Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is when a child shows a pattern of inattention and hyperactivity or impulsivity that affects their daily life.
ADHD is one of the most common developmental disorders in children. Children with ADHD sometimes have trouble listening or paying attention in school due to hyperactivity or impulsiveness, which is a tendency to act or speak without thinking. While all children experience times when they struggle to pay attention, children with ADHD have clearer symptoms compared to other children their age.
ADHD is diagnosed when a child consistently has symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity or impulsivity before the age of 12 in multiple settings and in more than one relationship. Symptoms in these two areas may include:
Inattention
- Makes careless mistakes
- Has difficulty sustaining attention
- Does not seem to listen
- Does not follow directions
- Avoids activities that require sustained mental effort
- Loses things
- Is easily distracted
- Is forgetful in daily activities
- Has difficulty waiting their turn
- Interrupts others
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
- Fidgets or squirms in seat
- Often gets out of seat
- Runs around or climbs when inappropriate
- Is unable to play quietly
- Seems restless and “on the go”
- Talks excessively
- Blurts out answers
Based on how many of these symptoms your child experiences, they could be experiencing different types of ADHD:
- ADHD, combined type is when a child experiences at least six symptoms of inattention and at least six symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity.
- ADHD, predominantly inattentive type is when a child experiences at least six symptoms of inattention but fewer than six symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity.
- ADHD, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive type is when a child experiences at least six symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity but fewer than six symptoms of inattention.
Assessment
When you meet with a specialist at Riley Children’s Health, they will speak with you about your child’s behavior to better understand what symptoms your child may be experiencing.
Treatments
Treatments
The two main ways to treat ADHD are through managing behavior and/or taking medicine.
- Behavioral management involves teaching, practicing and rewarding certain behaviors to improve your child’s behavior. A behavioral therapist at Riley can help guide you in this process.
- Medicine refers to stimulant or non-stimulant medication prescribed by a doctor. The type and amount of medicine can be adjusted to find what works best for your child.
Support Services & Resources
Support Services & Resources
Visit the links below to learn more about ADHD and find support services.
Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.
HealthyChildren.org, an online resource from the American Academy of Pediatrics, includes comprehensive information and dozens of articles on how to parent a child with ADHD.
CHADD.org provides education and support services for parents and professionals, including an Ask the Expert section and the latest ADHD news.
Understood supports parents with children with learning and attention issues through personalized resources, free daily access to experts, a secure online community and more.
Our Safety Store sells over 150 safety products, including car seats, locking medicine boxes, medical ID bracelets, door alarms and specialized safety kits for autism and developmental disabilities. The Safety Store also offers a Helpline to answer your safety questions.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Research
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Research
Doctors with the ADHD/Disruptive Behavior Disorders Program at Riley at IU Health participate in a variety of research studies on ADHD. These studies explore new medicines and help us learn more about children with ADHD and aggressive behavior as well as the effect of video games on aggressive behavior. This research gives patients access to the latest treatment options through clinical trials and can help improve future diagnosis and treatment for ADHD.
Providers within Pediatrics and IU School of Medicine’s Child Health Improvement Research and Development Lab are working to improve the social-emotional health of young children through earlier identification, engagement of providers and families, and care coordination.
Locations
Locations
Locations
In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.