In high school the signs of ADHD can show up in new ways. Things like hyperactivity can look different in teens than it does in younger kids. So teens with ADHD might struggle in ways you don’t expect. Here are four ADHD signs you might see in high school.
1. Constantly running late
Kids with ADHD often have trouble planning and keeping track of time. Your child may miss family events and get home too late. Your child may have trouble getting to school on time and may often be late for class.
2. Being rude for no reason
Kids with ADHD often have trouble putting on the brakes. They might say things without thinking about the consequences of what they say.
Your child may make mean comments to you and to siblings for no reason. At school, your child may get into trouble for correcting teachers and challenging authority. (Kids might feel really bad about it after the fact, and have trouble getting over it.)
3. Flaking on important things
Kids with ADHD often struggle with organization and follow-through. Your child may forget important things like picking up younger siblings from school. Your child may forget to turn in homework or start a project and not finish it.
4. Losing track of belongings
Kids with ADHD often lose or forget things. Your child may never put the car keys in the same place, so nobody can find them. At school, your child may forget to bring a pencil or notebook and have to scramble to borrow someone else’s.
See more signs of ADHD in kids, and learn how ADHD can affect emotions. And find out what to do if you think your child has ADHD.
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About the author
About the author
Amanda Morin is the author of “The Everything Parent’s Guide to Special Education” and the former director of thought leadership at Understood. As an expert and writer, she helped build Understood from its earliest days.
Reviewed by
Reviewed by
Bob Cunningham, EdM serves as executive director of learning development at Understood.