Common symptoms of hyperactivity / impulsivity in children

Early childhood ( preschool and early school years )

• Behavior with normal range : 
  • Child runs in circles and doesnot stop, may bang into object or people
  • Constantly ask questions
• Bahavior signaling hyperactivity/impulsivity : 
  • Child constantly runs into people or knocks things down during play.
  • Child gets injured frequently .
  • Child doesnt want to sit for games or stories
• Behavior signaling possible presence of ADHD , hyperactive – impulse type : 
  • The child runs through the house , jumps and climbs        excessively on furniture .
  • The child will not sit still to eat or be read to and is often into things.

Middle childhood ( later primary grade through preteen years )

• Behavior with normal range : 
  • The child plays active games for long periods. Occasionally the child may do things impulsively especially when excited .
• Bahavior signaling hyperactivity/impulsivity : 
  • The child may butt into other children’s games.
  • She may frequently interrupt .
  • She may also have problems completing chores.
• Behavior signaling possible presence of ADHD , hyperactive – impulse type : 
  • The child  is often talking and interrupting.
  • Child cannot  sit still at meals times.
  • Child usually fidgets while watching TV.
  • She makes disruptive noises and grab toys and other objects from  others .

Adolescence

• Behavior with normal range : 
  • She engages in normal social activities such as dancing for long periods.
  • The child may engage in risky behaviors with peers.
• Bahavior signaling hyperactivity/impulsivity :
  • The adolescent engages in “fooling around”  that begins to annoy others.
  • She may also fidget in class or when watching TV.
• Behavior signaling possible presence of ADHD , hyperactive – impulse type : 
  • The child is restless and fidgeting while doing anything  and quiet activities .
  • She interrupts and bugs other people.
  • She gets into trouble frequently .