ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a general life-altering condition that affects people well-being and their day-to-day activities. ADHD alters people’s behaviour and makes people restless. ADHD can also be noticed in people as restlessness, lack of concentration or ability to concentrate, and impulsive. Some people suffering from ADHD may also experience sleep disorders and anxiety issues. 

ADHD in kids, however, begin with slight signs of lack of attention. Children suffering from ADHD usually showcase symptoms of distraction, hyperactivity, or act impulsively. Children with ADHD can be usually seen in constant motion, squirming or fidgeting, talking excessively or even easily distracted. They might also not seem to listen to you and have trouble playing quietly. Kids with ADHD may also exhibit the attitude of interrupting others and showcasing an inability to finish one task. 

What causes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? 
Plenty of children go through different phases of inattentiveness and impulsive behaviour. Most kids also showcase a rise in restlessness. This, however, does not mean that your kid is suffering from ADHD. If your kid continues to show certain alarming signs that are synonymous with the symptoms of ADHD, you shall need to raise it to their general physician. 

The cause of ADHD in kids is unknown. But research has identified several possible differences in the brain of kids that when compared can help conclude the condition of the kid. Brains of people with ADHD when compared with those without the condition show clear signs of the condition. Some of the potential factors suggested as possibly holding a role in causing or initiating ADHD include:

• Kids being born prematurely i.e. on or before the 37th week of pregnancy
• Kids have a low birth weight than recommended 
• Smoking or liquor or drug abuse during pregnancy can also cause ADHD in the growing kid 

ADHD can also occur in kids and adults of any mental or intellectual abilities. Although, the condition is more prevalent in people with learning difficulties.

How to find if my child has ADHD? 
ADHD is a complex condition. You cannot just check the symptoms off a list of conditions and diagnose if your child is suffering. At one point in life or another, every kid showcases ADHD like symptoms that can be misunderstood as the condition. You may even notice and find something different in their behaviour but it might just be normal behaviour for a child of that age. 

ADHD is best diagnosed by a general physician or your child’s paediatrician who can take the required tests and figure out if your assumptions are right. 

The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual suggest two main groups of ADHD symptoms that can help you diagnose the condition of your kid. Inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, being the predominant symptoms, 9 more symptoms fall under the two categories to help in the identification of your child’s symptoms. 

	Signs of Inattention	Signs of Hyperactivity and Impulsivity
Definition	Attention in half that interferes with their ability to listen, learn and even think.	Excitable kid with high energy, impulsive with disruptive behavioural pattern
Symptoms	Lack of attention to detail or making careless mistakes Not being able to focus a lot on tasks  Trouble listening when you speak to them directly Trouble following instructions Problems organizing activities Inability to complete tasks that need mental effort over a long time Hard to keep a track of their belongings Not being able to learn things in daily activities Mostly distracted	Fidgeting, squirming and continually touching their hands or feet Getting out of their chair or place where they should remain settled Run/ climb in inappropriate places Unable to play in leisure activities unobtrusively Always on the go Talking excessively Blurting out answers before asking questions Showcasing difficulty waiting for their chance  Interrupting discussions or games

These signs might be there for every kid. However, severe ADHD signs and symptoms start showing as early as the kids turn four years old. To be able to be diagnosed properly at the age of 6 or so, kids should showcase at least more than six symptoms (all of which appearing before they turn 12.)