One disorder, called Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, has three different subtypes.  Learn about ADHD and its subtypes.

So what's the difference between ADD, ADHD, and AD/HD? You may see these disorder names used interchangeably. AD/HD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is the accurate current medical term that has had several names in the past. There are three subtypes of the disorder: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. For the purposes of this website, to make reading easier, we'll refer to the disorder as ADHD (without the slash).

It takes a healthcare professional, trained in recognizing ADHD, to make a diagnosis. Friends and relatives may have been telling you, "All children act like that." A trained professional will know whether your child’s behavior truly is within a normal range. A diagnosis of ADHD means that your child’s problem behaviour is beyond the normal limit.

A professional with expertise in ADHD will want to know whether your child excessively:

• Fidgets and squirms
• Leaves his or her seat
• Runs and climbs when it’s neither the time nor place
• Has difficulty with doing quiet activities
• Is "on the go"
• Talks excessively
• Blurts out answers
• Is not able to wait his or her turn
• Intrudes on others

If your child displays six (or more) of these and other similar symptoms for at least 6 months, it may add up to ADHD — hyperactive/impulsive type.

A professional will also want to know if your child excessively:

• Makes careless mistakes or does not pay attention to details
• Is not able to pay attention for a long time
• Does not listen well
• Does not finish tasks
• Is not well organized
• Avoids tasks that require a prolonged mental effort
• Loses personal belongings (in children: toys, homework and books; in adolescents and adults: keys, bills and wallet)
• Is easily distracted
• Is forgetful

If your child displays six (or more) of these and other similar symptoms for at least 6 months, it may add up to ADHD —inattentive type.

If both sets of symptoms seem to fit, the diagnosis may be ADHD — combined type

If your child’s symptoms…

• Started before he or she was 7 years old
• Have been going on for more than 6 months
• Happen in more than one place, like both at school and at home
• Significantly impair your child
• Are not related to another disorder

…then both you and your child might benefit from talking to a professional.