ADHD Criteria - James Keevy

Inattention

·       Fails to pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities. Also does not appear to care when mistakes or poor workmanship is pointed out.

·       Has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities, unless its something he wants to do, then he suffers from hyerfocus.

·       Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly – eye contact needs to be made when communicating to ensure he is paying attention – having him repeat conversation ensures he has heard and retained the information shared.

·       Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties (not due to oppositional behaviour or failure to understand instructions). More often than not, uses the excuse “I forgot” despite running through instructions several times and having him repeat them to ensure retention.

·       Has difficulty organising tasks and activities. Goes into ‘shut down’ mode when he cannot organise his thoughts

·       Avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework).

·       Loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools). I don’t think this is done on purpose as he shows genuine remorse when confronted about the loss or having forgotten something behind.

·       Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.

·       Forgetful in daily activities.

 

Hyperactivity

·       Sometimes fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat, mostly when bored.

·       Leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected, when feeling uninterested by what is happening around him or irritated because he is struggling with something.

·       Runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate. Totally does not get social correctness in situations.

·       Sometimes appears “on the go” or acts as if “driven by a motor.” Especially when coming off medication (late afternoon / evening which then proves extremely problematic for bed time.

·       Talks excessively, mostly difficult to understand because he mumbles a lot – doesn’t open his mouth to pronounce words correctly.

 

Impulsivity

·       Blurts out the answers before the questions have been completed. Impatient.

·       Has difficulty waiting for his turn.

·       Interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).

·       Quick to blame others when things don’t go the way he would like them to or feels wrong-done-by.

·       Struggles to understand that other’s responses are not personal attacks on him – always plays the victim. Can always, in his own mind, justify his actions / reactions.