You're Teen Son Or Daughter Is Restless - Signs They May Have ADHD

It's possible that your restless teen son or daughter may suffer from attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). What is ADHD? It's a combination of hyperactivity, inattentiveness, impulsivity and distractibility. Studies show that five to seven percent of children will be diagnosed with this disorder, and that their lives can be negatively impacted by their behaviors.

There are competing theories about ADHD in terms of whether it's a true disorder or just normal behaviors that are less tolerated in today's world. But while nearly half of all children and teens will outgrow the condition, the developmental delays it causes can result in long-term learning problems. Adults who've been diagnosed with it must have exhibited some of its symptoms during childhood/adolescence.

The Symptoms of ADHD

While symptoms of this disorder aren't always obvious - or clear-cut - experts agree that they must be unusual and creating significant issues in school or home.

*Behavioral: aggression, excitability, fidgeting, hyperactivity, impulsivity, irritability, lack of restraint, or persistent repetition of words or actions

*Cognitive: absent-mindedness, difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, problem paying attention, or short attention span

*Mood: anger, anxiety, boredom, excitement, or mood swings

*Also common: depression or learning disability

Symptoms Of Inattention

Difficulty maintaining attention is an obvious symptom, as is organizing tasks. Other symptoms include:

*Being easily distracted by irrelevant sights and sounds

*Making frequent careless mistakes,

*Failing to finish homework or tasks around the house

*Having a hard time following and remembering directions

*Forgetfulness and frequently losing things

*Lethargy, frequent daydreaming.

Symptoms of Impulsivity and Hyperactivity

*Frequent fidgeting with the hands or feet, restlessness, squirming while seated

*Inability to remain seated or stay quiet

*Excessive talking at inappropriate times

*Running, jumping or climbing constantly as a young child

*Blurting out answers before questions are completed

*Difficulty in taking turns or waiting in line

*Inappropriately grabbing things from people, or interrupting and intruding on them.

The Wingate Difference

Wingate Wilderness Therapy offers therapy programs for boys and girls ages 13-17. Teens struggling with emotional or behavioral issues can be resistant to external direction and pursue their independence in unhealthy ways. At Wingate, adolescents are provided a profound sense of time, space and safety in a beautiful wilderness setting. Wingate's goal is to "Walk alongside a young person as they venture into change." For more information please call today at: 1-800-560-1599