ADHD Signs and Support

What is ADHD? 

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, affects a person’s ability to focus, regulate attention, control impulses or emotions, and manage hyperactivity. 

It is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in Canada, with approximately 1 in 21 individuals diagnosed (2024). 

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, symptoms change the way individuals function in areas such as work, school, or relationships.  

Three primary types of ADHD include the following:

1. ADHD, impulsive/hyperactive type: characterized by energy and enthusiasm, kinesthetic learning, risk-taking, and engaging communication.
2. ADHD, inattentive and distractible type: characterized by multitasking, creative problem-solving, adaptability, curiousness, and open-mindedness. 
3. ADHD, combined type: characterized by a combination of impulsive/hyperactive and inattentive and distractable characteristics. 

What does ADHD look like?

Individuals with ADHD who are impulsive/hyperactive type may have behavioural challenges and struggle with social interactions. They may experience restlessness or fidgeting. They may struggle with impatience or have trouble waiting their turn, talking more than others or interrupting others in conversations. 

Individuals with ADHD who are inattentive and distractible type might find it difficult to concentrate on tasks and experience forgetfulness. They may daydream frequently or appear not to be listening in conversation. 

Individuals with the combined type of ADHD have symptoms of both.  

Did you know? 

People with ADHD can hyperfocus on things that they are very interested in. 

Hyperfocus (intense concentration) is often why children with ADHD get upset when asked to stop doing something they are engaged in, like a favourite school activity or playing a video game. It may also be why adults with ADHD miss meals or have trouble sleeping. They have what experts call an inability to “attention switch,” which can cause conflicts within themselves or with others.   

How can we help? 

At LDS, we support learners with diagnosed or suspected ADHD, from children to adults. Our inclusive, comprehensive, and specialized one-to-one instruction programs support learners in developing their academic and executive function skills in each session, boosting attention and learning. Most learners with ADHD have deficits in their executive functions, such as working memory and attention, though not all individuals with executive function issues have ADHD.

For more information on our RISE One-to-One learning support or other programs, please access our programs page on the website.  

This post is intended to be an introductory overview of ADHD. Please note it is not a substitute for specific professional advice.

This article has been updated from an earlier version from October 21, 2022.

– Sofia Lopez Nakashima, Senior Manager, Assessments

LDS is a community of dedicated professionals who write collaboratively. We recognize the contribution of unnamed team members for their wisdom and input.