Problems with attention including difficulty focusing and concentrating is a common reason people undergo psychological testing or neuropsychological testing. Difficulty with attention is one aspect of AD/HD. Another common problem often found in individuals with AD/HD is hyperactivity/impulsivity. But my child is not hyperactive/impulsive, does this mean they don’t have AD/HD? The answer is no. You do not need to be hyperactive/impulsive to receive a diagnosis of AD/HD. So many people are surprised to learn that there are different types of AD/HD. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association identifies three types of AD/HD:
Inattentive type (predominantly inattentive presentation)
Hyperactive/impulsive type (predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation)
Combined type (combined presentation)
Inattentive Symptoms
Does not pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in school or job tasks.
Has problems staying focused on tasks or activities, such as during lectures, conversations or long reading.
Does not seem to listen when spoke to (i.e., seems to be elsewhere).
Does not follow through on instructions and does not complete complete school work, chores or job duties (may start task but quickly loses focus).
Has problems organizing tasks and work (e.g., does not manage time well; has messy , disorganized work; misses deadlines).
Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort (e.g., length reading assignments, preparing reports and completing forms).
Often loses things needed for tasks or daily life (e.g., school papers, books, keys, wallet, cell phone, glasses, etc.).
Forgets daily tasks (e.g., chores, running errands, returning phone calls, paying bills).
Hyperactive/Impulsive Symptoms
Fidgets or taps with hand or feet, or squirms in seat.
Not able to stay seated (e.g., classroom, workplace).
Runs about or climbs where it is inappropriate (e.g., library).
Unable to play or do leisure activities quietly.
Always ‘on the go,’ as if driven by a motor.
Talks too much.
Blurts out an answer before a question has been finished (e.g., may finish people’s sentences, cannot wait to speak in conversations).
Has difficulty waiting for turn (e.g., waiting in line).
Interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., cuts into conversations, games or activities, or starts using other people’s things without permission).
Psychological Testing or Neuropsychological Testing
Psychological/neuropsychological testing can help determine if you have AD/HD as well as what type of AD/HD. This is important because recommendations including what supports will be most helpful will be different depending on the type of AD/HD.