ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a complicated disorder which can see children remaining undiagnosed; being excluded from education and isolated from their childhood peers, so getting a diagnosis is vital.

If you're worried that your child shows signs of ADHD disorder, the checklist below will help you to decide if you need to look more closely.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Checklist

• A tendency to leave their seats when they shouldn’t do
• Often climbing or running when it isn’t appropriate to do so
• Finding it hard to play quietly
• Active all the time
• Talking to excess
• Blurting out answers to questions before the speaker has finished
• Can’t wait to take their turn
• Interrupting others who are speaking or playing
• Don’t pay close attention to detail, or make careless mistakes in their schoolwork or other activities
• Attention tends to wander during play or activities
• Look as though they’re not listening when spoken to
• Fail to complete projects and to follow through on instructions in schoolwork or chores
• Find it hard to organise activities and tasks
• Avoiding tasks like schoolwork or homework that involve mental effort
• Tendency to lose relevant materials for activities, like books, pencils or tools
• Often distracted by what is going on around them
• Forgetful

If you are concerned that your child is showing signs of the disorder, you'll find sound advice about what to do next in Diane Paul's step-by-step ADHD - The Essential Guide. The guide explains ADHD in a plain and easy to understand way for parents, teachers and carers and is available as a book with free eBook or as an eBook.