Overlook or miss details, make careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during other activities

Have problems sustaining attention in tasks or play, including conversations, lectures, or lengthy reading

Not seem to listen when spoken to directly

Not follow through on instructions and fail to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace or start tasks but quickly lose focus and get easily sidetracked

Have problems organizing tasks and activities, such as what to do in sequence, keeping materials and belongings in order, having messy work and poor time management, and failing to meet deadlines

Avoid or dislike tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as schoolwork or homework, or for teens and older adults, preparing reports, completing forms or reviewing lengthy papers

Lose things necessary for tasks or activities, such as school supplies, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, and cell phones

Be easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli

Be forgetful in daily activities, such as chores, errands, returning calls, and keeping appointments

Fidget and squirm in their seats

Leave their seats in situations when staying seated is expected, such as in the classroom or in the office

Run or dash around or climb in situations where it is inappropriate or, in teens and adults, often feel restless

Be unable to play or engage in hobbies quietly

Be constantly in motion or “on the go,” or act as if “driven by a motor”

Talk nonstop

Blurt out an answer before a question has been completed, finish other people’s sentences, or speak without waiting for a turn in conversation

Have trouble waiting his or her turn

Interrupt or intrude on others, for example in conversations, games, or activities