Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that appears in early childhood. You may know it by the name attention deficit disorder, or ADD. ADD/ADHD makes it difficult for people to inhibit their spontaneous responses—responses that can involve everything from movement to speech to attentiveness.

Symptoms:

* Doesn’t pay attention to details

* Makes careless mistakes

* Has trouble staying focused; is easily distracted

* Appears not to listen when spoken to

* Has difficulty remembering things and following instructions

* Has trouble staying organized, planning ahead, and finishing projects

* Gets bored with a task before it’s completed

* Frequently loses or misplaces homework, books, toys, or other items