It may take some time for you and your family to figure out if you have ADHD. Part of the difficulty is that what appears to be ADHD may actually be something else. Or you could have ADHD and another disorder at the same time. So it will be important to sort this out.

If you think you may have ADHD, here's a checklist to help you decide if you should see a professional. Notice how many of these statements are true for you.

• I have trouble finishing my assignments in class.
• I daydream in class.
• Even when I try to listen, my thoughts wander.
• I forget to bring papers and permission slips from home.
• I have trouble following the teacher's directions.
• My mind wanders when I read.
• Projects and papers are hard for me to finish.
• I often do my homework at the last minute and turns things in late.
• I don't finish my homework or my chores around the house.
• I make careless mistakes in my schoolwork.
• I tap my foot or my pencil a lot.
• I forget to bring the right books home from school.
• I get upset more easily than my friends do.
• I am frequently late.
• I have trouble figuring out how to organize my time.
• It's hard for me to concentrate when there are people around me.
• My parents and teachers tell me I don't try hard enough.
• My parents, friends, and teachers tell me that I talk too much.
• Other kids tease me about being spacey.
• I feel different from the other girls.
• I lose track of time.
• I have a messy book bag.
• I interrupt people a lot.
• I say things that I regret.
• My bedroom is a disaster. back to top

If you checked off several of these statements, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have ADHD. It probably does mean that you should make an appointment to be fully evaluated by a mental health professional. back to top