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Diagnostic Criteria for AD/HD in Children (DSM-III-R)

If your child exhibits at least eight of the following behaviors for at least a six-month period, consider an evaluation by a team of AD/HD professionals. Click on The Hallowell Center for more information.

1. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat (in adolescents or adults) and may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness.

2. Has difficulty remaining in seat when asked to do so.

3. Is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.

4. Often blurts out answers to questions before they have been completed.

5. Has difficulty following through on instructions from others.

6. Often shifts from one uncompleted activity to another.

7. Has difficulty playing quietly.

8. Often talks excessively.

9. Often interrupts or intrudes on others.

10. Often does not seem to listen to what is being said to him or her.

11. Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities at school or at home.

12. Often engages in physically dangerous activities without considering possible consequences.