Have you ever wondered if your child might have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?  Or has a teacher, coach, or someone your child spends much time with ever suggested this?

 

A common sign of ADHD is struggles with executive functions, which are those skills we use in day-to-day life to accomplish tasks and get through the day.

 

Do any of the following resemble your child’s behaviors?

• Does your child struggle with staying on top of homework and chores?  Or seem to work harder or longer just to get okay grades?

• Procrastinate until the last minute?  And maybe still forget to turn in an assignment? 

• Does your child do better with routine?  Or become overwhelmed with emotion when things don't go as planned?

• Does your child have difficulty with social conversations?  Talks nonstop or interrupts others?  Has difficulty taking turns?

• Is your child able to hyperfocus on certain things but be easily distracted with others? 

• Is your child “spacey,” a daydreamer, or someone who “zones out”?

• Would you describe your child’s personal space as messy or cluttered?  Maybe your child’s closet is the floor?

• Does your child have a hard time managing emotions or give up easily when faced with a difficult task?

• Are your child’s feelings easily hurt?

• Do you find yourself having to repeat things for your child to do something, only for your child to forget a part of the task? 

 

If these sound familiar, your child might be struggling with executive dysfunction.  While this is a hallmark of ADHD, such dysfunction could also be related to other concerns, such as anxiety, depression, or a history of trauma.