ADHD is both incredibly common and incredibly complex. It is a disorder that impacts nearly 1/10 kids, but its symptoms vary a great deal according to age and gender. And while ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and many of us hear the label and think of the child who can't sit still or focus, the name and stereotype don't always apply to what ADHD actually looks like in children or adults. That's why we were so excited for Mara to speak with pediatric neuropsychologist Dr. Matt Pagirsky of Growing Minds Psychology about the three most common types of ADHD and how they are expressed in children.
Key Takeaways
The name “attention deficit hyperactivity disorder” implies that ADHD means that there is a deficit in attention, however that is often not the case. Many times, kids with ADHD are great at paying endless attention to things that they find interesting. However, they struggle to regulate their attention and focus on less interesting tasks. That’s why they can build Legos, play video games, or read their favorite book for hours, but have such a hard time getting through a math worksheet or reading their textbook.
There are three main types of ADHD with two distinct dimensions of symptoms - inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
ADHD Inattentive type is what doctors used to call ADD. Common symptoms of this type of ADHD include difficulty with attention and concentration, frequent daydreaming, and struggles with organization, planning, and execution.
ADHD Hyperactive and Impulsive type is characterized by restlessness, difficulty sitting still and regulating one’s body, and impulsivity.
ADHD Combined Presentation is characterized by six or more symptoms from the two categories of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
ADHD Sluggish Cognitive Tempo is a fourth potential type of ADHD that is less common.
These different types of ADHD tend to be more commonly diagnosed at different stages in a child’s development.
ADHD Hyperactive and Impulsive type is frequently identified in younger kids because they struggle with behavior. These children have a hard time regulating their body and following directions. Their symptoms are obvious and negatively impact their experience at home and in school, which is why parents often have their child evaluated at an early age.
ADHD Inattentive type is more commonly diagnosed later in elementary school, middle or high school as children struggle to become more independent and adapt to increased academic expectations. Difficulties with attention and focus lead to gaps in understanding of academic material. Plus, struggles with executive function skills make it more difficult for students to manage their increasingly complex responsibilities.
ADHD also tends to be expressed differently according to gender.
Boys tend to show more signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Girls with ADHD typically show more inattentive symptoms and struggle with executive function skills.
Ultimately, ADHD boils down to difficulty with self-regulation. Kids with ADHD have a hard time regulating both their minds and their bodies. This in turn impacts their life inside and outside of the classroom. Not only do children with ADHD struggle with focus and attention in class, they also have a hard time with the executive function skills they need to learn and manage homework; and their impulsivity and difficulty with regulating their bodies and emotions impacts their ability to establish positive relationships with peers and family.
If you are concerned about your child’s development, we are here to help! Dr. Matt Pagirsky is a neuropsychologist who can help to evaluate whether or not your child is struggling with ADHD. And you can always get in touch with us to help support your child in any of their academic needs!