they are “driven by a motor.” This energy often appears in all aspects of the child’s life, including play and leisure activities.