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Types of ADHD
ADHD varies in its intensity but also in how it affects children. These are the three basic ‘sub-types' children are tested for - and having an understanding of these will help you better explain your child's symptoms to your doctor.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive type
Your child may fidget, talk excessively, run around at inappropriate times and frequently disrupt class. Perhaps teachers or other adults - even peers - notice that your child blurts out answers in class, acts before thinking or makes rash decisions. These symptoms characterise a child who has difficulty with hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Predominantly Inattentive type
Your child is often observed as not paying attention, making careless mistakes, not listening, not finishing tasks and not following directions. Often, it appears as if your child is unusually or easily distracted.
This sub-type applies when your child shows six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity and six or more symptoms of inattentive type ADHD.
Among children affected by ADHD, about a half will predominantly have inattention problems, a quarter will mainly have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, while the remainder will have a mixture of these symptoms.
Remember, for an ADHD diagnosis, symptoms are persistent and present in a number of settings - at home, in school or during extracurricular activities.
What is ADD?
Strictly speaking, says ADHD advocate Michele Toner, “they're all called ADHD” with specialists referring now to the sub-types above to describe each child's condition.
Related ADHD articles
- What is ADHD?
- Could my child have ADHD?
- Getting ADHD diagnosed
- Is ADHD inherited? + other FAQs
- ADHD treatments
- Should I medicate my child?
- ADHD and alternative therapies
- 6 ADHD myths busted
- Coping with your child's diagnosis of ADHD
- Strategies for parents managing ADHD
- How will ADHD affect my child's future?
- Celebrating ADHD
This article was written by Fiona Baker for Kidspot, Australia's best family health resource. Sources include Michele Toner, Living with ADHD, Raising Children Network and the National Health and Medical Research Council.
Last revised: Saturday, 17 July 2010
This article contains general information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.
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