Understanding ADD Symptoms in 5-Year-Old Boys: A Comprehensive Guide

Children diagnosed with attention deficit disorder generally meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV criteria for impulsiveness, hyperactivity and/or inattention. These behaviors can be caused by brain defects, "giftedness" or a number of other factors. According to Tess Thompson, a writer for Native Remedies, 2 to 5 percent of children in the United States have ADD. Children with ADD demonstrate six or more of the following symptoms.

Careless Behavior

• Your child does not pay attention to details and makes frequent careless mistakes in school and play.

Short Attention Span

• Your child cannot maintain his attention on tasks or activities.

Issues with Listening

• Your child does not appear to be listening when you are talking to her directly.

Lack of Follow-Through

• Your child lacks follow-through when given instructions and does not complete his school work or chores.

Unorganized Behavior

• You child has poor organization skills.

Issues with Sustained Mental Effort

• Your child does not like, or is reluctant, to engage in activities that require sustained mental effort.

Frequently Loses Things

• Your child frequently loses things he needs or wants.

Easily Distracted

• Your child is easily distracted by external factors.

Forgetful

• Your child demonstrates forgetfulness in her daily life.