What ADHD Looks Like: Spotting the Signs and Symptoms This School Year

With school back in full swing, parents and teachers may be wondering if certain behaviors and patterns are consistent with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other academic or behavioral conditions.

Recently, Jonathan W. Shook, MD, with Hattiesburg Clinic Connections spoke with WJTV about what ADHD can look like in children and the importance of early intervention.

In This Article:

ADHD & Its Presentations

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in children and teens; it is heavily influenced by genetics. Most children who have ADHD are born with it and will continue to have it throughout their lives. ADHD is not a result of parenting, but environmental factors can influence the lessening or exacerbation of symptoms.

There are three presentations of ADHD: hyperactive-impulsive, combined and inattentive. With a combined presentation, a child is both hyperactive and impulsive, as well as inattentive or easily distracted. Because children with hyperactive or combined presentations show symptoms that are typically considered disruptive, they tend to be diagnosed sooner, typically by age seven according to Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). Although children with inattentive presentations have trouble paying attention, they do not experience the hyperactivity or impulse control challenges and are typically diagnosed later in life or not at all.

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation symptoms align with the more common depictions of ADHD such as:

  • Excessive fidgeting or talking
  • Difficulty sitting still for long periods of time (e.g., for a meal or while doing homework)
  • Constant running, jumping or climbing
  • Feeling restless
  • Trouble with impulsivity (e.g., interrupting others, grabbing things from people, speaking at inappropriate times, etc.)
  • Difficulty waiting their turn or following directions
  • Increased instances of accident or injury

Predominantly Inattentive Type

Predominantly inattentive presentation symptoms typically cause less of a disturbance to others. Students with inattentive presentation of ADHD tend to be:

  • Easily distracted
  • Physically and mentally disorganized, making careless mistakes and not paying attention to detail
  • Forgetful of one or more items when an assignment requires multiple items
  • Hesitant or even resistant to start tasks that are boring or require significant mental energy

These students may show difficulty organizing and prioritizing work, strategizing or remembering what a task or assignment requires. They tend to have trouble keeping track of their belongings and may seem sloppy or messy. Because students with predominantly inattentive presentation often have difficulty keeping track of multiple things in their mind, they may have particular trouble with math, reading and abstract problem solving.

Why Early Intervention Matters

While ADHD, whether hyperactive-impulsive, inattentive or combined, can create challenges for children, it is important for parents, caretakers and teachers to remember that early intervention is key to improving outcomes.

“Children with ADHD often have remarkable strengths and talents, but their ADHD can be an obstacle that limits reaching their potential in many aspects of their lives,” Dr. Shook said. “Identifying and treating ADHD earlier rather than later has shown to be very important in improving outcomes for those with ADHD.”

Most individuals with ADHD also experience at least one coexisting condition such as a learning disability (most commonly dyslexia), anxiety, depression or autism spectrum disorder. Identifying these coexisting conditions as early as possible is essential so they can be addressed alongside ADHD treatment. Untreated ADHD has been linked to higher risks of undesired outcomes such as school failure, difficulty maintaining employment, challenges in relationships, depression, anxiety and even suicide. Early identification and appropriate treatment, however, can be protective and allow individuals with ADHD to use their strengths more fully across many aspects of life.

23rd Annual ADHD & Related Concerns Conference

To provide parents, caretakers and educators with more information on ADHD, its presentation and other associated conditions, Hattiesburg Clinic Connections and Hattiesburg Clinic Psychology & Counseling will host the 23rd Annual ADHD & Related Concerns Conference on Nov. 5 and 6, 2026 at Lake Terrace Convention Center in Hattiesburg, Miss. This event will feature speakers and interactive sessions on conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia and addiction. Whether you are a parent, educator or health care provider, the conference will provide valuable resources and practical tools, including continuing education. To learn more or register, visit www.hattiesburgclinic.com/adhd-conference.

Watch the full interview here.

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About Hattiesburg Clinic Connections:

Hattiesburg Clinic Connections serves as a regional resource center for children, adolescents and adults who struggle with learning, attention problems, behavioral concerns or emotional difficulties. The team at Connections uses evidence informed guidelines as well as standard of care practices to help improve the lives of people with conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, anxiety, depression, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and autism spectrum disorder. 

Connections works closely with Hattiesburg Clinic Psychology & Counseling, which is located in the same building. Psychologists and counselors work directly with their patients and with the medical management team at Connections to determine a plan that creates positive change.

About Hattiesburg Clinic Psychology & Counseling:

Hattiesburg Clinic Psychology & Counseling offers a broad range of outpatient services, including research-based counseling and comprehensive psychological assessments. Our team of licensed and credentialed professionals collaborates with your medical provider to ensure continuity of care.

Our mission is to provide a caring and respectful environment for individuals of all ages, from preschool through senior adults, and families who are struggling with behavioral or emotional concerns, transitions, decisions or crises.

About Hattiesburg Clinic:

Hattiesburg Clinic is Mississippi’s largest privately-owned, multispecialty clinic. Founded in 1963, Hattiesburg Clinic has expanded to include over 450 physicians and providers, along with 2,500 employees, serving patients across more than 17 counties in Mississippi. Hattiesburg Clinic is committed to being the health care provider of choice in the communities we serve.