ADHD Tools & Resources
Learn how to help manage ADHD throughout the education years and life stages. Download these guides for more information and tips.

Whether you are a caregiver or an educator for children and teens that may be experiencing symptoms of ADHD or that have already been diagnosed, you’ve come to the right place. Here, you’ll find the information and resources necessary to make a difference.
ADHD is a neurobehavioral disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. It is a medically recognized disorder, and the symptoms cause real challenges at home, at school and/or in social settings. ADHD and ADD (Attention-Deficit Disorder) describe the same condition.
It is not about a lack of intelligence or motivation. It is not caused by bad parents or teachers. It is not classified as a learning disorder. It is not just an “excuse.”
Symptoms of ADHD in children may include often making careless mistakes in schoolwork, having difficulty paying attention in play activities, and leaving his or her seat in the classroom. ADHD starts in childhood but can continue into adolescence and adulthood.
Only a qualified healthcare professional can determine if a child has ADHD by taking several steps, including evaluating symptoms, frequency, and family history. There is no simple test for ADHD. However, there is a standardized way that ADHD is diagnosed. To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child must have at least six of the inattentive symptoms and/or six of the hyperactive/impulsive symptoms listed in this table. In addition, the child must:
Difficulty paying attention to details/makes careless mistakes |
Difficulty sustaining attention |
Unable to follow instructions and fails to finish tasks |
Trouble with organization |
Avoids tasks requiring sustained mental effort |
Loses important things |
Easily distracted |
Forgetful in daily activities |
Fidgets/squirms |
Has trouble staying seated |
Excessive running/climbing or restlessness |
Trouble with quiet activities |
Is "on the go" as if "driven by a motor" |
Talks too much |
Blurts out answers |
Difficulty awaiting turn |
Interrupts conversations or intrudes on others |
*These symptoms must be present often and in 2 or more settings, such as at home, in school, and/or in social settings.
Learn how to help manage ADHD throughout the education years and life stages. Download these guides for more information and tips.