WHAT IS ADHD?

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a learning disability, which may be “one of a number of neurodevelopmental disorders that persistently and significantly has an impact on the ability to learn and use academic and other skills.”
• ADHD is a medical condition. An individual with ADHD may have difficulty with attention, the ability sit still and self-control due to differences in brain development and activity.

DOES MY CHILD HAVE ADHD?

• If you are wondering whether or not your child has ADHD, there are three signs to look out for: 
• Easily distracted/Inattentive: You may notice that your child does not listen well to instructions and will get distracted in the middle of a task. They may also daydream, be absent-minded or often lose track of their things. 
• Hyperactive: To be hyperactive means to be restless, find it difficult to sit still and to be easily bored. They may be very active when it is time to be quiet and, without meaning to, they may act in ways that disrupt others. 
• Impulsive: To be impulsive means to act quickly without thinking about the action and its consequences. They may interrupt, push, grab and generally find it difficult to wait for their turn. They may also react in an emotional way that seems unnecessary for the situation.
• After reading about the signs and their descriptions, you may notice them in your child. It is important to remember that many children will be easily distracted, hyperactive and impulsive - especially at younger ages as they are still in the beginning of their development. It is when these signs begin to cause problems at school, home and in their relationships that it may be ADHD. 

WHAT CAUSES ADHD?

• There is evidence that ADHD is inherited, but the true cause of brain differences is still unclear. It is not, however, caused by too much screen time, poor parenting or too much sugar.