ADHD Assessments in St. John’s, NL

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a developmental disorder that affects how people pay attention and control their behavior. It’s one of the most common disorders kids and teens in St. John’s, NL deal with.  It’s marked by a few key things:

• Inattention: This can look like having a hard time focusing, staying organized, or finishing tasks.
• Hyperactivity: This might mean being constantly on the go, feeling restless, or talking a lot.
• Impulsivity: This is when you act without thinking, like interrupting people or having trouble waiting your turn.

Everyone acts this way sometimes, but for people with ADHD, these behaviors are much more frequent and happen in lots of different places—at school, home, work, or with friends.

ADHD signs in children

Inattentiveness

In children, inattentiveness may be mistakenly seen as a lack of effort or daydreaming. It can lead to academic and social difficulties. Common signs include:

• Difficulty with details: Making careless mistakes in schoolwork or chores and often missing details.
• Trouble focusing: Having a hard time staying on task during school lessons, homework, or even games.
• Not listening: Appearing to be “spaced out” or not hearing you when you talk to them directly.
• Organizational struggles: Having a messy desk or room, and difficulty with multi-step instructions or planning.
• Losing things: Frequently misplacing important items like school supplies, toys, or homework.

Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity in children is generally very noticeable to parents and teachers. It’s not just a child with a lot of energy; it’s an intense, persistent, and disruptive level of activity.

• Fidgeting and Squirming: They may constantly tap their hands or feet, squirm in their seat, or can’t sit still for a meal or class.
• Difficulty Staying Seated: They might get up and run around when they’re expected to stay seated, like in a classroom or at the dinner table.
• “Driven by a Motor”: Kids with hyperactivity often seem to be in constant motion, as if they’re “on the go.”
• Excessive Talking: They might talk excessively, often blurting out answers or interrupting conversations.
• Trouble with Quiet Activities: It’s hard for them to play or engage in quiet hobbies without being loud or restless.

ADHD signs in adults

Inattentiveness

For adults, inattentiveness can affect work, relationships, and daily responsibilities. The signs are similar but often appear in a more adult context. These signs can be mistaken for laziness or a personality flaw. Common signs include:

• Poor time management: Consistently running late for appointments or missing deadlines.
• Disorganization: Having a messy workspace or home and struggling to prioritize tasks.
• Difficulty with long-term tasks: Avoiding or disliking activities that require sustained mental effort, such as writing reports or filling out forms.
• Forgetfulness: Forgetting important things in daily life, like paying bills, returning calls, or remembering social engagements.
• Easily distracted: Getting sidetracked by unrelated thoughts or external stimuli while working or during conversations

Hyperactivity

As people with ADHD mature, hyperactivity often becomes less about physical movement and more about an internal sense of restlessness. While some adults still fidget or tap their feet, the hyperactivity often presents as an inner feeling of being “on edge.”

• Restlessness: Instead of running around, adults may feel a constant need to be moving. They may feel restless and unable to relax.
• Fidgeting: Similar to children, adults may fidget, but it might be more subtle, like bouncing a leg, tapping a pen, or constantly shifting positions.
• Excessive Talking: Many adults with ADHD still talk a lot and may interrupt others or finish their sentences. They may have a hard time waiting for their turn in a conversation.
• Impatience: They may have a low tolerance for frustration and get impatient quickly, especially when waiting in lines or in traffic.
• Feeling Uncomfortable in Quiet Settings: Adults may have a hard time doing quiet activities or feeling comfortable in quiet environments.